A quick answer you can use today
a Type 1 chimney inspection is a basic visual check when nothing has changed and you had no trouble. A Type 2 chimney inspection adds a camera scan and checks in hidden spots after a sale, a storm, a remodel, a chimney fire, or when you switch fuel or add a new insert.
Why there are two types and what they cover
Think of your chimney like your truck. Sometimes you do a walk-around. Sometimes you need to pop the hood and plug in a code reader. Same idea here.
Type 1 chimney inspection
- Visual only, no special drilling or tear down
- Checks easy to reach parts, from the firebox to the damper and smoke shelf
- Looks at the flue top from the ground or roof edge if safe
- Notes creosote, blockages, loose bricks, rust, and clearances
- Fits homes where the fireplace has run the same way, with the same fuel, with no damage or changes
Type 2 chimney inspection
- Includes all the Type 1 steps
- Adds a chimney camera scan of the flue interior
- Checks attic spaces, crawl areas, and roof lines near the stack
- Uses ladders and tools to reach more spots without removing walls
- Called for after a home sale, after severe wind or hail, after a chimney fire, after a remodel, after fuel or insert changes, or when damage is suspected
When a quick look is enough
Choose Type 1 when:
- You use the same unit as last year with no hiccups
- You had no smoke in the room, no strange odors, and no birds or nests
- You see no water stains on walls or ceilings near the chimney
- The cap is in place, and you spot no loose bricks from the yard view
When a camera scan is the better plan
Pick Type 2 when:
- You are buying or selling a house, even if the fireplace looks clean
- A storm hit, with strong wind, heavy rain, or hail
- You remodeled, added a new stove, or switched from wood to gas
- A past fire took place inside the chimney, even a small one
- You smell soot, see flakes, or notice odd stains on the masonry
- The damper sticks or the room fills with smoke when you start a fire
What happens during each visit
Type 1 visit, simple and steady
We start with a chat. You tell us what you saw. We listen. Then we check the firebox, damper, smoke shelf, and hearth. We shine lights up the flue. We look at the exterior stack, crown, and cap from safe spots. If we see light creosote, we flag it. If we see heavy creosote or a thick glaze, we will recommend a sweep or a higher level check, and we will explain why.
Type 2 visit, camera time
We bring a video scope that can snake through bends. It shows cracks, gaps, rust, and missing mortar inside the flue. We aim to reach attic chases and nearby framing. We check for signs of water, from rust on the damper to stains on the smoke chamber. We take photos. Then we walk you through what we found, in plain words. No jargon.
A straight talk guide to results
- Safe to use with routine care means you can burn with normal rules
- Needs cleaning means creosote build up can catch fire if you ignore it
- Needs repair means we saw damage that can let heat or smoke leak into wood
- Do not use means the risk is real, and we will show you the proof on the camera
Houston tie-ins you can use
Houston gives chimneys a workout in ways folks up north do not face. Heat and humidity make metal parts sweat. Heavy rain can find the smallest crack in crowns. Wind during storm season can shift caps and mortar. When summer heat hits the flue, parts expand. When a cool front rolls in, they shrink. That push and pull can open gaps in the liner.
What we usually see in Houston, TX is light to heavy rain wear on crowns, rusted caps near the Katy Freeway and I-10, and warped dampers in older bungalows in The Heights. We also see gas log sets added to older masonry fireplaces, which calls for the camera to make sure the liner matches the new setup.
Weather and your chimney
- Heat makes parts swell, so hairline cracks can grow with time
- Humidity feeds rust on caps, dampers, and chase covers
- Heavy rain can soak mortar if the crown or cap is weak
- Sudden wind can knock a cap loose or drive leaves and grit into the flue
- Cold snaps can pull smoke back down if the flue is warm on top and cool at the base
Signs you may need a Type 2 visit right now
- You hear flaking or see crumbly bits in the firebox
- You smell a harsh tar odor on warm days
- You see white stains on the brick, known as efflorescence
- You notice water rings on the ceiling near the chimney
- Your carbon monoxide alarm chirps when you use the gas logs
- You had a roofing job or siding job near the stack
Risk notes you should know
- Creosote can ignite in the flue if build up is heavy
- Cracks can let heat reach wood, which is a fire risk
- Animal nests can block flow and push smoke back indoors
- Water inside the chimney can rust parts and loosen mortar
Use the unit only when it vents well and is clear. When in doubt, stop and call a pro. Quick checks save homes and save time.
