Sweep & inspection
Caps & crowns
Flue relining
Masonry repair
Gas fireplace serviceLevel 1 sweep and inspection to the NFPA 211 annual standard - flue, crown, cap, and flashing checked and photographed
Chimney sweep logs do not sweep chimneys. They loosen some creosote - which then falls where a brush and vacuum still have to collect it.
Trusted Chimney Inspection for Richmond Homeowners
Most Richmond homeowners call us after someone has already looked at their chimney and left them with a vague warning and no plan. That’s the part we fix. Our technicians have up to 13 years of experience, and they inspect the whole flue system – liner, cap, damper, crown – then tell you plainly what they found and what it means. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, a wood stove, or a gas insert, we treat that chimney as a safety system, not a chore. We can inspect and often handle repairs in the same visit, so you’re not left hunting for a second contractor. Call (866) 361-9755 to book your inspection. We answer 24/7, with fast dispatch from 7am to 7pm, Sunday through Friday.
Fireplace Inspection
A Fireplace Inspection is the part of the visit that looks at how the appliance itself is behaving, not just the flue above it. We check the firebox, damper, smoke shelf, and the surrounding masonry for cracks, gaps, and rusted metal, then match what we see against the way you actually use the fireplace. Richmond homeowners usually book this after a first season in a new home, before switching from wood to a gas insert, or when smoke comes into the room instead of going up. We charge a $150-$300 range for a standard fireplace inspection, and the written estimate always sets the final price.
Firebox and Damper Checks
The firebox takes the most heat of anything in your chimney, so we look closely at the brick face, the mortar joints, and the damper plate. A damper that doesn’t seat properly lets heated air escape up the flue all year, and it also affects how the fire draws.
Gas Insert and Appliance Review
Gas inserts have their own venting and connection points that need a separate look from a wood fireplace. We inspect the vent termination, check for soot staining around the insert face, and confirm the appliance is venting the way it was designed to.
Styles & brands we work with
- Sweep & inspection
- Caps & crowns
- Flue relining
- Masonry repair
- Gas fireplace service
Chimney Inspection Services
Chimney Inspection Services cover the full check of the system, from the firebox up to the cap, so you get one clear picture of the chimney’s condition. We recommend one whenever you buy a home, after a chimney fire or a strong storm, when you change fuels, or when it’s been more than a year since anyone looked. Juniper Chimney Sweep performs sweep, inspection, and repair as one company, so a problem we find doesn’t get handed off to somebody else. Typical chimney inspections in Richmond run $150-$350 depending on how much of the system needs evaluation, and the written estimate sets the final price.
What Gets Checked
We go through the flue liner, the crown, the cap, the flashing where the chimney meets the roof, and the masonry joints. Each of those fails in its own way, and each one has a different fix, which is why we inspect them separately.
When to Book One
A new purchase is the most common reason people call us. The second is a vague warning from another company that they couldn’t explain. If either sounds familiar, book the inspection before you light another fire.
Chimney Flue Inspection
A Chimney Flue Inspection focuses on the flue itself – the passage the smoke and carbon monoxide actually travel through. We’re looking for cracked or spalled tile, gaps in the joints, a liner that has pulled away from the wall, and any obstruction inside the flue. This matters most in older housing, where the flue may have been built for a different appliance than the one connected now. Our technicians have up to 13 years of experience reading flue conditions, and we can reline a deteriorated flue with a DuraFlex flexible stainless system rather than leaving you with a problem and no path forward. A flue inspection typically falls in the $150-$300 range, with the written estimate setting the final price.
Tile Cracks and Joint Gaps
Hairline cracks in clay tile seem minor until you understand what passes through them. Heat and gases can reach the wood framing near the chimney, and mortar gaps between tiles do the same over time.
Liner Condition and Sizing
We confirm the liner matches the appliance that’s connected to it. An oversized flue runs cool and builds creosote faster; an undersized one doesn’t draft properly. Both are worth knowing about.
Chimney Fire
A Chimney Fire is a burn that happens inside the flue, usually fed by built-up creosote, and it can damage a liner even when it sounds like nothing more than a low roar. Any chimney fire is a reason to book an inspection before the next fire is lit, no exceptions. Our inspection looks for the damage a fire leaves behind: warped dampers, cracked tiles, discolored caps, and heat stress on the masonry. We follow that with the repair itself when it’s needed, using products from HeatShield and Olympia Chimney where the flue calls for restoration or replacement. Post-fire inspections in Richmond typically run $150-$350, and the written estimate sets the final price.
