Chimney Inspection in Milwaukee

Your chimney works hard every heating season, but most of it is hidden behind brick and drywall. A chimney inspection from The Chimney Expert tells you what condition your fireplace, flue and chimney are in before small problems turn into expensive damage or a safety hazard. We inspect chimneys throughout Milwaukee and Southeast Wisconsin, including Milwaukee, Waukesha and Washington counties.

Whether you are buying a home, getting ready for the first fire of the season, or noticed a smell, a stain or loose brick, we will look the system over and explain what we find in plain language.

Call (414) 350-4263 or contact us online to schedule. Hours: Monday to Friday 9 to 5, Saturday 9 to 3.

What a Chimney Inspection Covers

Every inspection looks at the parts of the system you use and the parts you never see:

Firebox brick, mortar joints and the back wall
Damper operation and the smoke shelf
The flue interior, looking for cracks, gaps, creosote buildup and blockages
Exterior brick and mortar joints
Rain cap, crown and flashing condition at the top of the chimney
Signs of water entry such as staining, spalling brick or rust

When we find a problem, we show it to you and explain your options. If repair work makes sense, we provide a written estimate so you can decide without pressure.

Camera Inspections on Request

Some problems hide deep inside the flue where a flashlight cannot reach. On request, we can run a camera inspection of the flue to look for cracked flue tiles, missing mortar between tiles, gaps and other damage. Camera inspections are especially useful after a chimney fire, when a home changes hands, or when you are switching fuel types or adding a new appliance.

Let us know when you book if you would like a camera inspection so we can plan the visit.

Written Report and Photos on Request

If you need documentation for a home sale, your records or your insurance company, ask for a written report with photos. We will note what we inspected, what we found and what we recommend. Before and after photos are also part of our repair work, so you can see exactly what was done.

When to Schedule a Chimney Inspection

Once a year, before you start using your fireplace or stove for the season
Before buying or selling a home
After a chimney fire, a lightning strike or a severe storm
When you notice water stains, a musty smell, falling debris or smoke backing into the room
Before switching to a new fireplace insert, wood stove or gas appliance

An inspection pairs well with a sweep. A chimney sweep on its own takes about an hour, and about two hours with an inspection.

What to Expect When You Call

When you call (414) 350-4263, tell us what you are noticing and what kind of fireplace, stove or appliance you have. We will set up a visit that fits your schedule, Monday to Friday 9 to 5 or Saturday 9 to 3. On site, we protect your floors and furniture, look the chimney over carefully, and walk you through what we see. If repairs are needed, you get a written estimate first, so there are no surprises. When the job is finished, we clean up completely and share before and after photos of repair work. You can also reach us online if that is easier.

Why Homeowners Choose The Chimney Expert

The Chimney Expert has 30 years of chimney experience serving Milwaukee and Southeast Wisconsin. We are licensed, bonded and insured, and our repair work is backed by a 10-year warranty.

Written estimates before any repair work begins
Before and after photos so you can see what was done
Drop cloths, a HEPA vacuum and full clean-up on every job
Cold-weather and emergency repairs when problems cannot wait
Straight answers about what needs attention now and what can wait

Related services: chimney sweeping and chimney repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a chimney inspection take?

A sweep takes about an hour, and a sweep with an inspection takes about two hours. Time can vary with chimney height, access and what we find.

Do you offer camera chimney inspections?

Yes. Camera inspections of the flue are available on request. Ask for one when you book so we can plan for it.

Can I get a written inspection report?

Yes. A written report with photos is available on request, which is helpful for home sales, insurance and your own records.

How often should a chimney be inspected?

Have your chimney inspected once a year and any time you notice signs of damage, after a chimney fire, or before buying a home.

What areas do you serve?

The Chimney Expert serves Milwaukee, Waukesha and Washington counties in Southeast Wisconsin. Call (414) 350-4263 to schedule.

Schedule Service with The Chimney Expert

The Chimney Expert, 310 W Lake St, Horicon, WI 53032. Serving Milwaukee, Waukesha and Washington counties.