Ensuring that your chimney is both safe and efficient is vital for keeping your home warm and protected. At London Chimney Services, we perform detailed chimney inspections using advanced equipment and industry-approved methods. Our CSIA-certified technicians are trained to examine chimneys of every shape and size, including those attached to wood-burning and oil-burning fireplaces. From single-story homes to multi-level properties, we inspect all chimneys with precision and care.
Why Every Home Needs Chimney Inspections
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) advises that chimneys be inspected once per year. These chimney inspections are key to preventing chimney fires, identifying smoke or venting problems, and keeping your fireplace running efficiently. Early detection of damage allows for timely repairs, reducing long-term risks and improving overall fireplace safety.
With more than 45 years of hands-on experience in the Minneapolis area, we’ve made chimney safety our top concern. Our inspections are designed to catch any problems that may be affecting your chimney’s condition and provide expert solutions to help your system burn cleanly, safely, and without hidden risks.
Our Detailed 21-Point Chimney Safety Check
At London Chimney Services, our inspection process goes deeper than just a surface glance. Our 21-point chimney inspection takes a close look at every major component. This includes:
- Reviewing the flue for any cracks, gaps, or creosote buildup
- Inspecting the crown and chimney cap for physical damage
- Evaluating the masonry to make sure it’s solid and undamaged
- Checking for proper drafting and air movement
- Looking for leaks or signs of moisture entering the structure
When needed, our technicians will explain every repair option clearly, helping you protect your chimney while gaining peace of mind about its safety.
Inspection Levels for Chimneys: What You Need to Know
Chimney inspections are not one-size-fits-all. The level of inspection your chimney needs depends on its structural condition, inspection history, or any recent updates or concerns. We offer three inspection levels to match your chimney’s current needs:
- Level I Inspection: This is the most frequently used inspection and is included with standard chimney maintenance. Our CSIA-certified technicians carry out a visual inspection of both the interior and exterior areas of the chimney. They check for creosote, blockages, or any visible structural problems. This type of inspection is ideal for chimneys that haven’t had changes or shown any issues over the past year.
- Level II Inspection: When a chimney requires closer examination—such as after a fire, during a home purchase, or following modifications to the structure—a Level II inspection is recommended. Our technicians use a high-resolution camera to inspect the flue liner from top to bottom. This footage allows us to detect cracks, gaps, or damage hidden inside the chimney. This inspection goes beyond Level I, offering a thorough view of interior chimney conditions to help prevent future chimney fire risks.
- Level III Inspection: If something spotted during a previous inspection cannot be fully assessed without accessing enclosed parts of the chimney, we recommend a Level III inspection. This may require removing bricks or panels to see the structure’s inner components. Often used after major events like chimney fires or storm damage, this inspection ensures all hazards are identified and that the proper chimney repairs are recommended by our experienced technicians.
Common Problems Identified in Chimney Inspections
Chimney inspections often expose hidden dangers that can escalate if ignored. Some of the most frequently seen problems include:
- Creosote Buildup: As wood burns, creosote collects inside the chimney. If not removed, this flammable material can trigger chimney fires. Regular chimney cleaning reduces this risk significantly.
- Cracked or Broken Chimney Liners: Defects in chimney liners allow smoke and toxic gases to escape into your home. When inspections reveal damage, our team offers chimney relining services to restore safe operation.
- Detecting Moisture Entry: Water making its way into the chimney can weaken its materials and lead to costly issues. Our certified technicians check for any leaks and may advise using chimney caps or repairing damaged flashing or the crown to prevent future problems.
- Removing Internal Blockages: Creosote, fallen debris, or nesting animals can clog the chimney, making your fireplace less effective and more dangerous. We remove any obstructions and recommend preventative solutions like installing chimney caps.
Professional Gas Fireplace Checkups
Gas fireplaces still require regular chimney inspections, even without producing creosote. We check for venting issues, structural cracks, and liner problems that could allow carbon monoxide to leak indoors. Our trained technicians ensure everything is functioning properly and safely.
Why So Many Homeowners Rely on London Chimney Services for Chimney Inspections
London Chimney Services serving Maplewood, MN, is the trusted name for chimney inspections in Minneapolis, thanks to our focus on quality, safety, and customer care. Here’s what makes our chimney inspection services stand out:
- CSIA-Certified Professionals You Can Count On: Our technicians hold full CSIA certification and use modern inspection tools to get a complete picture of your chimney’s condition.
- Complete Reports With Photos and Insights: After we inspect your chimney, you’ll receive a report that breaks down our findings with helpful images and easy-to-read details.
- Over Four Decades of Minnesota Experience: We’ve spent 45+ years serving homes in Minneapolis, so we understand the regional issues that affect chimney safety.
Safety as a Core Value: We never rush. We’ll walk you through our findings and help you understand what repairs, if any, are needed to keep your fireplace running safely.
