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Chimney & Fireplace Inspections In Northern Virginia

Do you know how well your chimney is doing right at this moment? Do you know if you have any structural problems? Any cracks? Storm damage? Chances are that you don’t. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)  “Fireplaces, Chimneys, Stoves, and vents should be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances”.

How often do you have your chimney inspected?

On top of having your chimney or fireplace inspected on a regular basis, you need to have it done by a professional that knows the advances in home heating and can help make sure that your home is up to standards. It is also extremely important to have a highly trained professional come out and inspect your fireplace so that you know it is ready for cold months of the year well before you have to use it.

Our professionals have been trained for every style of chimney or fireplace, and we have both the experience and the knowledge to spot problems right away. We can easily find hidden problems, dangers, and help to find the best possible way to repair them correctly. Making the inspection and repair process as easy as possible on our customers is what we strive for, so that you can feel better knowing that your chimney, your home, and your family are all safe.

The professionals at A&T Chimney Sweets will come and assess your fireplace or chimney completely, and provide you with an in-depth look at what they found. They will help you assess if your fireplace is working correctly, needs repairs, or if it needs to be replaced. We have trained professionals that can help with repair services like chimney crowns, restoration, brick repair, mortar filling, building and tuck pointing.

Curious what an inspection involves? Take a look at all of the different areas that are covered with one of our inspections:

A good chimney is one that is sturdy and solid. However, because of new advances in home heating, many fireplaces and chimneys fall in to disrepair.

It’s important to have a qualified chimney repair team come and give an inspection to an old or unused fireplace to make sure that it’s ready for the cold months.

A&T Chimney Sweeps will come over and assess your chimney and fireplace making sure that it can be repaired to full working order. A&T Chimney Sweeps offers a wide variety of masonry work,

A&T Chimney Sweeps masons have years of custom work experience. We provide services in tuck pointing, mortar filling, chimney crowns, restoration, brick repair and building.

Our skilled technicians use a 21 point chimney evaluation when performing chimney inspections:

• Type One Evaluation
  • Fireplace:
    • Hearth Protection
    • Firebox/Grate
    • Ash Container
    • Damper
    • Smoke Chamber
    • Spark Screen/Doors
  • Chimney:
    • Height
    • Brickwork/Mortar
    • Flue Tiles
    • Flashing
    • Crown/Wash
    • Water Resistance
    • Chimney Cap/Spark Arrestor
  • Woodstove:
    • Stove Pipe Condition
    • Factory Chimney
    • Stove Gasketing
    • Installation/Thimble/Clearances
    • Approved Flue Connection
• Type Two Evaluation
  • Our level two chimney inspections are necessary when there has been structural damage to the chimney or there has been a chimney fire. With this type of inspection our knowledgeable technician drops a camera down the chimney to get a better look at the interior. Our video inspections are upon request only and are $250.00. We do work you’re your insurance company.

Don’t wait another day to have your chimney inspected. Call us today at (703) 659-1699 to schedule an appointment, or make one here online on our site. Let us help you ensure that your fireplace or chimney is 100% safe for you and your family.

Other Services Offered By A&T Chimneys

A&T Chimney Sweeps is also contracted to build fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, chimneys, retaining walls, fences and security walls. We take the stress out of looking from contractor to contractor to do various jobs. We do it all and have a service record that can’t be beat! We’re your one-stop home improvement and beautification team. From our family to yours, A&T Chimney Sweeps is there when you need us!

Types of Chimney Inspections We Offer

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) defines three levels of chimney inspections, each designed for different situations. Understanding which level you need helps ensure your chimney is safe without paying for unnecessary work.

Level 1 Inspection is the standard annual checkup. Our technician visually examines the readily accessible portions of your chimney, including the firebox, damper, smoke chamber, and visible flue liner. This inspection confirms that the chimney structure is sound and free from obstructions. A Level 1 is appropriate when nothing has changed with your system and you simply want to verify it is safe for continued use.

Level 2 Inspection goes further by including a video scan of the interior flue liner. This inspection is required when buying or selling a home, after a chimney fire, when changing fuel types, or when damage is suspected. At A&T Chimney Sweeps, every chimney cleaning includes a Level 2 video inspection at no additional charge.

Level 3 Inspection is the most invasive and involves removing components of the chimney or building structure to gain access to areas that cannot otherwise be evaluated. This level is only recommended when a Level 1 or Level 2 inspection reveals hidden damage that requires further investigation.

For a detailed breakdown of what each inspection level covers, visit our guide on chimney inspection levels explained.

