How to Build Your Chimney Inspection Form

A chimney inspection involves peeling back many layers of investigation, almost like peeling an onion. Just as each layer of onion is a leaf that helps feed the plant, each part of the chimney investigation peels back another layer, revealing transitions and potential defects. Just as every onion is unique with its number of layers and thickness, each chimney is unique and differs depending on many factors such as type, fuel, usage, construction, etc. If you could build your inspection, where would you start?

The first consideration we could start with is the type of chimney we will inspect. Does it fall within one of the following categories?

• A Masonry Fireplace with or without Gas Logs?

• A Masonry Fireplace Chimney venting an insert or hearth stove?

• Masonry Chimney with a thimble connection venting a solid or liquid fuel(s) appliance(s)?

• A prefabricated fireplace?

• Listed prefabricated chimney venting a solid or liquid fuel(s) appliance(s).

Once you narrow it down to the type of chimney and what it is venting, then you can peel back another layer of common building components such as:

• Brick, block, or stone

• Clay flue tiles or prefabricated chimney sections

• Exterior chimney mortar

• Interior chimney mortar

• Prefabricated braces and stabilizers for a chimney with or without a chase.

​Peel another layer back and look at more specifics:

• Connector pipe and adaptors

• Insulated thimbles for masonry

• Thimbles and supports for prefabricated chimney

• Components such as supports, offsets, locking bands, attic shields, etc., for prefabricated chimneys.

The next layer you could peel back is specifics about the appliance, such as:

• Is it a fireplace?

• Is it venting a solid-fuel appliance?

• Is it venting a liquid-fuel appliance?

• Is it burning oil, gas, or solid fuels?

• Is it a furnace, boiler, or gas water heater?

• Is it a hearth stove, free-standing stove, or insert?

The next layer could be appliance specifics such as:

• Fireplace interior construction and clearances

• Fireplace facing and hearth construction and clearances.

• Appliance mounting (stove boards) and wall protection clearances.

• Gas appliance installation requirements include clearances and items like a hot water coil.

• Oil appliance installation requirements include clearances and items such as a barometric damper, hot water coil, etc.

​Depending on how far down you want to peel the onion, we have modules available to peel right down to the core. What you find within the first couple of layers usually determines how far you need to go with each layer, peeling back more evidence regarding fireplace and appliance use and how the products of combustion reacted as they entered and passed through the chimney.

Whatever your desire in an inspection process for documentation, we can create it. Whether it is a Level 1, 2, or 3, we promise your eyes won’t water when you see the cost.