Chimney Inspection Checklist for Levels 1, 2 and 3

A chimney inspection checklist covers the chimney's exterior, the flue and liner, the firebox and smoke chamber, and the connected appliance, at the level of inspection the job calls for. NFPA 211 defines three levels, and the level sets how much of the system you have to see.

Below are the three levels, a checklist for each, and what to put in the report. NFPA 211 also calls for chimneys, fireplaces and vents to be inspected at least once a year.

Reviewed November 6, 2026.

The three levels of chimney inspection

• Level 1: the minimum for a system in continued service with no changes. You check the readily accessible parts of the chimney exterior and interior and the appliance connection, for soundness, obstructions and combustible deposits.
• Level 2: required when something changes, such as a new fuel type, a relined flue or a different appliance; when the property is sold or transferred; and after a chimney fire, building fire, earthquake or severe storm. It adds attics, crawl spaces and basements, clearances to combustibles, and a video scan or similar look at the whole flue liner.
• Level 3: recommended when a Level 1 or 2 points to a hidden hazard that can't be judged without opening things up. It adds the concealed parts of the chimney and flue, and may mean removing components such as the crown or part of an interior wall.

In Canada, many sweeps work to WETT inspection levels, which follow a similar pattern.

Level 1 chimney inspection checklist

Exterior and roof, where it's safe to reach

• Crown not cracked or eroded, and shedding water away from the flue.
• Cap and spark arrestor in place and secure.
• Flashing sealed, with no gaps or rust.
• Masonry joints sound, with no spalling, loose bricks or leaning.
• Height meets the 3-2-10 rule: at least 3 feet above the roof where it passes through, and 2 feet higher than anything within 10 feet.

Firebox, damper and smoke chamber

• Firebox brick and mortar joints intact, with no gaps or loose brick.
• Damper opens, closes and seals.
• Smoke chamber walls smooth and sound.
• Hearth extension large enough and not cracked.
• Clearances from the opening to combustible trim and mantel look right.

Flue, visible portions

• No blockage from nests, debris or fallen liner pieces.
• Creosote stage noted: first-stage soot, second-stage flaky deposits or third-stage glazed creosote.
• No cracked or missing flue tiles where visible.

Appliance and connection

• Stove or insert listing label present, and the unit installed as listed.
• Connector pipe secure, sealed and sloped correctly, with no rust-through.
• Floor protection and clearances to walls and furniture.
• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms present in the home, noted for the client.

Level 2 chimney inspection additions

• Video scan of the full flue liner, with stills of any defect.
• Cracked tiles, open mortar joints, offsets or gaps between liner sections.
• Liner type and size suitable for the connected appliance.
• Attic, crawl space and basement: clearance from the chimney to framing and other combustibles.
• Signs of a past chimney fire: puffy creosote, cracked tiles, a warped damper or cap.
• Flashing and roof sheathing checked from the attic side.

When to go to a Level 3

Move to a Level 3 when what you found in a Level 1 or 2 can't be judged without opening concealed spaces, for example heat damage behind a wall or a liner failure you can't see past. Write down why the Level 3 is needed, what will be removed and what it will cost, and get the owner's sign-off before you start.

What goes in a chimney inspection report

• Client, property and date
• Inspection level and the reason for it, such as a home sale for a Level 2
• Limits on the day: roof access, weather or a locked attic
• Each component with its condition: OK, repair needed or hazard
• Creosote stage, and whether a sweep is recommended
• Photos and video stills of every defect
• Recommendations, with an estimate for the repairs you do
• A clear statement if the system should not be used until it's repaired
• Inspector name, certification such as CSIA or WETT, signature and date

Run chimney inspections in Clevra

Build a Level 1 and a Level 2 checklist once in Clevra, with yes or no questions for each component, a dropdown for creosote stage, photo questions and a signature. Required questions stop a tech from closing the visit with the crown unchecked.

• Switch on Client report and the checklist becomes a numbered PDF with your logo and photos for the homeowner, buyer or insurer, sent by email or a secure link.
• Build the estimate for the liner, cap or crown repair on site, on the same job.
• Book next year's sweep before you leave, and Clevra reminds the client the day before.

Clevra doesn't issue WETT certification; your certified inspector still signs the report. Checklists and inspection reports come with Pro and Business. See chimney sweep software, checklists and inspection reports.

Chimney inspection FAQ

What is a Level 2 chimney inspection?

A Level 2 inspection covers everything in a Level 1, plus attics, crawl spaces and basements, clearances to combustibles, and a video scan or similar look at the whole flue liner.

When is a Level 2 chimney inspection required?

Under NFPA 211, when the system changes, such as a new fuel type, relining or a different appliance; when the property is sold or transferred; and after a chimney fire, earthquake, severe storm or other event that could damage it.

How often should a chimney be inspected?

NFPA 211 calls for chimneys, fireplaces and vents to be inspected at least once a year, with cleaning when the inspection finds it necessary.

What is the difference between a chimney sweep and a chimney inspection?

A sweep cleans soot and creosote out of the flue and firebox. An inspection checks the condition of the system and records it in a report. Many visits do both.

What is the 3-2-10 rule for chimneys?

A chimney should rise at least 3 feet above the roof where it passes through, and at least 2 feet higher than any part of the building within 10 feet.

Try it on your next sweep

Build your Level 1 checklist once, run it on tomorrow's first sweep, and send the report before the next stop. The Free plan has no end date, and Pro or Business are free for 14 days, no card needed.

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Sources: CSIA, The Three Levels of Chimney Inspections; NFPA 211, Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances.