Custom Masonry's chimney sweeps perform an inspection to ensure your fireplace is safe to use. You will received a full inspection report for your records and an estimate on any repairs if needed. Our sweeps are Certified by the Chimney Institue of America and follow all guidelines by the National Fire Protection Association.
A Level 2 inspection is required when any changes are made to the system. Changes can include a change in the fuel type, changes to the shape of, or material in, the flue (i.e. relining), or the replacement or addition of an appliance of a dissimilar type, input rating or efficiency. Additionally, a Level 2 inspection is required upon the sale or transfer of a property or after an operation malfunction or external event that is likely to have caused damage to the chimney. Building fires, chimney fires, seismic events as well as weather events are all indicators that this level of inspection is warranted.
There are no specialty tools (i.e. demolition equipment) required to open doors, panels or coverings in performing a Level 2 inspection. A Level 2 inspection shall also include a visual inspection by video scanning or other means in order to examine the internal surfaces and joints of all flue liners incorporated within the chimney. No removal or destruction of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure or finish shall be required by a Level 2 inspection.
When a Level 1 or Level 2 inspection suggests a hidden hazard and the evaluation cannot be performed without special tools to access concealed areas of the chimney or flue, a Level 3 inspection is recommended. A Level 3 inspection addresses the proper construction and the condition of concealed portions of the chimney structure and the flue. Removal or destruction, as necessary, of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure will be required for the completion of a Level 3 inspection. A Level 2 inspection includes everything in a Level 1 inspection, plus the accessible* portions of the chimney exterior and interior including attics, crawl spaces and basements. It will address proper clearances from combustibles in accessible locations.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE MY CHIMNEY SWEPT?
This is a tougher question to answer than you’d think, but here’s the simple answer: Here at Custom Masonry, we follow the guidelines of The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 211, which says, “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.”
Whoa – does this apply to ALL chimneys, fireplaces, and vents? Why every year?
This is the national safety standard, and it takes into account the fact that – even if you don’t use your chimney much – animals may build nests in the flue or there may be other types of deterioration that could make the chimney unsafe.
How will a sweep know when it’s time to sweep your chimney? We recommend that all masonry fireplaces be swept at 1/8” of sooty buildup, and sooner if there is any glaze (creosote) present in the system. This is considered by fire safety experts to be enough buildup to cause a chimney fire capable of damaging the chimney or spreading to the home.
Factory-built fireplaces should be swept when any appreciable buildup occurs. The logic here is that the deposit is quite acidic and can shorten the life of the fireplace by corroding the different components of the prefab system
WHAT CAN I BURN IN MY FIREPLACE?
The answer is: Only well-seasoned wood. Nothing else should be burned in your fireplace. Why not? Watch the video below to see what happens when you burn holiday wrapping paper, a pizza box, and foam packaging in the fireplace.HOW COMMON IS IT THAT CHIMNEY LINERS CANNOT BE SEEN FROM INSIDE THE FIREPLACE WITH ONLY A FLASHLIGHT?
Is there some standard building requirement for the flue and the fireplace that makes it so you can’t just look up from the fireplace and see the sky or chimney cap at the top of the chimney?Flues are allowed to have offsets of up to 30-degree. In most cases, this will make a direct visual observation of the flue impossible. A video scan would be required to evaluate the flue condition in a situation like this. The height of the chimney flue is not a factor. Even in short flues, there’s a big difference in what can be observed during a visual inspection vs. during a video inspection.
WHEN I BUILD A FIRE IN MY UPSTAIRS FIREPLACE, I GET SMOKE FROM THE BASEMENT FIREPLACE. WHAT’S GOING ON?
This has become quite a common problem in today’s airtight houses, where weatherproofing has sealed up the usual air infiltration routes.So, what’s happening?
The fireplace in use exhausts household air until a negative pressure situation exists. If the house is fairly tight, the simplest route for make-up air to enter the home is often through the unused fireplace chimney. As air is drawn down this unused flue, it picks up smoke that is exiting the fireplace in use and brings that smoke down into the living area.
The best solution is to provide make-up air to the house so that the negative pressure problem no longer exists – thus eliminating not only the smoke problem, but also the potential for carbon monoxide to be drawn back down the furnace chimney.
A secondary solution is to install a top-mount damper on the fireplace that is used the least and keep it closed.
I HEAT WITH GAS. SHOULD THIS CHIMNEY BE CHECKED TOO?
Without a doubt! Although gas is generally a clean-burning fuel, the chimney can become non-functional from bird nests or other debris blocking the flue. Modern furnaces can also have many problems when they’re vented through average flues intended for older furnaces. So, it’s important that you schedule annual inspections for all your chimneys – gas furnaces included.Level II Inspection
$99 . 00
- Level II Camera Inspection
- Chimney Condition Report
- Interior & Exterior Evaluation
Chimney Cleaning
$189 . 00
- Includes Level II Camera Inspection
- Cleaning of Fireplace & Flue
- Proper ventilation & clean up
Services
We take great pride in our work. Our staff treats each customer with professionalism and respect. We strive to give you the confidence to ensure your home and family are safe.
