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How to Read a Chimney Inspection Report
A good report tells you what was inspected, what was found, what was not seen, and what the inspector recommends. This guide explains the parts and the questions worth asking before you agree to any work.
Start with the inspection level
The report should say which level of inspection was done, because that sets what could be seen. CSIA describes three. Level 1 covers the readily accessible parts of the chimney and appliance when nothing is changing. Level 2 is required when the system changes, when a property is sold or transferred, or after an event such as a chimney fire, and it adds accessible areas such as attics and crawl spaces plus a video scan or similar inspection of the flue liner interior. Level 3 is for suspected hidden hazards and may require removing parts of the building or chimney to reach them. Details are in the three inspection levels.
What a report typically contains
CSIA’s procedure for a Level 2 masonry chimney inspection lists what the report includes:
- Measured interior dimensions of the flue liner, the flue height and the degree of any offsets.
- The overall condition of the chimney, its construction material and any defects found, including damage noted in neighboring flues.
- Notes on the appliance, damaged accessories, clearances and floor protection.
- Any exceptions to the inspection, with reasons.
- Recommendations, such as sealing unused openings, repairs or a different flue size.
Findings are meant to be discussed with you, and you should receive a copy of the report. Photos, where taken, should be dated and labeled by location so irregularities can be compared later.
Read the exceptions section carefully
CSIA’s procedure says any area that could not be reached, or that the client asked to skip, should be recorded with the reason. A report that says nothing about a flue that could not be scanned, or about an attic that was not entered, may not tell the whole story. Level 1 reports also record when a recommended Level 2 inspection was declined.
About severity wording
The CSIA procedures we reviewed describe what a report contains, not a standard set of severity labels. Wording such as “monitor”, “recommended” or “urgent” varies between companies, so do not assume two reports use the same words the same way. Ask the inspector to explain each item in plain terms.
| If the report says | Ask |
|---|---|
| A crack, gap or missing mortar | Where is it, how far does it extend, and is there a photo? |
| A recommendation for a higher inspection level | What could not be seen, and what would the next level show? |
| Water entry or staining | Where is the water coming in, and what repair addresses that source? |
| Do not use until repaired | What specifically makes it unsafe, and what has to be fixed before use? |
| A repair recommendation | What happens if it is deferred, and are there options? |
When use should stop
Some findings mean the fireplace should not be used until repaired, such as a blocked flue, a failed liner or damaged metal sections. CSIA says a damaged prefabricated metal chimney should no longer be used and must be replaced. See signs to stop using your fireplace. After a chimney fire, CSIA advises asking the sweep to photograph damage before cleaning, since documentation helps with an insurance claim; see after a suspected chimney fire.
From findings to a repair quote
A repair estimate should line up with the report: each item recommended should map to a line of work. If you are comparing quotes, see understanding a chimney repair quote. For whether a repair or a bigger rebuild fits, see repair vs rebuilding. If the report is for a home purchase, see chimney inspection when buying or selling. A documented example of an inspection leading to repairs is our Tinton Falls project, which began with a Level 1 inspection.
Frequently asked questions
Should I get a second opinion?
If a report recommends major work and you are unsure, a second inspection is reasonable. Share the first report and photos so the second inspector knows what was found.
Can I ask for photos?
Yes. CSIA’s procedures call for dated photos of irregularities when a video inspection is done, and for sharing findings with the client. Ask for copies.
Does the report tell me the cost?
An inspection report describes condition and recommendations. A repair quote is a separate document.
Next step
Have a report you would like explained, or need an inspection? Request a visit or call (862) 225-6529. We provide photos or a report on request, and we are a registered (NJ HIC #13VH14312300) and insured New Jersey home improvement contractor.
Related services
Sources
- CSIA: The Three Levels of Chimney Inspection (what each level covers and when it is required)
- CSIA: Level 2 Masonry Chimney inspection procedure (report contents, exceptions, client discussion)
- CSIA: Level 1 Masonry Fireplace inspection procedure (documentation, declined Level 2, dated photos)
- CSIA: Preventing Chimney Fires (damaged prefab chimneys must be replaced)
- CSIA: After a chimney fire (documenting damage before sweeping; photos)