Chimney Inspection Pricing

We keep our chimney service pricing straightforward with no hidden fees. Here is what you can expect to pay for chimney inspections in Northern Virginia:

Service	What’s Included	Price
Level 1 Inspection Only	Visual inspection of accessible chimney components	$99
Chimney Cleaning + Level 2 Inspection	Full cleaning plus video scan of flue interior	$139
Level 3 Inspection	Invasive inspection with removal of chimney components	$500+

Our most popular option is the chimney cleaning and Level 2 inspection combo at $139, which gives you both a thorough cleaning and a detailed video assessment of your flue. View our complete chimney cleaning and inspection pricing for additional service options and package deals.

When Do You Need a Chimney Inspection?

Knowing when to schedule an inspection can prevent costly repairs and keep your household safe. Here are the most common situations that call for a professional chimney inspection:

• Annual maintenance: The NFPA recommends having your chimney inspected at least once per year, regardless of how often you use your fireplace. Creosote buildup, animal nests, and masonry deterioration can occur even with minimal use.
• Buying or selling a home: A Level 2 inspection is the industry standard during real estate transactions. It protects both buyers and sellers by documenting the exact condition of the chimney system before the sale closes.
• After a chimney fire: Even a small chimney fire can crack your flue liner, damage mortar joints, or compromise the structural integrity of your chimney. An inspection after any chimney fire event is essential before using the fireplace again.
• After severe storm damage: High winds, lightning strikes, and falling trees can all cause chimney damage that is not visible from the ground. If your area has experienced a major storm, schedule an inspection to check for cracks, shifting, or water intrusion.
• Change of fuel type: Switching from wood to gas, or vice versa, changes the temperature and chemical composition of flue gases. A Level 2 inspection confirms that your existing chimney system is compatible with the new fuel source.

If any of these situations apply to you, do not wait. Delaying an inspection can turn a minor issue into an expensive chimney repair.

What Happens If Your Chimney Fails Inspection?

A failed chimney inspection does not necessarily mean you are facing a major expense. Many of the issues we find during inspections are common and affordable to fix. Here are the problems our technicians encounter most often:

• Cracked or deteriorating flue liner: The flue liner protects your home from heat transfer and combustion byproducts. Cracks can allow dangerous gases like carbon monoxide to seep into your living space. Depending on the severity, we may recommend a liner repair or a full relining.
• Excessive creosote buildup: Creosote is a natural byproduct of burning wood, but heavy accumulation (Stage 2 or Stage 3) is a serious fire hazard. A professional chimney cleaning resolves this issue quickly.
• Damaged mortar joints and crown: Water is the number one enemy of masonry chimneys. Cracked mortar joints and a deteriorating chimney crown allow moisture to penetrate, accelerating damage through freeze-thaw cycles.
• Missing or damaged chimney cap: Without a functional cap, rain, animals, and debris enter your flue freely. Replacing a chimney cap is one of the simplest and most cost-effective repairs available.
• Flashing failures: When the flashing around the base of your chimney deteriorates, water leaks into the roof structure and can cause mold, rot, and interior damage.

After identifying any issues, we walk you through your options and provide a clear estimate before any work begins. Visit our chimney repair services page to learn more about common repairs and what to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chimney Inspections

How long does a chimney inspection take?

A Level 1 inspection typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. A Level 2 inspection with video scanning usually takes 45 minutes to an hour. Level 3 inspections vary depending on the extent of access required, but most are completed within a few hours.

How often should I get my chimney inspected?

The NFPA 211 standard recommends annual inspections for all chimneys, fireplaces, and venting systems. Even if you rarely use your fireplace, animals, moisture, and settling can create hazards that only a professional inspection can detect.

Do I need an inspection if I only burn gas?

Yes. Gas fireplaces produce less creosote than wood-burning systems, but they still require annual inspections. Gas appliances can develop issues with venting, connections, and carbon monoxide leaks that are not visible without a professional evaluation.

What is the difference between a chimney inspection and a chimney cleaning?

An inspection evaluates the condition and safety of your chimney system, while a cleaning removes soot, creosote, and debris from the flue. At A&T Chimney Sweeps, our $139 chimney cleaning service includes a Level 2 inspection with video scan, so you get both services in one visit.

Can I use my fireplace if it fails inspection?

It depends on the severity of the issue. Minor problems like a missing chimney cap may not prevent use, but serious issues such as a cracked flue liner or structural damage mean you should not use the fireplace until repairs are completed. Your safety is always the priority, and we will give you honest guidance on whether it is safe to continue use.