Schedule an inspection: (815) 296-8285 · Written report & flue-camera scan · Insured & Bonded · Romeoville, IL
A chimney inspection is a documented safety check of the flue, liner, and structure that tells you whether your chimney is safe to use and what, if anything, needs repair. Safety guidance under NFPA 211 calls for at least one inspection every year, and a deeper Level 2 inspection before a home sale or after a chimney fire. Masterful Chimney Sweep inspects masonry and prefabricated chimneys throughout Romeoville and provides a written report you can actually use. Call (815) 296-8285 to book.
The inspection levels explained
The industry defines three inspection levels, and the right one depends on your situation:
- Level 1 — the standard annual check for a chimney in regular use with no known problems. We examine the readily accessible portions of the chimney, the flue, and the basic appliance connection to confirm the system is sound and clear of obstructions. This is included with every chimney sweep.
- Level 2 — required when you buy or sell a home, add or change an appliance, or after an event such as a chimney fire or earthquake. It includes everything in a Level 1 plus a video scan of the flue interior and a look at accessible attic and crawl-space areas.
- Level 3 — used when a serious hazard is suspected and confirming it requires opening or removing part of the structure. We recommend it only when the evidence calls for it.
What we actually look at
During an inspection our technician checks the items that most often cause fires, leaks, and carbon monoxide problems:
- The flue liner for cracks, gaps, and creosote — a cracked liner can let heat and gases reach framing.
- The masonry, mortar joints, and firebox for spalling, gaps, and deterioration.
- The crown and cap for cracks and missing components that let water in.
- The flashing where the chimney meets the roof, a frequent source of leaks.
- The damper, smoke chamber, and clearances to combustible materials.
For a Level 2, we run a camera up the flue so you can see the liner condition for yourself, and you receive a written report with photos.
Buying or selling a home in Romeoville?
A real-estate transaction is exactly the situation a Level 2 inspection is built for. Buyers want to know the chimney is safe before they close; sellers want documentation that heads off last-minute surprises. Our report gives agents, buyers, and sellers a clear, third-party account of the chimney’s condition and any recommended work, such as relining or masonry repair.
Why an annual inspection is worth it
Most of what an inspection catches is invisible from the living room: a hairline liner crack, a crown that has started to fail, flashing that is about to leak, or a nest lodged above the damper. Finding those early is the difference between a small fix and water damage, a failed liner, or a fire. With 18 years of experience, owner Leo Jenkins knows the specific ways older Romeoville masonry chimneys and newer prefab systems tend to fail, and the inspection is honest — if the chimney is in good shape, the report says so.
Frequently asked questions
How often do I need a chimney inspection?
At least once a year for any chimney in use, per NFPA 211, plus a Level 2 inspection when you buy or sell a home, change appliances, or after a chimney fire.
What is the difference between a Level 1 and Level 2 inspection?
A Level 1 checks the readily accessible parts of a chimney in normal use. A Level 2 adds a video scan of the flue interior and checks accessible attic and crawl spaces, and it is required for home sales and after major events.
Do you provide a written report?
Yes. Every inspection comes with a written summary, and Level 2 inspections include flue-camera photos you can share with a buyer, seller, or agent.
Is an inspection included when you sweep my chimney?
Yes. A Level 1 inspection is part of every standard sweep. If you need a Level 2 for a sale or after a fire, we schedule that specifically.
Can you inspect a prefabricated (factory-built) chimney?
Yes. We inspect both masonry and factory-built systems and check the components and clearances specific to each.
What happens if you find a problem?
We show you the evidence, explain the risk in plain language, and quote any repair up front. You decide what to do next, and there is no pressure to book work on the spot.
Reviewed by Leo Jenkins, owner of Masterful Chimney Sweep.
Get a clear answer on your chimney’s condition. Call (815) 296-8285, 7 days a week.