Chimneys are one of the most commonly overlooked parts of a home inspection. Many defects are not visible from the exterior or from the firebox, meaning dangerous conditions can go unnoticed for years. A standard inspection can only evaluate what is visible — but a chimney camera inspection allows us to examine the interior entire length of the flue, where the most critical safety defects are found.

At John Fox Inspections LLC, we use high-resolution chimney cameras to identify internal issues that could pose fire hazards, reduce draft performance, damage the home, or require professional repair. This is one of the highest-value specialty inspections for older homes, wood-burning fireplaces, and properties with uncertain maintenance histories.

A chimney camera inspection is a detailed, video-based evaluation of the inside of the chimney flue. Using a specialized high-lumen, high-definition camera system, we inspect the chimney from top to bottom to identify:

• Internal structural damage
   
• Creosote buildup
   
• Cracked or missing flue tiles
   
• Gaps, voids, and breaches in the liner
   
• Corrosion in metal liners
   
• Blockages or obstructions
   
• Draft issues caused by design or deterioration
   
•  Fire damage
   
• Animal nests, debris, and foreign objects
   

If you want to know whether your chimney is safe to operate — you need a camera inspection. There’s no substitute.

We run the camera through the entire chimney system, examining:

• Clay tile liners
   
• Stainless steel or aluminum liners
   
• Transitions and offsets
   
• Thimbles and connection points
   
• Smoke chamber and damper area
   
• Termination cap and crown (when accessible)
   

This shows defects that cannot be identified through visual-only inspections.

Your report includes:

• Still images of any defects
   
• Full video of the scan
   
• Explanation of whether each issue affects safety
   
• Recommendations based on severity
   
• Guidance on next steps with chimney professionals
   

Every finding is delivered in clean, simple language so you understand the safety implications and repair urgency.

Common issues found during chimney camera inspections include:

• Cracked or missing flue tiles
   
• Open gaps between tiles
   
• Significant creosote buildup
   
• Deteriorated mortar joints
   
• Corroded or improperly sized liners
   
• Breaches that allow heat into combustible areas
   
• Prior chimney fires (often invisible externally)
   
• Birds, squirrels, or nesting materials blocking draft
   

Many of these conditions significantly increase the risk of a chimney fire or carbon monoxide intrusion — both of which can be catastrophic if left unaddressed.

Chimney repairs can range from minor maintenance to thousands of dollars for relining, rebuilding, or reconstructing damaged interior components. Without a camera inspection, buyers are often unaware of:

• Unsafe operating conditions
   
• Previous fire events
   
• Hidden structural defects
   
• Improper installations
   
• Costly repairs needed shortly after closing
   

A chimney camera inspection gives you:

• Peace of mind
   
• Negotiation power
   
• Accurate cost expectations
   
• Clarity about long-term safety
   

It’s one of the most valuable specialized inspections you can perform — especially on older homes or any property using a wood stove or fireplace.

• Professional-grade chimney camera system
   
• Full flue documentation — not just partial scans
   
• Clear, straightforward reporting
   
• Zero scare tactics or upsell pressure
   
• Same-day delivery with photos and video
   
• 10+ years inspecting homes in the Capital Region
   
• Modern tools + old-school integrity
   

You deserve to know exactly what’s happening inside your chimney — before you make a major investment.

John Fox Inspections LLC
518 605-5176

Commercial-grade equipment. Clear results. Honest guidance.