Other Chimney Services We Offer:
Chimney Caps & Screens
Fireplace Inserts
Chimney Masonry
Chimney Tuckpointing
Chimney Relining
Chimney Rain Caps
Chimney Sweep & Cleaning
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When is it time to schedule a chimney inspection?
A: A chimney inspection should be done once every year to check for creosote, structural concerns, or soot accumulation. Keeping up with annual inspections is an important step in protecting your fireplace and preventing chimney fires.
Q: What is the distinction between inspection and cleaning?
A: Chimney inspections focus on safety and structure, ensuring the liner, venting, and fireplace components are in good shape. Chimney cleaning targets the removal of creosote and soot. If buildup is found, we may recommend cleaning during the inspection.
Q: What if the inspection reveals safety problems?
A: If we find anything that could affect your fireplace’s safety, we’ll provide a report and explain what needs fixing. Our certified technicians will answer your questions and help you plan the next steps for any repairs.
Q: How long does it typically take to complete the inspection?
A: Most chimney inspections last between 45 minutes to one hour. If a deeper inspection is needed, like Level II or III, extra time may be required to ensure every part of the chimney system is properly evaluated.
Q: Should I inspect the chimney myself or call a professional?
A: It’s always best to leave inspections to CSIA-certified professionals. We’re trained to spot creosote buildup, venting issues, and hidden fire risks that may go unnoticed without the right tools and experience.
Q: Why is creosote buildup a safety concern for chimneys?
A: Creosote forms inside chimneys when wood burns and smoke cools in the flue. This tar-like substance is extremely flammable and, if not removed, can spark chimney fires. During a chimney inspection, we check creosote levels and suggest cleaning if the buildup is too high.
Q: Do gas fireplaces still need a chimney inspection?
A: Yes, gas fireplaces should be inspected regularly. Even though they don’t produce creosote, issues like vent blockages or liner damage can lead to carbon monoxide exposure. Our certified technicians inspect your fireplace system to make sure it’s safe and functioning properly.
Q: What signs suggest a chimney inspection is necessary?
A: Signs include smoke entering the room, musty or smoky smells, cracked masonry, or visible water around your chimney. If it’s been more than a year since your last inspection or you’ve recently purchased a home, it’s time to schedule one for your safety.
Q: What does a chimney camera inspection involve?
A: A camera inspection uses a small video device to examine the flue and interior for cracks, buildup, or damage. This is typically done during a Level II inspection and is especially useful after a fire, structural updates, or during a home purchase.
Q: Can I safely use my fireplace if the liner has minor damage?
A: It’s not safe to use a fireplace with a cracked or broken liner. Gaps can allow heat or smoke to escape, increasing the risk of fire or carbon monoxide leaks. Our technicians will recommend chimney relining when needed to restore structural safety.
Be Fireplace-Ready with an Annual Inspection
Don’t wait until the cold season to find out if your chimney is safe. Annual inspections are essential for maintaining both gas and wood-burning fireplaces.
Schedule your chimney inspection with London Chimney Services, serving Maplewood, MN, at 612-377-1500 or click here to book your inspection.
Areas We Offer Our Chimney Inspections:
Hennepin County
Bloomington | Brooklyn Center | Brooklyn Park | Eden Prairie | Edina | Excelsior | Golden Valley | Maple Grove | Minneapolis | Minnetonka | Minnetrista | Mound | Orono | Plymouth | Richfield | St Louis Park | Wayzata
Carver County
Scott County
Prior Lake | Savage | Shakopee
Dakota County
Apple Valley | Burnsville | Inver Grove Heights | Lakeville | South St Paul
Washington County
Cottage Grove | Lake Elmo | Mahtomedi | Oakdale | Woodbury
Ramsey County
Highland Park | Little Canada | Maplewood | Mounds View | North St Paul | Roseville
Shoreview | St Paul | Vadnais Heights| White Bear Lake
Anoka County
Blaine | Fridley | Lino Lakes
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About Maplewood, MN
Cradled between Saint Paul and the wooded fringes of Ramsey County, Maplewood is a place where nature and modernity engage in a seamless duet. It’s a city of contrasts, lush parklands rising beside sleek commercial corridors, and century-old oak groves shading contemporary art installations. Originally part of the dense prairies and woodlands that once stretched across the region, Maplewood carries its ecological legacy with reverence, threading greenways and nature reserves through its suburban heart.
Maplewood’s soul lies in its celebration of balance. The majestic trails of Battle Creek Regional Park whisper with birdsong and the crunch of hikers’ boots, while the bustle of Maplewood Mall pulses with energy and style. Residents revel in a lifestyle that is both vibrant and grounded, seasonal farmers markets, spirited community concerts, and intimate theater productions cultivate a culture that values connection as much as creativity. In Maplewood, every path, whether paved or wooded. leads to discovery.
London Chimney Services
Maplewood, MN
Maplewood, MN Zip Codes: 55106, 55109, 55117, 55119, 55144
Get Your Chimney Inspected Today
Reach out to London Chimney Services at 612-377-1500 or click here to schedule your inspection online.