Chimney Inspection in Port Washington, Cedarburg & Mequon, WI
Most people call us for an inspection because something’s already wrong , a leak, a cracked brick, or damage they noticed after a storm. Others call because they’re buying a home and want to know what they’re actually getting into before they close. And sometimes we find the problem during a routine sweep, before the homeowner even knew there was one.
Whatever brings you to us, an inspection gives you the real picture of what’s going on with your chimney, not a guess, not a sales pitch. Just evidence, photos, and a straight answer.
When Homeowners Usually Call
You’ve spotted a problem , a leak, cracked bricks, water stains, or visible damage You’re buying a home and want an independent chimney inspection before closing A recent storm left you with new leaks or damage that wasn’t there before You haven’t had it inspected in years and want to know where things stand Your sweep tech spotted something during a cleaning and recommended a closer look
Level 1 vs. Level 2 , Which One Do You Need?
Both levels are defined by NFPA 211. The national standard for chimney inspections, maintained by the National Fire Protection Association.
Level 1 , Visual Inspection
The minimum required inspection for a chimney that’s been regularly maintained with no changes to the system. If you plan to use your appliance or venting system the way you always have and under the same conditions, a Level 1 inspection is sufficient. Rick checks the readily accessible areas of the chimney exterior and interior, confirms the flue is free of obstruction and buildup, and looks for any structural issues that need attention.
Level 2 , Camera Inspection
Required when a home is being sold, after a chimney fire, or when changes are made to the system. This includes all aspects of a Level 1 inspection, plus a video scan of the flue to detect hidden damage. A specialized camera goes down the full length of the flue to inspect the liner from top to bottom , cracked or offset clay tiles, Stage 3 creosote, gaps in the liner, and damage that’s completely invisible from outside or from the firebox.
If you’re buying a home with a chimney, don’t rely on a general home inspector with a flashlight. Get a chimney specialist with a camera. A general inspector only looks from below or from the roofline , they won’t catch what’s happening inside the flue.
What the Inspection Process Looks Like
We don’t inspect from the ground or with a drone. Rick gets up on the roof in person. Here’s what happens:
First, we protect your space , tarps and drop cloths go down, and HEPA-filtered vacuums are set up before we touch anything, so your floors and furniture stay clean.
Then the inspection covers four critical areas:
Inside the firebox: We check the refractory bricks for cracks, confirm the damper opens and closes properly, and measure creosote accumulation.
The smoke chamber: The pyramid-shaped space just above the damper needs to be smooth. If the bricks are stepped or the mortar joints are exposed, it’s a hotspot for soot buildup and a risk that formal inspectors always flag.
The flue (with camera on Level 2): This is the critical point. The camera shows us the full condition of the liner , cracked or offset clay tiles, gaps between sections, Stage 3 creosote, or anything else that’s letting combustion gases or carbon monoxide move where they shouldn’t.
The exterior: Crown condition, cap, flashing, and the brick and mortar , including any white powdery deposits (efflorescence) on the exterior brick, which signal that moisture is trapped inside the masonry.
What We Show You , And What We Don’t Do
When Rick finds something, he shows you the exact photo or video frame where the problem is, not a vague description. You’ll see the crack, the buildup, or the damaged section before we talk about what it means. A good inspector has no problem showing you the exact point of failure.
What we don’t do is use inspection findings to sell you repairs you don’t need. Homeowners who come to us for a second opinion have shared stories of inspectors who called their chimney a “ticking time bomb” or a “severe fire hazard” to push thousands of dollars in repairs that weren’t actually needed. If you’ve had an inspection and something didn’t feel right, we’re happy to take a look and give you an honest assessment. If it’s a real safety issue, we’ll tell you. If it’s routine maintenance, we’ll tell you that too. And if everything looks fine, we’ll say so, and you’ll have the photos to prove it.
What We Commonly Find That Homeowners Didn’t Expect
No liner at all
A lot of older homes in this area were built without a liner. It simply wasn’t standard practice before the 1950s. Most homeowners have no idea until we point it out.
Cracked or offset clay flue tiles
Wisconsin’s freeze-thaw cycles crack clay tiles from the inside. When tiles are cracked or misaligned, combustion gases and carbon monoxide can migrate into the walls or attic. This is one of the most common serious findings on a Level 2 inspection.
Stage 3 creosote
When the camera shows a shiny, tar-like glaze on the flue walls, that’s Stage 3 creosote. It doesn’t come off with standard brushing and represents a serious fire hazard.
Crown damage
Many homes in this area have crowns built with basic mortar instead of proper concrete , they crack within a few years. Efflorescence on the exterior brick is often the first visible sign.
Pre-Purchase Inspections
If you’re buying a home with a chimney, we strongly recommend a Level 2 inspection before you close, not after. We work directly with buyers, and we coordinate with real estate agents when needed. You’ll get a written report with photos and video documentation that you can use in negotiations or for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a chimney inspection take?
It depends on the condition of the chimney and what we find. A Level 1 visual inspection is quicker than a Level 2 camera inspection. Rick will give you a realistic timeframe when you call to schedule.
Do I need an inspection if I just had a sweep?
A sweep includes a visual inspection, but not always a full camera inspection of the flue. If the sweep found something concerning, or if you haven’t had a camera inspection in several years, a Level 2 is worth doing.
What’s the difference between a chimney inspection and a home inspection?
A general home inspector checks the exterior of the chimney from the roofline and may look into the firebox with a flashlight. They won’t run a camera down the flue or assess the liner condition in detail. If the home has a chimney, a specialist inspection gives you information a general inspection simply can’t provide.
What if the inspection finds something serious?
We’ll tell you exactly what it is, show you the evidence, and explain whether it’s an immediate safety issue or something to address over time. From there, it’s your decision. We’re not going to pressure you into a repair the same day , you’ll have the documentation and can get a second opinion if you want one.
Do I need a permit for a chimney inspection?
No. Inspections don’t require permits. If repairs are needed after the inspection, permit requirements depend on the scope of work , we’ll walk you through that if it comes up.
Why Homeowners Choose Real Chimneys
Every job is handled by Rick, our lead technician with over 8 years of hands-on chimney experience, not a subcontractor. We respond fast (often same day), give you a clear price before we start, and we stand behind our work. If something isn’t right, we come back and make it right.
Ready for an Inspection?
Whether you’ve noticed a problem, you’re buying a home, or a recent storm has you wondering what’s going on up there. We proudly serve homeowners throughout Ozaukee, Sheboygan, Washington, Milwaukee, and Waukesha Counties, along the I-43 corridor and Lake Michigan shoreline. See our full service area.
Call us today to schedule your free chimney inspection.
