Chimney Service · DeKalb, IL
Chimney Inspection in DeKalb, IL
A camera inspection shows exactly what is happening inside your flue — cracks, blockages, liner damage — before it becomes a fire or a leak. We run Level 1 and Level 2 inspections across DeKalb County.
Had a chimney fire? The flue stays cold until we scan it.
A chimney fire that the fire department put out, or one you only found afterward from the puffed-up creosote and warped damper, leaves the liner in unknown condition. The outside looks the same; inside, tiles are cracked and joints are open. NFPA 211 calls for a Level 2 inspection before the next fire, and that is what we schedule first when you call: a full camera pass, photos of every defect, and a written answer on whether it is safe to burn.
Full guidance for all five chimney emergencies: emergency chimney service.
A chimney inspection is a documented check of the flue, liner, masonry and connections to confirm your chimney is safe to use. The NFPA defines three levels; most homes need a Level 1, while a home sale, a chimney fire, or an appliance change calls for a Level 2. Imperial uses a video camera on every inspection so you see what we see — no guesswork, and no repairs you don’t actually need.
Level 1 — the annual check
A Level 1 inspection covers the readily accessible parts of the chimney and venting: the firebox, damper, visible flue and exterior. It is the right inspection for a chimney in continued service under the same conditions, and it pairs naturally with your annual sweep.
Level 2 — sales, changes and after a fire
A Level 2 inspection adds a video scan of the full flue interior and a check of accessible attic, crawl space and roof areas. The NFPA calls for one when you buy or sell a home, change fuels or appliances, or after an event that may have damaged the chimney — a chimney fire, a lightning strike or an earthquake.
Level 3 — when hidden damage is suspected
A Level 3 inspection is the most thorough and may involve removing part of the chimney or wall to reach concealed areas. We only recommend it when a Level 1 or 2 points to a serious hidden problem — never as a default.
What our camera finds
A visual check from the bottom misses most of the flue. Our camera reveals cracked flue tiles, gaps in the liner, creosote glaze, nesting animals and water damage — the exact issues that lead to chimney fires, carbon monoxide and leaks. You get a straight answer about what is safe and what is not.
What your inspection report documents
An inspection is only as useful as the record it produces. When we finish, you get a clear account of what we examined and what we found: the condition of the flue liner, the firebox and smoke chamber, the crown, cap and flashing, the masonry, and any creosote buildup, along with our specific recommendations. For a Level 2 inspection tied to a home sale, that documentation is exactly what a buyer, seller or insurer will want to see — proof the chimney was professionally evaluated and a straight answer on whether it is safe to use.
The real cost of skipping an inspection
An inspection is inexpensive; the problems it catches are not. A cracked flue tile found early means a straightforward reline; found after a chimney fire it means a dangerous flue and a bigger repair. A hairline crown crack sealed now costs a fraction of the masonry rebuild it prevents. A blocked flue caught in the fall avoids a smoke-filled room — or worse, carbon monoxide — in the winter. The annual inspection is the single most cost-effective habit a fireplace owner can keep, because it converts expensive surprises into small, planned maintenance.
Serving DeKalb County and the surrounding towns
We bring this service across DeKalb and 20-plus nearby towns, from Sycamore and Cortland to Sandwich, Genoa and Rochelle — see the full service area. Related work: Chimney Sweeping Chimney Relining Chimney Repair.
Flue size and chimney height: the two measurements behind a weak draft
When a fireplace draws poorly from its very first fire, the chimney is often the wrong size for the opening below it, and no amount of sweeping changes that. Part of every inspection is measuring the firebox opening against the flue. The working rule for a masonry fireplace is a flue area of about one-tenth of the fireplace opening for a square or rectangular tile, and about one-twelfth for a round flue. A 36-by-30-inch opening is 1,080 square inches, so it wants roughly 108 square inches of flue — a nominal 12-by-12 clay tile is right, and an 8-by-12 is starved. A starved flue smokes; an oversized flue never warms, draws lazily and coats itself in creosote.
Height matters just as much, because draft is produced by the column of hot gas inside the stack. A chimney that stops just above the shingles, or sits below a taller section of the same roof, has too little column and gets hit by turbulence rolling off the ridge. We measure the height above the roof penetration and the clearance to anything within ten feet, and we note trees and additions that have changed the airflow since the chimney was built.
Both findings go in the written report with the fix spelled out: a correctly sized stainless liner brings an oversized flue down to the right area, and a masonry extension or a draft-extending cap adds height.
Good to Know
Frequently asked questions
When do I need a Level 2 inspection?
A Level 2 is called for when you buy or sell a home, change your heating appliance or fuel, or after a chimney fire or other event that could have damaged the chimney.
Do you use a camera?
Yes. Every inspection includes a video scan of the flue so you can see cracks, blockages or liner damage for yourself.
How long does an inspection take?
A Level 1 takes about 30 to 45 minutes. A Level 2 with a full camera scan and roof and attic checks takes longer.
Should I inspect before buying a house?
Yes — a Level 2 inspection before closing is the standard, since the buyer inherits any hidden flue or liner problems.
What is checked during a Level 1 inspection?
The accessible firebox, damper, visible flue, connections and exterior masonry — enough to confirm a chimney in normal service is safe to keep using.
Can you inspect a chimney you don’t sweep?
Yes, we perform standalone inspections, though most homeowners pair the inspection with their annual sweep.
What happens if you find a problem?
We show you the footage, explain the issue in plain terms, and give you honest options — from a simple repair to relining. There is never pressure to over-buy.
Are you insured?
Yes — Imperial Chimney Sweepers is fully insured and bonded, and we inspect to NFPA 211 standards.