Introducing Our Summer Special: Professional Chimney Inspection for Just $59
Most Virginia homeowners think about their chimneys in October, when the first cold evening arrives, and they want to light the fireplace. By that point, chimney service providers are fully booked, wait times stretch for weeks, and any issues found during a late inspection may not get resolved before winter sets in.
A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps is making it easier to get ahead of that problem. This summer, we are offering a professional Level 1 chimney inspection for just $59 across our service areas in Virginia, including Northern Virginia, Fairfax, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Richmond, Suffolk, and Newport News.
This page explains what a Level 1 chimney inspection covers, why summer is the right time to book one, and what you can expect when you work with our team.
Why Chimney Inspections Matter Year-Round
A chimney is a working structural system, not a decorative feature. Every time you use your fireplace or wood stove, the chimney is exposed to intense heat, combustion gases, moisture, and creosote buildup. Over time, these conditions wear down the internal components of your chimney, sometimes in ways that are not visible from the outside or from inside your living room.
As per NFPA 211 standards of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the recommendation is made for an annual chimney inspection to ensure that there are no dangers caused by the chimney system.
A chimney inspection may detect:
● The accumulation of creosote inside the flue lining, which becomes hazardous if it gets to high levels
● Damage to the flue lining, which renders the entire chimney structure weak
● Blockage of the flue caused by nests, fallen leaves, or even cracked flue tiles
● Wear and tear of the chimney’s crown, cover, or brick mortar joints
● Signs of moisture intrusion which may cause other problems in the future
● Unsafe clearance in the firebox
None of these issues comes with its own sign. Most houses having trouble with their fireplace do not have any visible indicators from the living room area. The only way to find out what condition the chimney is in prior to using it is a professional inspection.
Why Summer Is the Right Time to Book Your Inspection
The instinct to wait until fall is understandable, but it works against you in several practical ways.
Availability Is Better Now
Summer is considered an offseason for chimney repairs in Virginia. This means the technicians have much more flexibility in their schedules, allowing for quick scheduling. This changes once autumn hits and the temperatures start dropping because the technicians become unavailable. Customers calling for appointments in October and November will find themselves waiting for several weeks for an appointment, especially if discovered late in the season.
Any Repairs Have Time to Be Completed
If a Level 1 inspection identifies a condition that requires follow-up, summer gives you the scheduling runway to address it properly. Whether that means a chimney sweep, a liner repair, a crown resealing, or a more detailed Level 2 assessment, there is time to get it done before the burning season begins.
Moisture Damage Is Best Caught Early
During winter and spring, chimneys are exposed to high levels of moisture in Virginia. By the end of summer, any water that has penetrated during the past season will have caused enough damage to be noticed in either the flue, the crown, or the joints. It is therefore wise to inspect chimneys at the beginning of summer when the damage can still be manageable.
You Have Peace of Mind Going Into Fall
Booking your inspection now means that when the first cold evening arrives this year, you can light your fireplace with confidence. Your chimney has been professionally inspected, its condition is documented, and any issues have already been addressed.
What Is Included in a Level 1 Chimney Inspection
A Level 1 chimney inspection is the standard annual inspection recommended for chimneys that are in regular use and have not undergone any significant changes to the appliance or fuel type. It is defined by NFPA 211 and is the appropriate inspection for most Virginia homeowners with an actively used fireplace or wood stove.
In level one inspections, the inspector visually inspects those parts of the chimney system that can be easily seen and include:
Exterior Assessment
● Inspecting for cracks, deterioration, or loss of mortar in the chimney crown and cap.
● Inspecting the exterior of the chimney for spalled brickwork, deteriorated mortar joints, or indications of moisture damage.
● Inspecting the condition of the chimney flashing at the chimney/roof interface.