Warning Signs After a Fire
Puffy, honeycombed creosote, a warped damper, cracks in the exterior masonry, and a strong burnt smell that doesn’t fade are all signs worth investigating. So is a chimney that suddenly draws differently than it used to.
HeatShield Liner Restoration
When the tile is cracked but the chimney structure is otherwise sound, HeatShield can restore the liner without tearing the chimney apart. That’s a repair path most sweep-only companies simply can’t offer, and it’s often the difference between a modest repair and a rebuild.
Level 2 Chimney Inspection
A Level 2 Chimney Inspection is the full evaluation that goes beyond what you can see from the firebox, and it’s the standard for real estate transactions, after a chimney fire, and after any change to the appliance or fuel. It covers accessible parts of the chimney, attic, and roof, with camera work inside the flue. We bring the tools for this, including video inspection equipment, so the findings are grounded in what’s actually visible. A Level 2 inspection in Richmond typically runs $200-$400 depending on access and roof conditions, and the written estimate sets the final price.
When a Level 2 Is Required
Buying or selling a home, changing appliance type, and recovering from a fire or a strong storm all call for this level. So does a flue that has never been evaluated since the house was built.
What the Report Shows
You’ll see the liner, joints, cap, crown, flashing, and any obstruction, with photographs of anything we flag. The point is that you can look at the same evidence we did.
Chimney Leak
A Chimney Leak usually shows up as a stain on the ceiling near the chimney, damp masonry, or rust on the firebox and damper – and it’s rarely where people assume it is. Water gets in at the crown, the flashing, the cap, or through cracked masonry, and it travels before it appears. We trace it to the source rather than patching the ceiling stain and hoping. Juniper Chimney Sweep installs caps and damper components from Gelco and Famco, so the fix covers the full flue system once we’ve found the entry point. Leak diagnosis and repair typically runs $200-$450 depending on the source, and the written estimate sets the final price.
Tracing the Water Source
Crown cracks, failed flashing, and a missing or damaged cap account for most leaks we find. Each one seals differently, which is why guessing is expensive.
Repairs That Hold
A cap that fits, flashing that’s properly sealed, and a crown that sheds water are the three fixes that matter most. Done correctly the first time, they stop the leak at its source.
Chimney Camera Inspection
A Chimney Camera Inspection uses a video camera run through the flue to see what no flashlight from the firebox can show you. It’s how we find offset flues, hidden cracks behind tiles, gaps at joints, and obstructions that don’t belong there. We recommend it for any flue that’s never been videoed, for a house with an unusual chimney layout, and for any second opinion on a big repair quote. The photographs become part of your written report, so you have something in hand. Camera inspections in Richmond generally fall in the $150-$350 range, and the written estimate sets the final price.
What the Camera Reveals
Offset flues, gaps at tile joints, missing mortar, and sections of liner that have separated from the wall all show up clearly on camera. So do nests and debris that block the flue.
Seeing the Evidence Yourself
Our rule is simple: nothing gets recommended without camera evidence you can look at. If the work can safely wait a season, we’ll say so.
Brands We Service
DuraFlex flexible stainless liner systems show up in a lot of the flues we reline, and we know where they wear and what an aging installation looks like. HeatShield is the other one we work with regularly, since the liner restoration system is often the right answer for a flue with cracked tile but an intact chimney structure.
We also work with Gelco and Olympia Chimney components for caps, dampers, and venting, which means the fix covers the whole flue system rather than just the part that failed. Whether you have DuraFlex, HeatShield, Gelco, Olympia Chimney, or any other make, we can help.
See the difference
Before
After
Before
After
Before
AfterSigns You Need a Pro Right Now
- Smoke rolling back into the room. A fireplace that used to draw fine and now doesn’t usually has a blockage or a pressure problem in the flue. Either one is worth a look before the next fire.
- A strong burnt smell that won’t clear. Lingering creosote odor points to heavy buildup or damage after a fire. It’s not something airing the room out will fix.
- Water stains or damp masonry near the chimney. Leaks get worse with every rain and can rot framing long before the stain spreads. Tracing the source early keeps the repair small.
- Crumbling mortar or loose brick on the exterior. Masonry fails slowly, then suddenly. Loose brick around the crown or joints is a structural warning, not a cosmetic one.
- A vague warning from a previous company. “You should get that checked” without an explanation is exactly what a proper inspection replaces. You deserve the finding, the evidence, and the options.
Our Process, Step by Step
- 1
We start with a conversation. What you burn, how often, whether the chimney has ever been videoed, and what prompted the call. That history shapes where we look first.
- 2
We protect the work area and sweep what needs sweeping. A clean flue is the only way to inspect accurately. Drop cloths go down before anything else happens.