Chimney Cleanings
Your chimney should be cleaned per cord of wood burned.
Camera Inspections
Fireplaces should be inspected yearly by a Certified Chimney Sweep.
Stainless Caps
Chimney Caps keep the rain, animals and debris out of your chimney.
Top Mount Dampers
A chimney damper seals the chimney airtight when not in use.
Masonry Crowns
Crown cover the top top of the chimney, often crack and need to be repaired.
Gas Logs
Don't like burning wood, gas logs are an easy and convinient alternative.
Woodburning Inserts
Woodburning Inserts are a great way to heat your home and save on your energy bill.
Stainless Steel Liner
Prevent the heat & flames from spreading to nearby combustible materials.
Testimonials
We take great pride in our work. Our staff treats each home like their own. We are reliable, friendly, and trustworthy, ensuring that your home is safe.
Jason and the team at Custom Masonry were AMAZING. They were quick, clean, punctual, easy to work with, and Jason even made himself available off-hours (several times) to answer my million questions and to make sure I was fully informed about the work. The team was polite, communicative, and did great work - cannot say enough good things about this company. HIGHLY recommend!
Britt FrankThe owner Jason came over to do my inspection and was very friendly, very professional, and took the time to show me the scope camera and give me a good explanation of everything...answering all my questions. That's better than I have been getting for 17 years. And he found issues that other people either ignored or overlooked. He even gave me advice if I decided to talk to other people or get second opinions on what he found. His prices were clear from the start, and he truly is a local company. Plus he is using Internet payments through Square...didn't need to seek out a checkbook or anything. His estimates are delivered online and you can do all scheduling online, and choose to be contacted via phone or text or email. I'm gonna make this guy my yearly inspector, and have him do the work to make my fireplace right.
David KierasJason was great! He came out and was super professional. I was having the inspection done on a rental property and he walked me through all of the details of what the management company had done prior to us moving in. Wonderful experience and definitely worth the piece of mind to understand the condition of the fireplace prior to use! Would highly recommend!
Eric McGraneI highly recommend them for their customer service and work etiquette and the quality of work, the owner Jason was very hands on throughout the entire process, he was willing to education my claims rep, and answer any questions she had. My husband and I are completely satisfied with the work that was done
Kathy BriggsJust had Kyle at my home to inspect and clean my 2 chimney's and he was very professional and knowledgeable. I've just purchased my home and knew nothing about chimney care or even how to work it. Kyle was helpful and did a great job. Very courteous to ensure my carpet was covered before beginning. Highly recommend Custom Masonry! Will definitely be reaching out in the future for my chimney needs.
Brandi Moody"Jason and the team at Custom Masonry were AMAZING. They were quick, clean, punctual, easy to work with, and Jason even made himself available off-hours (several times) to answer my million questions and to make sure I was fully informed about the work. The team was polite, communicative, and did great work - cannot say enough good things about this company. HIGHLY recommend!"
Britt FrankTestimonial 2
John SmithCEO"I was negotiating a real estate contract and in a bit of a time crunch but Jason was able to work me in on short notice to do a chimney inspection. He was thorough with his explanation of the scope of work, explained further maintenance items that needed to be addressed, and gave me estimates quickly. I recommend Custom Masonry and will certainly use them again in the future."
Jessica SharpI just want start with saying best customer service ever! Kyle was extremely knowledgeable, straight shooter, was able to work quickly and efficiently. If you’re looking for a company to help with your fireplace (inspection and cleaning) he’s your guy. Can’t say enough about how pleased I am with the service. Thank you guys and especially thank you Kyle for such great work.
Steven EverettGetting ready for your chimney sweeping appointment is simple:
- Avoid having a fire for at least 24 hours prior to your appointment
- Move furniture or any breakable items away from the area around your stove or fireplace — about six to eight feet
- Confine your pets in another room, away from the work area
Your chimney sweep should take about an hour to complete the job, and you can expect your technician to:
- Inspect accessible portions of your chimney’s interior and exterior
- Inspect factory-built units for cracks
- Sweep your chimney with special brushes
- Check your chimney liner for cracks, gaps and missing joints
- Scrub your chimney’s smoke chamber, smoke shelf and damper with hand tools
- Sweep the firebox and clear any ash
- Remove and brush the grate
- Check for any fire safety hazards
We have over 25 years of experience serving Missouri and Kansas including: Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Raytown, Leawood, Overland Park, Shawnee, Bonner Spring, Belton, Raymore, Liberty, Cass County, Johnson County, Jackson County, Bates County, Miami County, Clay County & Platte County. Experience, quality, price and credentials make Custom Masonry the best choice when selecting a chimney care professional in the Kansas City area.
