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What we check, how we test, and when each NFPA inspection level applies in Katy.
Mike Johnson
Senior Chimney Specialist
Published
10/30/2025
I’ll be honest — most of the time when a homeowner calls me about a chimney inspection, they’re not sure what they’re actually getting. I’ve heard it all:
“Is it just a quick look?”
“Do you use a brush?”
“How do I know if I really need one?”
The truth is, a chimney inspection isn’t just about taking a peek. It’s about uncovering what’s happening inside the system that protects your home from heat, smoke, and carbon monoxide every time you light a fire.
After years of performing professional chimney inspections across Katy, TX, I can tell you this: the homes that stay safest through every winter are the ones that treat inspections as routine maintenance, not an afterthought.
Let me explain what every Katy homeowner should know about this vital process — what we look for, how it’s done, and what separates a true professional inspection from a “once-over.”
Here in Katy, TX, our weather does more to chimneys than any single fire ever could.
Humidity, temperature swings, and heavy rain cause tiny cracks in masonry and liner joints. Over time, those cracks allow water to enter, corroding the flue or soaking into bricks.
Even if your fireplace hasn’t been used in months, moisture, debris, or animal nests could be waiting inside. That’s why a chimney inspection is as essential for unused fireplaces as it is for those used daily.
Your fireplace is part of your home’s breathing system. If it’s compromised, it can’t safely exhaust gases — and that’s when problems begin.
Let’s take the mystery out of it.
When we perform a chimney inspection at Katy Chimney Sweep, we follow a structured process that checks every accessible component — inside and out. Here’s exactly what that looks like.
We always start outside, because that’s where the weather does its worst work.
We inspect:
In Katy’s humid climate, moisture is the biggest culprit of chimney damage. One small leak can turn into mold, crumbling brick, or even interior water stains that homeowners often mistake for “roof leaks.”
A proper chimney inspection finds these early — before they cost thousands.
Next, we move inside to examine the firebox, damper, smoke chamber, and flue.
Here’s what we’re looking for:
#### Pro Tip from the Field:
If you smell a musty or smoky odor even when your fireplace isn’t in use, it’s not “just old smoke.” It’s often trapped creosote or moisture inside the flue — both early warning signs that your system needs attention.
We’ve traced dozens of these cases in Katy homes, especially during humid months, and found buildup that could’ve easily led to chimney fires later.
Once the visible sections are checked, we use a high-definition camera system to inspect the chimney interior from top to bottom.
The camera reveals:
You’ll often hear us say, “We don’t guess — we show.” Every homeowner gets to see what we see, frame by frame.
And trust me — there’s nothing like watching your own chimney interior on screen to realize how much can hide beyond the hearth.
A chimney inspection isn’t complete until we know how well your system “breathes.”
We test draft using smoke pencils and airflow meters to measure how efficiently gases move from the firebox through the flue and out the cap.
If draft is poor, we investigate:
This step separates a true professional chimney inspection from a visual check. A chimney can look clean but still perform poorly — that’s where safety risks hide.
Finally, we prepare a detailed report outlining everything we found — good and bad. You’ll see high-resolution images and clear, plain-language explanations.
We’ll tell you exactly what condition your chimney is in and whether it’s ready for use, needs sweeping, or requires minor repairs.
At Katy Chimney Sweep, we believe information is power — and when homeowners understand their chimney, they make better, safer decisions.
Every chimney inspection is categorized into one of three levels under NFPA standards. Knowing which one you need saves time — and prevents unnecessary work.
For fireplaces used regularly under normal conditions.
Required when you sell a home, change fuel types, or experience an incident (like a storm or chimney fire).
Performed only when serious damage is suspected.
In Katy, TX, Level 1 and Level 2 inspections make up the vast majority. Level 3s are rare — but when needed, they’re crucial for ensuring the home’s safety after major events like hurricanes or lightning strikes.
After thousands of inspections across our city, certain issues show up again and again.
Here are the most common ones we find:
Every one of these starts small — and every one can cause major problems if ignored. That’s why an annual chimney inspection isn’t optional. It’s preventive home safety.
Here’s something most people get backward:
A chimney inspection isn’t meant to find problems — it’s meant to prove your system is safe.
That’s the beauty of it.
You’re not inviting bad news — you’re confirming peace of mind.
Think of it like a yearly physical for your home’s fireplace. If everything checks out, great. If not, you’ll know exactly what to fix before it becomes serious.
Either way, you win.
The NFPA recommends an inspection at least once a year, regardless of use frequency.
But here’s what I tell my Katy customers:
Because the truth is, Texas weather can do more damage in six months than a year’s worth of firewood.
We don’t just “check” chimneys — we investigate them.
Every Katy Chimney Sweep inspection uses advanced imaging, draft measurement, and expert diagnostics. We don’t leave until we’ve seen — and proven — that your chimney is structurally sound and safe for use.
We also believe in showing homeowners exactly what’s going on. You’ll see video footage, hear honest explanations, and receive straightforward next steps — no scare tactics, no upsells.
Because that’s what real professionals do.
If you’ve never seen inside your chimney, you don’t really know what’s happening up there — and that’s where we come in.
Call Katy Chimney Sweep today to schedule your professional chimney inspection. We’ll take you step-by-step through the process, show you real results, and ensure your home’s fireplace system is safe, sound, and ready for use.
Your home deserves more than a quick glance — it deserves a real, professional inspection from experts who know Katy inside and out.
Senior Chimney Specialist
Mike Johnson is a certified chimney specialist with over 15 years of experience in chimney cleaning, repair, and maintenance. He specializes in Texas climate conditions and has helped hundreds of homeowners maintain safe and efficient chimney systems.
Start-to-finish look at a professional chimney inspection in Katy: tools, tests, and what we check.
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What a professional chimney inspection in Katy really includes—levels, steps, and why it matters.
