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How often a chimney really needs inspection

The standard answer is annually, and the standard answer is right for chimneys in regular use. The honest version has more texture, and matching the schedule to your actual use saves money in both directions: no skipped inspections that grow into rebuilds, and no paying to inspect a flue nothing has touched.

By how you burn

Regular burners, most winter evenings, want the annual Level 1 with a sweep, late summer before the season. Occasional burners, a dozen fires a year, want annual eyes on it but often convert the sweep to an inspection when the flue turns up clean, at the inspection price. Never- burners still own weather-exposed masonry, and a look every few years at the crown, cap, and joints is what keeps small repairs small.

The event triggers

Outside any schedule, specific events call for a Level 2 camera inspection regardless of the calendar: buying or selling the home, any flue fire including the small scary one that seemed fine, a felt earthquake, a tree strike or serious storm hit, and any change of appliance or fuel, like adding a gas insert. Events damage flues invisibly, and the camera is the only witness.

Common questions