Sweep & inspection
Caps & crowns
Flue relining
Masonry repair
Gas fireplace serviceLevel 1 sweep and inspection to the NFPA 211 annual standard - flue, crown, cap, and flashing checked and photographed
Chimney sweep logs do not sweep chimneys. They loosen some creosote - which then falls where a brush and vacuum still have to collect it.
Trusted Chimney Inspection for Fort Worth Homeowners
A Fort Worth Chimney Inspection is a top-to-bottom safety check of your fireplace, flue, and masonry, done by a trained technician who knows exactly what to look for before small cracks become expensive repairs. At Kindling Chimney Fort Worth, led by Danny Cortes, every inspection follows the same careful process: a written price before work begins, shoe covers and drop cloths down before the first tool comes off the truck, and a photo of the clean-up before the crew leaves. Most inspections in Fort Worth run between $149 and $299 for a standard Level 1 check, with Level 2 camera inspections ranging from $249 to $499 when a deeper look is needed. Call (682) 382-9934 and a live person answers, day or night.
Fireplace Inspection
A fireplace inspection is the part of a chimney check that focuses on the firebox, damper, hearth, and everything connected to the fireplace itself, from the grate to the smoke shelf. In Fort Worth, we see a lot of homes where the fireplace was built decades ago and has never had the refractory panels or mortar joints examined since the day it was installed. A fireplace inspection at Kindling Chimney Fort Worth covers all of that, and it is included in our standard inspection pricing of $149 to $299 for a Level 1 check. When Danny Cortes sends a technician to your home, the fireplace is inspected the way the family who uses it would want: carefully, quietly, and with no pressure to approve work that is not actually needed.
What the firebox tells us
The firebox panels and mortar joints are the two places where heat and moisture do the most damage over the years. Hairline cracks in refractory panels are common in Fort Worth homes built before 1990, and they matter because heat can reach the framing behind the firebox once a crack opens wide enough. Our technicians document every crack with photos so you can see exactly what we see before any repair is recommended.
Dampers and smoke shelves
A damper that does not seal lets conditioned air escape up the flue all summer, which shows up on the electric bill. During a fireplace inspection, we check the damper’s movement, its seal, and the condition of the smoke shelf above it. A rusted or warped damper is one of the most common findings in Fort Worth, especially in homes where the fireplace has not been used in years.
Styles & brands we work with
Chimney Inspection Services
Chimney inspection services at Kindling Chimney Fort Worth cover the entire chimney system, from the crown at the top to the clean-out door at the bottom, including the flue liner, masonry, flashing, and cap, and we also offer our Chimney Inspection in Bedford for nearby homeowners. The most common time Fort Worth families call us is right after buying a home, or in late summer before the first fire of the season. Standard chimney inspection services run between $149 and $299, depending on the size and height of the chimney. Every inspection includes a written report and photo documentation, so you are never asked to take our word for something you cannot see.
Level 1, 2, and 3 explained
Level 1 is the annual standard check when nothing has changed about the chimney, the appliance, or how it is used. Level 2 adds video scanning and access to attics and crawl spaces, and it is required by fire code whenever a property changes hands. Level 3 is rare and invasive, typically needed only after a chimney fire, structural event, or when a Level 2 inspection cannot reach an area that matters.
Written report, every time
We do a lot of chimney inspections in Fort Worth and Chimney Inspection in Kennedale where another company gave a verbal “looks okay” and left. That is not how we work. Every inspection ends with a written report and photos, so you have a record of the chimney’s condition on the day we looked at it, whether anything needs work or not.
What happens when you call
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A real person answersNo phone trees - you reach a local pro.
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You get an upfront price rangeHonest numbers before anyone is dispatched.
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A background-checked tech heads outLicensed & insured, dispatched right away.
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You approve before work beginsNothing starts until you say go.
Chimney Flue Inspection
A chimney flue inspection is the part of the check that looks specifically at the interior passage where smoke and combustion gases travel from the firebox to the outside, including the liner, the flue walls, and any blockages or creosote buildup. In Fort Worth, flue liners take a beating from the combination of summer heat, winter fires, and the freeze-thaw cycles that hit North Texas clay tiles. A chimney flue inspection is included in both our standard and camera inspections, with pricing between $149 and $499 depending on the level. The flue is where hidden problems live, because you cannot see most of it from the ground or even from inside the firebox.
Clay tile liners and cracks
Older Fort Worth homes, especially in neighborhoods like Mistletoe Heights and Ryan Place, and homes needing a Chimney Inspection - Haltom City often have clay tile liners that were installed when the house was built. Clay tiles crack under thermal stress, and once a crack forms, heat and gases can reach the masonry around the liner. During a flue inspection, we check every visible course of tile and note any shifting, spalling, or missing sections.
