Chimney Inspections

Chimney Champions offers comprehensive chimney inspection services for Jacksonville, FL homeowners and real estate transactions — combining industry-leading technology with CSIA-certified expertise to give you a complete, unbiased picture of your chimney’s condition.

Why Does Jacksonville Need Annual Chimney Inspections?

The National Fire Protection Association requires chimneys to be inspected at least once per year, regardless of how often the fireplace is used.[1] This standard is echoed by the CSIA, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the EPA, and the American Lung Association.[2]

In Jacksonville specifically, the inspection is about more than just creosote. Florida’s humidity and salt air accelerate corrosion, rust, and moisture intrusion that can compromise the structural integrity of your chimney system even when the fireplace sits unused all year. An annual inspection catches these issues early — before they become costly structural failures.

What Is the Difference Between a Level 1 and Level 2 Chimney Inspection?

Level 1 — Standard Inspection

Recommended for chimneys serviced regularly — at least every one to three years — with no changes to the system, appliance, or fuel type. Includes: initial assessment of system condition, full cleaning to remove combustible deposits, visual inspection of all readily accessible areas, drone assessment where needed, and a written color photo report.

Level 2 — Comprehensive Inspection (Required for Real Estate Transactions)

Required for any real estate transfer — buying, selling, or inheritance — and strongly recommended when: the chimney has never been inspected, modifications have been made to the system, the chimney has experienced storm or fire damage, or the system has not been serviced in an extended period. Level 2 adds: infrared technology for moisture detection, interior Chim-Scan 360-degree camera inspection of the full flue length, and removal of obstructions including inactive animal nests.

What Technology Does Chimney Champions Use for Inspections?

We invest in the industry’s best diagnostic equipment because what you can’t see can hurt you. Our inspection toolkit includes:

• Chim-Scan camera system — provides a 365-degree interior view of the entire flue, revealing cracks, fire damage, and installation defects invisible to the naked eye
• Nikro HEPA vacuum system — captures all debris at the source, keeping your home clean
• HEPA filtration — protects air quality during the sweep
• Mavic Pro drone — allows safe external inspection of hard-to-reach chimney tops and crowns
• Infrared technology — detects moisture intrusion and hidden damage behind surfaces

Every inspection concludes with a written report, color photographs, and specific repair recommendations — so you know exactly what’s needed and why.

What Is Creosote and Why Does It Matter?

Creosote is a byproduct of incomplete combustion — it forms when oils in burning wood off-gas into volatiles that travel up the chimney and deposit as flakes, tar, or hardened particles. All three forms are highly combustible and a leading cause of chimney fires.[3]

Conditions that accelerate creosote buildup include restricted air supply, burning unseasoned or wet wood, and cooler-than-normal chimney temperatures. Regular inspection is the only way to catch buildup before it reaches dangerous levels.

What Happens If a Problem Is Found During the Inspection?

You receive a detailed written report in plain language — not technical jargon — with photographs of every issue and clear repair recommendations. Chimney Champions only recommends repairs when genuinely necessary. We do not upsell services that aren’t needed.

If repairs are required, our certified technicians can handle most chimney repairs in-house, including chase cover replacement, refractory panel replacement, cap installation, damper repair, and gas fireplace service. For major structural work, we provide the written report as a scope of work document you can use with any qualified contractor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Level 2 inspection when buying a home in Jacksonville?

Yes. The CSIA requires a Level 2 inspection whenever a property changes hands. This protects the buyer — a chimney that appears fine from the outside can have serious hidden damage that only a camera inspection reveals.

How long does a chimney inspection take?

A Level 1 sweep and inspection typically takes 45 to 90 minutes. A Level 2 with full camera inspection and infrared runs two to three hours depending on system complexity.

Can I be home during the inspection?

Yes, and we encourage it. We walk homeowners through the findings and explain our report in plain language so you fully understand the condition of your system before we leave.

Do gas fireplaces need to be inspected?

Yes. Gas fireplaces don’t produce creosote but they can develop carbon monoxide leaks, blocked flues, and mechanical failures that are invisible without inspection. Annual inspection of gas systems is recommended by the NFPA.

Is the inspection report useful for insurance purposes?

It can be. Many home insurance carriers ask about chimney condition and maintenance history. A written inspection report from a CSIA-certified company documents that your system was professionally evaluated.

Don’t guess about the safety of your chimney. Call Chimney Champions at (904) 268-7200 or visit chimneychampions.com/schedule/ to book your certified chimney inspection in Jacksonville today.

Written by Laura Wood — Third-generation certified chimney sweep, owner of Chimney Champions. Updated May 2026.

References

[1] National Fire Protection Association. NFPA 211. nfpa.org

[2] Chimney Safety Institute of America. chimneysafety.org

[3] CSIA. Understanding Creosote. chimneysafety.org/creosote

[4] U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. cpsc.gov

[5] American Lung Association. lung.org

[6] National Chimney Sweep Guild. ncsg.org