- 3
We run the camera. A video scan through the flue shows liner condition, joints, offsets, and obstructions. We capture photographs of anything worth flagging.
- 4
We check the exterior. Crown, cap, flashing, and masonry joints get a close look, because that’s where most leaks begin and where a flue problem often shows itself.
- 5
We walk you through what we found. “Here’s what we found and here’s what it means” – with the photos in front of you, the repair options laid out, and a clear answer on whether any of it can safely wait.
How Much Does Chimney Inspection Cost in Richmond?
Chimney inspection pricing in Richmond depends mostly on how far the evaluation has to go and what the flue looks like when we get there. A typical standard inspection runs $150-$300, which covers the firebox, damper, accessible flue, and exterior checks. A Level 2 Chimney Inspection runs $200-$400, adding camera work and attic and roof-level access. Where a leak is suspected, tracing and diagnosing it typically runs $200-$450.
What affects the price: roof pitch and access, whether heavy creosote has to be removed before we can see, whether the chimney has offset flues that need extra camera work, and whether you have a wood fireplace, gas insert, or wood stove. Older Richmond homes with unusual chimney layouts sometimes need more time.
How to avoid overpaying: ask for the level of inspection in writing before booking, ask whether the camera and photos are included, and ask for the written report. If someone quotes a large repair without evidence you can see, get a second opinion. Everything we recommend comes with photographs of the finding.
What’s included in a free estimate: the findings discussion, the written report with photos, and a written estimate for any repair. The price is set per job by that written estimate. Call (866) 361-9755 for an exact quote – estimates are free.
Our Service Area Near Richmond
We work throughout Richmond and the towns around it, including San Pablo, El Sobrante, Tara Hills, El Cerrito, Pinole, Albany, Kensington, Tiburon, and Corte Madera. Booking is simple: call, describe the chimney, and we’ll schedule the inspection. Fast dispatch runs 7am to 7pm, Sunday through Friday, and we’re closed Saturday. If you’re starting from scratch on chimney care, our Juniper Chimney Sweep page explains how the three core services fit together.
Serving Richmond, CA – Our Local Coverage Area
We serve Richmond and nearby communities. Use the map below to see the area we cover. If you’re nearby, we can almost certainly help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chimney Inspection in Richmond
A chimney inspection is a systematic check of your entire flue system: firebox, damper, liner, crown, cap, flashing, and masonry. It goes well beyond a look from the hearth, often using a video camera to see inside the flue. The goal is to find problems before they become fires or water damage, and to tell you clearly what condition the chimney is in.
Most take about 45 minutes to an hour and a half. A standard inspection with minimal findings moves faster; a Level 2 with camera work and roof access takes longer. If we find an issue worth photographing and explaining carefully, we’ll take the time to do that properly rather than rushing the report.
Most inspections in Richmond run $150-$350, with a Level 2 typically $200-$400. The exact price depends on access, camera work, and what the flue looks like once we’re in it. Call (866) 361-9755 for an exact quote – estimates are free.
Yes. We’re authorized to source and install DuraFlex and HeatShield components, and we inspect existing installations of both. If your flue has a DuraFlex stainless liner, we’ll assess its condition and connections. If the tile needs restoration rather than replacement, HeatShield is often the right path.
Same-day inspections are often possible when you call early. We dispatch from 7am to 7pm, Sunday through Friday, and we’re closed Saturday. We answer the phone 24/7, so a call outside dispatch hours gets booked into the next opening.
Specific warranty terms depend on the scope of the work and the materials involved, and we put them in writing with your estimate. We won’t promise a policy we can’t stand behind. Ask us about it when we present your findings – you’ll get a clear answer before any work begins.
Clear the hearth and the floor in front of the fireplace, and move anything breakable out of the work area. Don’t light a fire for at least 24 hours before the visit, and have the model of your fireplace, stove, or insert on hand if you know it. That’s it – we bring the rest.
Schedule Your Chimney Inspection Service in Richmond Today
If you’ve been putting off a chimney inspection in Richmond, or you’re sitting on a warning nobody explained, call us. We’ll inspect the full flue system, show you what we found, and tell you honestly whether it needs fixing now or can safely wait. Call (866) 361-9755. We answer 24/7, with fast dispatch from 7am to 7pm, Sunday through Friday. Estimates are free and there’s no obligation. If you already know you want a cleaning and inspection together, our chimney sweep service handles both, and any repair we find gets an estimate from our chimney repair team. You can also read more about the Richmond area we serve.
Written by the team at Juniper Chimney Sweep.