Chimney Video-Scan Inspections: Trust Wright’s in Asheville & Beyond

Quick quiz: How’s the inside of your chimney system looking? Are there any blockages? Any damage? Any broken or rusted components? What about leaks? Don’t worry if your answer to every one of those questions was, “I don’t know.” It’s not really even possible to know without using specialized equipment and taking a closer look.

But it is important to know, which is why the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Code 211 states that,

“Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances.”

The NFPA follows that up with,

“Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.”

Why Are Chimney Inspections So Important?

Annual inspections can save you money by alerting you to problems early on, which is one reason to schedule one every year.

But it’s about more than just money. Inspections can save lives…

If your chimney or heating appliance and venting system is not functioning properly or has flammable creosote buildup or blockages inside, there is an increased risk for fire and serious damage to the home, as well as the potential for increased health risks for the family and pets living inside the home.

Without regular inspections performed by knowledgeable sweeps who have the right equipment for the job and know just what to look for, how can you be sure your heating appliance and venting system is clean, free of hazards and blockages, and working as it should be?

The truth is: you can’t be sure without annual inspections.

Chimney Video Scans Ensure a Closer Look

The chimney sweeps here at Wright’s Hearth, Heat & Home are certified by the National Fireplace Institute (NFI) and use video-scan cameras during every inspection and cleaning. Because we know that without performing a video-scan, we can only see so much — and that’s not good enough for us or our clients.

That’s why, even though video-scans are only required by the NFPA for level 2 chimney inspections, we use them for every single inspection and cleaning. That means you don’t have to worry:

No paying for someone to stick a flashlight up into the fireplace or use mirrors, only to see everything you could have seen yourself.
No worrying about whether anything was missed during an inspection.
No taking a stranger’s word for it.

Our video-scans allow us to take pictures of even the most hidden areas of your chimney flue and smoke chamber, which means we can show you exactly what needs to be repaired or cleaned (if anything).

What will we look at during an inspection?

the chimney flue and smoke chamber
the fireplace damper and chimney cap
the chimney crown or chase cover
the chase or masonry stack of the chimney
the flashing
the firebox

We’ll also check every accessible area of the home that the chimney enters, including attics and crawlspaces, if necessary.

When needed to determine the root of a problem, we may perform a level 3 chimney inspection as defined by the NFPA, which can involve the removal of some components of the home or chimney system. But don’t worry — this never happens without the homeowner’s understanding and permission.

Besides Annual Appointments, Are There Other Times To Schedule a Chimney Inspection?

Okay, so you know why chimney inspections should be scheduled every year, but is there ever another time when inspections are needed?

Sure is.

You’ll want to schedule an inspection with a certified and experienced chimney sweep when the following occur:

You’re relining the flue
You’re changing hearth appliances (like getting a new fireplace insert)
You’re selling or buying a home
You’ve had a chimney fire or malfunction
Your home has weathered a severe storm or other weather event that could have caused damage

What Happens if a Chimney Inspection Finds a Problem?

Finding a problem during a chimney inspection is actually the whole point — it means the inspection did its job and caught something before it had the chance to become a safety hazard or a much more expensive repair. At Wright’s Hearth, Heat & Home, we believe in complete transparency with our customers. If we find an issue, we’ll explain it to you clearly, show you the documentation (including video footage from any camera inspection), and walk you through your options.

Minor issues: Some findings, like a slightly worn chimney cap or minor mortar joint deterioration, may simply require monitoring or a relatively straightforward repair. We’ll let you know what’s urgent and what can be addressed over time.
Moderate issues: Things like a damaged chimney crown, deteriorating flashing, or a damper that needs to be replaced are more significant but generally manageable repairs that can be scheduled and budgeted for without necessarily taking the fireplace out of service immediately.
Serious issues: A cracked or compromised flue liner, significant structural damage, or evidence of a previous undetected chimney fire are issues that require prompt attention and may mean the fireplace should not be used until repairs are completed. We’ll be straightforward with you about what we find and why it matters.

As a full-service chimney and hearth company, Wright’s Hearth, Heat & Home is equipped not only to identify problems but to help you resolve them. We offer a comprehensive range of repair and restoration services, so in many cases, we can handle both the diagnosis and the solution.

How Is a Chimney Inspection Different From a Chimney Sweeping?

This is one of the most common points of confusion among homeowners, and it’s worth taking the time to explain clearly. A chimney sweeping and a chimney inspection are two distinct services that serve different but complementary purposes and ideally, they should both be part of your annual chimney maintenance routine.

A chimney sweeping is a cleaning service. Its primary goal is to remove the physical buildup of creosote, soot, and debris from the interior of the flue, firebox, and smoke chamber. Sweeping reduces the fire risk posed by creosote accumulation and clears any blockages that might interfere with proper drafting. It is essential maintenance, but it does not constitute a formal evaluation of the structural condition of your chimney.
A chimney inspection is an assessment service. Its purpose is to evaluate the condition and integrity of every component of the chimney system – the liner, the firebox, the smoke chamber, the damper, the crown, the exterior masonry, the flashing, and more. An inspection identifies defects, deterioration, code compliance issues, and potential safety hazards that could exist completely independently of how clean or dirty your chimney is.

To put it another way: a chimney can be freshly swept and still have a cracked flue liner, deteriorating mortar, or a damaged crown that poses a serious risk. And a chimney can look structurally sound from the outside while harboring dangerous creosote buildup on the inside. Both issues matter – which is why both services matter.

Peace Of Mind Is Yours With Wright’s Hearth, Heat & Home

When you schedule a chimney inspection, you’re not paying for a service, you’re paying for peace of mind. Make sure you get it by scheduling one with Wright’s Hearth, Heat & Home.

We’re thorough, efficient, knowledgeable, considerate, and happy to serve the greater Asheville area. In fact, we’ve been doing it for 20+ years!

So give us a call at 828-687-9002 or fill out our online appointment request form and request your inspection before the temperatures drop.

If your fireplace needs stain removal, just call on our chimney and venting services professionals for prompt, efficient service.