When you schedule a visit with us, you’re taking an important step toward keeping your home safe, warm, and efficient. If you’ve ever wondered what a chimney inspection in Minneapolis–St. Paul really involves, you’re not alone—many homeowners aren’t sure what to expect until we arrive.
Step 1: Scheduling and Arrival
From the moment you book your appointment, we focus on making the process simple and stress-free. When we arrive, we’ll start with a quick conversation. We’ll ask about your recent fireplace use, whether you’ve noticed any unusual smells, smoke issues, or performance changes, and if there have been any past repairs or chimney fires.
This initial discussion helps us understand your system and identify any immediate concerns before we begin the inspection.
Step 2: Level 1 Visual Inspection
For most routine annual checkups, we perform what’s called a Level 1 inspection. This is a thorough visual examination of all readily accessible parts of your chimney system.
From your perspective, here’s what that looks like:
- We inspect the firebox, damper, and visible flue areas inside your home
- We check the exterior structure, including the chimney crown, cap, and masonry
- We look for signs of wear, damage, or buildup
This step ensures that your chimney is structurally sound and free of obvious hazards. If everything looks good and your usage hasn’t changed, this may be all that’s needed.
Step 3: When a Level 2 Inspection Is Recommended
Sometimes, a more in-depth inspection is necessary. According to NFPA 211 guidelines, a Level 2 inspection is recommended under specific circumstances, including:
- Buying or selling a home
- Changing your fireplace appliance or fuel type
- After a chimney fire or severe weather event
If any of these apply, we’ll explain why a deeper look is important and walk you through the next step.
Step 4: Video Camera Flue Inspection
A Level 2 inspection involves specialized equipment—most notably, a high-resolution camera system that allows us to see inside your flue.
Here’s what we’re doing during this process:
- Feeding a camera through the flue liner to capture real-time video
- Examining areas that aren’t visible to the naked eye
- Identifying hidden issues that could pose safety risks
We’re looking for problems such as:
- Cracked or deteriorating flue liners
- Creosote buildup or blockages
- Water damage or internal deterioration
- Obstructions like debris or nesting animals
This technology gives us a complete picture of your chimney’s internal condition, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
Step 5: Clear Findings and Recommendations
After the inspection, we’ll walk you through everything we found—in plain, easy-to-understand language. You won’t be left guessing.
You can expect:
- A summary of the chimney’s condition
- Photos or video footage (if a Level 2 inspection was performed)
- Honest recommendations for repairs or maintenance, if needed
Our goal is simple: to make sure you feel confident that your chimney system is safe and ready for use before the next burning season.
Your Safety Is Our Priority
A professional chimney inspection isn’t just about maintenance—it’s about protecting your home and family. Whether it’s a routine check or a more detailed evaluation, we take pride in delivering thorough, transparent service every step of the way.
2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. serves Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the Surrounding Communities.
