How Often Should You Have Your Chimney Inspected?

The NFPA recommends annual chimney inspections as the baseline standard. But depending on your situation, you may need an inspection more frequently — or you may need a more thorough inspection than usual.

The Annual Baseline

Annual inspection is the minimum recommended by the NFPA and endorsed by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). An annual inspection catches problems early — before they become expensive repairs or safety hazards. It also satisfies most homeowner's insurance requirements for chimney maintenance.

When You Need an Inspection Sooner

Several situations call for an inspection outside your regular annual schedule:

• After a chimney fire: Even a small chimney fire can crack tiles and damage the liner. Don't use the fireplace again until it's been inspected.
• After a severe storm or earthquake: Structural movement can crack mortar joints and shift the chimney.
• If you notice smoke in your home: Any smoke entering your living space is a sign something is wrong.
• Before using a fireplace in a home you just moved into: You don't know the maintenance history.
• If you smell a persistent odor from the fireplace: This often indicates creosote buildup or a draft problem.

Unused Chimneys Still Need Inspection

Many homeowners assume that if they don't use their fireplace, they don't need an inspection. This is a mistake. Unused chimneys can develop moisture damage, animal nesting, and structural deterioration regardless of whether they're being used. A bird nest in an unused flue can become a carbon monoxide hazard if you ever decide to use the fireplace.

Combine Inspection with Sweeping

At Horizon, every chimney sweep includes a visual inspection of accessible components. If we see anything that warrants a closer look, we'll let you know and recommend next steps. This way, you're getting both maintenance and inspection in a single visit.