Interior Assessment
● Firebox inspection, including inspection of the firebrick, refractory bricks, and damper system
● Interior inspection of the flue pipe for creosote buildup, any obstructions, or any physical damage to the flue liner
● Smoke chamber and smoke shelf inspection for creosote buildup and structural soundness
Documentation
● An inspection report in writing to show the state of all parts examined
● A picture showing the places that were inspected
● Suggestions for what should be done next based on the results of the examination
Important note: A Level 1 inspection is a visual assessment of accessible areas. It does not include camera scanning of the flue interior, removal of appliances, or destructive investigation of concealed areas. If a deeper assessment is needed based on the findings of a Level 1 inspection, our technicians will advise you accordingly and can schedule a Level 2 video inspection.
What You Get From an A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps’ Inspection
Choosing the right chimney service provider matters. Here is what sets an A Step in Time inspection apart.
Over 25 Years of Experience
A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps was founded by Raymond Gessner in 1998. For more than 25 years, our technicians have been inspecting, cleaning, and repairing chimneys across Virginia. That depth of field experience means our team recognizes conditions that less experienced inspectors may miss, and our documentation reflects the professional standards our clients expect.
Honest, Documented Findings
What our inspectors report is based on what they find, not what they think will sell you more of their services. If you have a nice chimney, we’ll let you know. If something is wrong with it, then we’ll let you know that too, as well as tell you what that means and your possible choices. Our clients appreciate how clear we are with our reporting.
Professional Written Report
Every Level 1 inspection includes a written report with photographs. This documentation is useful for your own records, for insurance purposes or have a concern that may require follow-up at a later date. You will receive a clear, professional document that reflects the actual condition of your chimney system.
No Pressure Approach
The technicians working at our company do not receive any form of commission from us if the service they perform requires an additional one. Should that be the case, then we would inform you about the problem and leave the choice up to you.
Our Service Areas in Virginia
A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps offers comprehensive chimney inspection services throughout numerous towns in Virginia. These include:
• Northern Virginia (“NoVa”)
• Fairfax
• Virginia Beach
• Norfolk
• Chesapeake
• Richmond
• Suffolk
• Newport News
• Hampton Roads
• And other locations
For a full list of service areas, visit https://chimneysweep.com/areas-we-service/
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does a Level 1 chimney inspection include?
Level 1 Inspection is a visual inspection of the visible surfaces of the chimney that can be reached easily. This involves looking at the firebox, damper, smoke chamber, inner surface of the flue, crown, cap, and masonry surfaces. The result comes with a written report with images and suggestions, excluding camera scans or disassembling anything.
Q: Is a Level 1 inspection the right one for my home?
For most Virginia homeowners with a regularly used fireplace or wood stove that has not undergone any recent changes, a Level 1 inspection is the appropriate annual assessment. If you have recently purchased a home, experienced a chimney fire, made changes to your heating appliance, or if a Level 1 inspection identifies conditions requiring closer examination, a Level 2 video inspection would be the most recommended next step for you.
Q: How long does the inspection take?
A typical Level 1 inspection takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour, depending on the configuration of your chimney system. Your technician will walk you through the findings before leaving.
Q: How soon can I get an appointment?
Summer appointments tend to be easy to arrange. Contact us via phone or email; we will be able to schedule the appointment within a couple of days of your chosen date.
Q: Does the $59 price include repairs?
The $59 summer offer includes the level 1 inspection, a written report, and photos. Additional work that needs to be done is charged separately after the inspection. There are no hidden costs related to the inspection process itself.
Q: Is there a combined inspection and sweep option?
Yes. If you would like both a Level 1 inspection and a full chimney sweep completed in the same visit, we offer that combined service for $158. This is the most popular option for homeowners who want their fireplace fully assessed and cleaned before the season begins.
Schedule Your $59 Summer Chimney Inspection Today
Summer availability fills up as the season progresses. If you want to get your chimney inspected before fall, now is the time to book.
Contact A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps:
Phone: For Virginia Beach (757) 244-6639 | For Richmond (804) 244-6639 | For Fairfax(Northern Virginia) 703-570-7000
Connor H.
Connor is expert in understanding various chimney cleaning, repair and every aspect of chimney.