Creosote and blockage checks
Creosote is the flammable residue left behind when wood smoke cools inside the flue, and Fort Worth’s humidity makes it build up faster than homeowners expect. A flue inspection includes measuring creosote thickness and checking for bird nests, leaves, or anything else that could block the smoke path. We clear minor blockages as part of the inspection when it is safe to do so, and we tell you plainly if a full sweep is needed.
Chimney Fire
A chimney fire happens when creosote or other debris inside the flue ignites, and the signs can be subtle: a loud cracking or popping sound from the chimney, dense smoke, or a hot, intense smell during a burn. After any chimney fire, including a small one, the National Fire Protection Association requires a Level 2 inspection before the fireplace is used again. Kindling Chimney Fort Worth inspects chimneys after fires across Fort Worth, and the cost for a post-fire Level 2 inspection runs between $249 and $499. Danny Cortes and the team take every chimney fire seriously, even ones the homeowner thinks were minor, because the damage is not always visible from the outside.
What we look for after a fire
After a chimney fire, we check the flue liner for cracking or separation, the mortar joints for signs of heat damage, and the firebox for warping or discoloration. Creosote that has burned expands and changes texture, so we also look for the puffy, honeycombed residue that indicates a fire occurred even when the homeowner did not notice it. A camera inspection after a chimney fire is the only way to know the flue is safe to use again.
Preventing the next one
Most chimney fires in Fort Worth start in flues that have not been swept in years, often in homes where the fireplace has become a once-a-year decoration rather than a regular appliance. Annual inspection and sweeping keeps creosote from reaching a thickness that can ignite. Every inspection includes a creosote measurement, so you know exactly where your fireplace stands before the burning season starts.
Level 2 Chimney Inspection
A Level 2 chimney inspection is the mid-level inspection defined by the NFPA 211 code, and it includes everything in a Level 1 check plus video scanning of the entire flue interior, examination of accessible attic and crawl space areas, and an assessment of proper clearances from combustibles. In Fort Worth, this is the inspection required for any real estate transaction, after a chimney fire, or when a home has had a new appliance installed. Level 2 chimney inspection pricing at Kindling Chimney Fort Worth runs from $249 to $499, and the camera footage is shown to the homeowner before we leave. This is the inspection Danny Cortes recommends for anyone buying a chimney-equipped home in Fort Worth, because it is the only way to see what is inside the flue from top to bottom.
When a Level 2 is required
Real estate purchases, chimney fires, changes to the heating appliance, and severe weather events all trigger the need for a Level 2 inspection. Many Fort Worth home inspectors do a visual check of the chimney from the ground or the roof, but that does not replace a Level 2 inspection by a chimney-specific technician. Sellers and buyers both benefit from the documentation a Level 2 report provides.
Camera scanning and clearances
The video scan shows us the liner’s condition in detail, including cracks, gaps, and areas where the liner has separated from the masonry. We also check that the chimney has proper clearance from framing, insulation, and other combustibles, which is a common issue in older Fort Worth homes where additions or remodels changed the roofline. Clearance problems are hard to spot from the outside but can be the difference between a safe chimney and one that needs correction.
Chimney Leak
A chimney leak is water entering the home through the chimney system, and in Fort Worth it usually shows up as a water stain on the ceiling near the fireplace, a damp smell in the firebox, or efflorescence, the white chalky deposit on the exterior brick. Spring storms and winter freeze-thaw cycles are the two biggest culprits, and once water has a path in, it widens it every season. Kindling Chimney Fort Worth finds and fixes chimney leaks, with inspection pricing from $149 to $299 for the diagnostic visit and repair costs quoted after we find the source. Water damage does not stop at the chimney, so we treat every leak as something that deserves a real diagnosis, not a tube of caulk.
Where Fort Worth chimney leaks start
The most common leak sources in Fort Worth are cracked crowns, failed flashing where the chimney meets the roof, and porous brick that has never been sealed. A cracked crown lets water pool and seep into the masonry below it, and once that happens, the damage accelerates through every freeze. Flashing failures are especially common on older roofs, where the first re-roof may have left the chimney flashing in place for far too long.
Finding the source without guesswork
Water travels, so a stain on the ceiling does not always mean the leak is directly above it. We trace leaks with visual inspection, moisture readings, and when needed a controlled water test to see exactly where water enters. Once we find it, we show you the problem in photos and recommend only the repair that solves it, using materials that hold up in North Texas weather.
Chimney Camera Inspection
A chimney camera inspection is a video scan of the flue interior using a high-resolution camera pushed through the flue from above or below, and it is the only way to actually see the liner, mortar joints, and any hidden cracks or blockages. Kindling Chimney Fort Worth uses this on every Level 2 inspection, and the footage is reviewed with the homeowner on-site so they can see the full length of their flue in real time. A chimney camera inspection as part of a Level 2 visit runs between $249 and $499 in Fort Worth. For Danny Cortes, this is non-negotiable when a home is changing hands or after any suspected fire, because a visual check from the roof simply cannot see what the camera sees.
What the camera shows that eyes cannot
The camera documents the liner’s full condition, including hairline cracks, missing mortar between flue tiles, and areas where the flue is offset or misaligned. It also shows blockages like bird nests, dead animals, or debris that might be invisible from the top or bottom. Fort Worth’s older homes often have flue offsets that cannot be fully seen without a camera, and those offsets are exactly where creosote and damage hide.
Documentation you keep forever
Every camera inspection ends with a digital copy of the footage and our written findings, so you have a benchmark to compare against future inspections. That record matters if you sell the home, file an insurance claim, or simply want to know whether the chimney is changing year to year. We treat the footage as yours, not ours, and you keep it as part of the inspection.
Brands We Service
We work on chimneys and fireplaces equipped with parts and liners from the brands Fort Worth homeowners trust, and we know each one’s specific failure points. DuraFlex stainless steel liners are among the most common we see in Fort Worth, and we have extensive experience installing and inspecting them, including checking the connection points and insulation wraps that other companies skip. Copperfield dampers and caps show up on many older Fort Worth fireplaces, and we stock replacement parts for the top-mount and throat-mount designs that Copperfield is known for.
HeatShield and Gelco are the two liner repair and restoration systems we specify most often when a clay flue has cracked but does not need a full stainless replacement. HeatShield is a cerfractory sealant system that restores the interior of a damaged flue, and Gelco provides waterproofing systems we use on exterior masonry repairs around Fort Worth. Whether you have one of these brands or any other make, we can inspect it and tell you honestly what it needs.
See the difference
Before
After
Before
After
Before
AfterSigns You Need a Pro Right Now
- Water staining on the ceiling or walls near the fireplace. This usually means water has already penetrated the chimney system and is traveling through the home’s framing. The longer it goes, the more it costs to fix the ceiling, the drywall, and the chimney behind it.
- A smell like an old campfire even when the fireplace is not in use. That smell is creosote and moisture mixing inside the flue, and it gets stronger on humid days. It is also a sign that the flue is not drafting properly, which pushes that smell into the living space.
- Visible cracks in the firebox or hearth masonry. Cracks in the firebox let heat reach material that was never meant to be heated. Hairline cracks in the refractory panels are normal wear; open cracks or missing mortar are not, and they need a professional evaluation.
- White chalky deposits on the exterior chimney brick. Efflorescence is salt being drawn out of the masonry by water moving through it. It is not cosmetic; it is evidence that the chimney is holding moisture, and in Fort Worth’s freeze cycles, trapped moisture breaks brick apart.
- The damper will not open, close, or seal completely. A damper that will not seal lets conditioned air escape all summer long, and a damper that will not open fully forces smoke back into the room. Either condition means the fireplace is not safe or efficient to use, and both are quick to diagnose.
Our Process, Step by Step
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You call and a person answers. When you call (682) 382-9934, you will not fight a phone tree or wait on hold with an automated system. A live person answers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, takes your information, and schedules a time that works for your family.
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We arrive with shoe covers on and protection down. Our background-checked, uniformed technicians follow the C.A.R.E. values on every visit. Shoe covers go on before the door, drop cloths go down around the hearth and the path to the chimney, and nothing is moved without asking first.
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The inspection is done level by level. We work through the checklist for the inspection level your chimney needs, whether that is a standard Level 1 or a full Level 2 camera inspection. Every observation is documented in writing and photos, and the camera footage from Level 2 inspections is reviewed with you on-site.
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You get a written price before any work begins. If the inspection turns up something that needs attention, you will see exactly what we found, see it in the photos, and get a written quote before any repair work is scheduled. You will never be asked to make a decision on the spot or under pressure.
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We clean up and show you the proof. Before the crew leaves, we photograph the clean-up around the hearth and the work area. The 365-Day Done Right Promise backs everything we do, which means if the work is not right, we make it right, no fine print, no runaround.
How Much Does Chimney Inspection Cost in Fort Worth?
