Most people don’t think about their chimneys until they’re ready to light the first fire of winter. But here’s the thing: by then, it might be too late to catch problems before they become expensive or dangerous. That’s why summer is the perfect time to get your chimney inspected. And trust us, your future self will thank you when the temps drop and you can enjoy a safe, cozy fire without any unwanted surprises.
So, let’s talk about why summer is the ideal time for chimney inspections, why these inspections are so necessary, and the different types of inspections you might need.
Why Summer is Prime Time for Chimney InspectionsFirst off, summer is typically the slow season for chimney professionals. Most people wait until fall (or worse, right before the holidays) to schedule chimney services, and by that point, chimney companies are fully booked. That means longer wait times and limited availability.
By getting your chimney inspected in the summer, you beat the rush. You can schedule it on your own time and avoid the last-minute panic that happens when you want to fire up the fireplace on a chilly October night, only to discover there’s an issue.
Plus, summer weather is more inspection-friendly. Dry, warm conditions make it easier and safer for chimney pros to spot problems on the roof or inside the chimney. If you need repairs, like fixing cracked masonry, replacing a chimney cap, or sealing a leaky crown, there’s plenty of time to get the work done before you need to use the fireplace.
Your chimney might look solid from the outside, but there’s no telling what’s going on inside. Debris, creosote, and physical damage are often hidden issues that could pose serious risks.
Creosote, for example, is a major fire hazard. Here’s what the Chimney Safety Institute of America says about this.
Creosote is a black or brown residue that can be crusty and flaky…tar-like, drippy and sticky…or shiny and hardened. All forms are highly combustible. If it builds up in sufficient quantities and the internal flue temperature is high enough, the result could be a chimney fire.
Failing to get this sticky substance removed could put your home at risk of a fire.
Another problem that often goes unnoticed is animal nests. Birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other critters are attracted to the warm chimney during winter and build their homes in the flue, leading to a blockage that could cause poor ventilation and carbon monoxide buildup.
Inspections aren’t only about fire prevention—they’re about protecting your home, family, and your peace of mind.
This is your basic, annual inspection. If you haven’t made any changes to your system and everything’s been working fine, this is usually all you need. A certified chimney tech will take a look at all the accessible parts of your chimney and flue, checking for blockages, creosote buildup, and general wear and tear.
A level 2 inspection is more in-depth. It’s required if you’ve had a chimney fire, are buying or selling your home, or if you’ve made changes to your heating system (like switching to a new appliance or changing the flue liner). This type of inspection includes video scanning of the chimney interior to spot hidden damage that isn’t visible in a basic inspection.
This one’s rare and only needed if serious problems are suspected—like structural damage or evidence of a hidden hazard. It can involve removing parts of the chimney or nearby walls to fully inspect the area. Think of it as a last resort when other inspections can’t pinpoint the issue.
Your chimney might be “out of sight, out of mind,” but it plays a big role in keeping your fireplace efficient, especially once the temperatures drop and your fireplace becomes a regular source of heat.
So, go ahead and put chimney cleaning and inspection on your summer to-do list. Call the pros at National Chimney Cleaners today.