Common cases and what we do
After a home sale
Buyers and sellers want a clear picture. A Type 2 visit with a camera gives proof. The report helps both sides plan. No guessing, no maybe.
After a storm
Strong wind or hail near Beltway 8 can crack crowns and ding caps. We check the top, the chase, and the attic areas. Then we scan the liner for chips and gaps.
After a remodel or appliance change
Added a new insert or switched from wood to gas logs. Flue size and liner type must match the unit. We confirm that match during a Type 2 visit. If the flue is too big or too small, draft can suffer and soot can build fast.
After a chimney fire
Even a short flare can cook the liner and smoke chamber. Tiles can split. Mortar can pop loose. A camera makes the damage clear, even if the outside looks fine.
What each type does not cover
Type 1 skips attic spaces and does not include a camera. It will not find hidden cracks far up the flue. Type 2 goes much farther, but it does not include cutting into walls. If hidden parts stay blocked by finish work, we will say so and give options.
How to prep your home for an inspection
- Do not burn for at least 24 hours before we arrive
- Clear the mantle and move small items on the hearth
- Make a 4 foot open area in front of the fireplace
- Keep pets in another room
- Tell us where the attic access is
- Share any odd smells, smoke issues, or bird visits you noticed
What happens after the visit
We share photos and video clips. We explain the findings in simple terms. We give you a written report. If a sweep or repair is wise, we explain the steps and why it helps. You pick the next move with clear info.
Troubleshooting steps you can use now
- If smoke spills into the room on start up, then warm the flue with a rolled newspaper for a minute and try again
- If you smell soot on hot days, then check the cap from the yard and call for an inspection
- If the damper will not move, then stop using the unit and book a visit
- If rain sounds louder than normal at the top, then a cap may be loose and needs a look
- If white stains show on brick, then water is getting in and you need a camera scan
- If birds chirp from the flue, then back away and call a pro to clear the nest
Myths and facts
- Myth, A gas fireplace does not need checks
Fact, Gas still makes heat and moisture that can harm parts, and vents can clog - Myth, If I rarely burn, I do not need care
Fact, Nests, rust, and water do not care how often you burn - Myth, A clean looking firebox means the flue is fine
Fact, Damage hides inside the liner where only a camera can see it - Myth, A new insert means all is safe
Fact, The flue still must match the unit, which we confirm with a scan
Care schedule that keeps you on track
- Weekly in burn season
- Check the cap from the yard with binoculars if you have them
- Remove cool ash and keep the firebox tidy
- Crack a window for a minute before you light, this helps draft
- Monthly in burn season
- Check for odd smells, stains, or damp spots
- Test the damper open and close
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Yearly
- Book a Type 1 visit if nothing changed and no problems came up
- Book a Type 2 visit if you sold the home, had a storm, changed the unit, or had any odd events
- After major weather
- Walk the yard and look up at the cap and stack for tilt or damage
- Peek in the firebox for flakes, soot piles, or water marks
Camera scan basics
A chimney camera looks like a small tough snake with bright lights. We feed it through the flue. It records video and still photos. It shows:
- Cracks or missing mortar in clay tile liners
- Rust and holes in metal liners
- Offsets and bends that trap soot
- Gaps at the smoke chamber
- Debris, nests, or fallen tiles
This is the only way to see the full inside of the flue without tearing into walls.
Houston building styles and chimneys
Homes near The Heights often have older masonry units with clay tile liners. Newer builds west of downtown often use factory built units with metal liners in a wood chase. Each type ages in its own way. Masonry can lose mortar. Metal can dent or rust. Either way, a Type 2 scan gives the truth when change or damage is in play.
What causes draft trouble in our area
- Warm Gulf air can push down on the chimney and slow draft
- Tight homes with strong kitchen hoods can pull air out, which can backdraft the fireplace
- Tall trees can block wind around the cap and slow flow
- Long warm spells leave the flue cold at the base, so you need to warm it before a fire
These are normal. Simple habits and checks can help a lot.