A standard Level 1 chimney inspection in Fort Worth typically runs between $149 and $299, and a Level 2 inspection with camera scanning ranges from $249 to $499. The price depends on a few straightforward factors: the height and accessibility of the chimney, whether the inspection is part of a real estate transaction, and whether the flue needs a full video scan. Homes in areas like Wedgwood, Arlington Heights, and Fairmount tend to have older masonry that takes a bit longer to evaluate thoroughly, which is reflected honestly in the quote before we begin. The best way to avoid overpaying is to choose an inspection that matches the situation, a Level 1 when nothing has changed and a Level 2 when the home is changing hands or has been through a fire or weather event.
A free estimate on the phone is simple and takes just a few minutes. We will ask about the fireplace type, the home’s age, and whether you have any specific concerns, and from there we can give you a written range before anyone comes out. When the technician is on-site, the price is confirmed in writing before any work begins, and that number does not move. The Cedarwell Care Promise means the written price, the shoe covers, the drop cloths, and the clean-up photo are all included, every time, on every job.
Our Service Area Near Fort Worth
Kindling Chimney Fort Worth works throughout Tarrant County and the surrounding areas. We serve homeowners in Fort Worth, Arlington, Burleson, Bedford, Euless, Forest Hill, White Settlement, Azle, Kennedale, Pecan Acres, River Oaks, and Sansom Park. If you are outside Fort Worth, you can also visit our Chimney Inspection in Arlington page or check Chimney Inspection in Burleson for details on service in those cities. Most of our Fort Worth inspections are scheduled within a few days, and because a live person answers around the clock, you can book when it is convenient for your family.
Serving Fort Worth, TX - Our Local Coverage Area
We’re based in the Fort Worth area and know this community well. Use the map below to see our service coverage - if you’re nearby, we can almost certainly help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chimney Inspection in Fort Worth
A chimney inspection is a safety evaluation of the fireplace and flue system, checking for cracks, blockages, creosote buildup, and structural problems that could cause fires or carbon monoxide issues. The NFPA defines three levels of inspection, with Level 1 for annual checks, Level 2 for real estate and post-fire situations, and Level 3 for rare structural events. Kindling Chimney Fort Worth performs Level 1 and Level 2 inspections every week across Fort Worth, with written reports and photos included. Call (682) 382-9934 to schedule yours or ask which level fits your home.
A standard Level 1 chimney inspection takes about 45 minutes to an hour from arrival to clean-up, while a Level 2 with camera scanning usually runs 90 minutes to two hours. The time depends on the size of the chimney, the access points available, and whether the flue needs a full video scan. You are welcome to watch the process or ask questions at any point. The crew will have shoe covers and drop cloths down the entire time, and the area is left as clean as it was when we arrived.
A Level 1 chimney inspection in Fort Worth costs between $149 and $299, and a Level 2 with camera scanning costs between $249 and $499. The price varies based on chimney height, accessibility, and the level of inspection required. You will receive a written price before we begin, and that price does not change mid-visit. Call (682) 382-9934 for a free estimate over the phone.
Yes, we work on Copperfield dampers, DuraFlex stainless steel liners, HeatShield liner restoration systems, and Gelco waterproofing products. We have experience with the specific failure patterns of each brand and stock common replacement parts to keep repairs moving. If you have a different brand, we are still happy to inspect it, and the inspection pricing remains the same.
A live person answers our phone at (682) 382-9934 at any hour, every day of the year, and we prioritize post-fire and active leak calls for the earliest available appointments. We do not promise a one-hour arrival, but we do move fast for situations where water is actively entering the home or a fire has occurred. When you call, you will get a straight answer about the next available time.
Every inspection and every job we perform in Fort Worth is covered by the 365-Day Done Right Promise. If the work is not done right, we make it right, with no fine print and no runaround. The inspection report and camera footage are yours to keep, and we stand behind what we find and how we document it.
For most inspections, you do not need to do much beyond making sure the area around the fireplace is clear and confirming that pets are in a safe, comfortable place. We handle the protection ourselves, with shoe covers on arrival, drop cloths around the hearth and the work path, and nothing moved without asking. If you have attic access to the chimney chase, having that path reasonably clear helps us complete the clearance check faster.
Schedule Your Chimney Inspection Service in Fort Worth Today
Call (682) 382-9934 and a real person will answer, day or night, to schedule your chimney inspection in Fort Worth. You will get a written price before any work begins, a technician in uniform with shoe covers and drop cloths, and a chimney that has been checked the way it should be. The 365-Day Done Right Promise stands behind every inspection we do. Call today for a no-obligation quote.
Written by Danny Cortes, Owner at Kindling Chimney Fort Worth, serving Fort Worth and surrounding Tarrant County communities. The Cedarwell family of companies was established in 2003, and every location is independently owned and operated.