Simple habits that help draft
- Open the damper fully before you light
- Crack a nearby window one inch for the first few minutes
- Build smaller, hotter fires that warm the flue fast
- Stack wood so air can flow
- Keep the cap in place to stop wind swirl and keep critters out
When repair makes sense after a Type 2 scan
We may find gaps in tile joints, a cracked crown, a rusted chase cover, or a broken cap. Fixes can include tuck pointing, crown rebuild, chase cover replacement, or liner repair. We explain the fix, show the picture, and give you the steps. No guesswork.
What if you use only gas logs
Gas is clean but not zero risk. Moist air from gas can rust parts. Soot from vented logs can still build in places. Spiders love gas orifices. Birds love any open cap. So gas units still need checks and the camera when changes or damage are likely.
Rentals and short term stays
If you rent your home or host short term stays, plan for a Type 2 scan when you add new logs, inserts, or if guests report smoke or odor. Different users can stress the system in new ways. A picture record helps keep peace and keeps the unit ready for the next guest.
DIY checks you can do, safely
- Use a flashlight to look for shiny black glaze, which is a warning sign
- Tap the damper gently, if it sticks or flakes, call us
- Shake the grate, if you see rust flakes, moisture is getting in
- Smell the firebox on a hot day, harsh tar smell can mean creosote and heat
Signs of animal visits
- Twigs or straw in the firebox
- Chirps or scratching in the morning or at dusk
- Strong odor like a barn
Animals mean a blocked flue. Do not light a fire. Call for removal and a cap check.
How long each visit takes
Most Type 1 visits fit in a short window. Type 2 visits take longer, as the camera adds steps and we check more spaces. Roof and attic access can add time. Safety first, always.
What can void a home sale plan
Many contracts in Houston call for a chimney check. A clean Type 2 report can keep things smooth. Hidden damage can slow a sale if it comes up late. Getting a scan before listing helps you plan and avoid last minute surprises.
Home insurance and claims
After a storm, pictures and video from a Type 2 scan help show what happened. This record can help with a claim. Keep your report safe with your home files.
How we keep your home clean during the visit
We use floor covers. We seal off the work area as needed. We run a vacuum with HEPA filters while we work. We leave the room better than we found it, and cleaner too.
Why annual checks still matter in a warm city
Even if you burn less, time and weather still work on the system. Rust does not care if you lit two fires or ten. Water does not keep score. A yearly look keeps small stuff small.
FAQs
- Q, What is a Type 1 chimney inspection
A, It is a visual check of easy to reach parts when nothing changed and no trouble was reported. - Q, What is a Type 2 chimney inspection
A, It includes the Type 1 steps plus a camera scan and checks in attic and nearby spaces. It is used after a sale, storm, remodel, fuel change, or suspected damage. - Q, Do I need a camera scan after I buy a home with a fireplace
A, Yes. A camera scan confirms the flue is safe and sized right for your unit. It gives you a clear record on day one. - Q, I have gas logs. Do I still need inspections
A, Yes. Gas makes heat and moisture. Parts can rust. Vents can clog. Annual checks keep it safe. - Q, How often should I book inspections in Houston
A, Once a year for normal use with Type 1, and a Type 2 any time you have a sale, storm, remodel, new unit, or a smoke or odor issue. - Q, Will you go on the roof
A, If it is safe and dry, yes. If not, we use other methods and return when safe. Safety first. - Q, Can I use the fireplace after a storm
A, Wait until a pro checks the cap, crown, and flue. Wind and rain can shift parts and push debris into the flue. - Q, How long does a Type 2 visit take
A, Plan for more time than a basic visit. The camera adds steps, and we check more spaces so you get clear answers. - Q, Is the camera scan messy
A, No. The camera goes in through the firebox or from the top. We cover your floors and clean as we go.
Ready for a smart, friendly check that fits your home. Call Same Day Chimney Sweep Service & Repair at 346-644-6624 or visit https://samedaychimneysweepserviceandrepair.com. We handle Type 1 and Type 2 chimney inspections, camera scans, sweeps, and repairs across Houston, so you get clear answers and a safe, ready to burn fireplace.
