Roofing & chimney contractor · Licensed & insured · Free estimates Cliffside Park, NJ Mon – Sat: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM njassetconstruction@gmail.com

Chimney · North New Jersey

Chimney Inspection in North New Jersey

A careful look at the condition and safety of your chimney before you buy a house, light the first fire of the season or commit to a repair.

  • Licensed & insured
  • Free written estimates
  • Mon – Sat: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Based in Cliffside Park, NJ

Chimney Inspection: what to know

You cannot see most of a chimney. The crown and cap are above eye level, the flue is hidden behind a damper, and the flashing is tucked under shingles. That is why chimney problems tend to announce themselves late, as a stain on the ceiling or a smell in the living room, long after the water or the heat started doing damage.

Asset Roofing & Chimney inspects masonry and prefabricated chimneys across North New Jersey for homeowners, buyers and property managers. We check the exterior from the roof, the firebox and damper from below, and the flue for obstructions, cracked tiles and creosote. Where the flue needs a closer look, a camera lets us see the full length of the liner. You receive a written summary with photos and clear recommendations.

Good times to schedule one: before closing on a home, after a chimney fire or lightning strike, when a furnace or water heater is switched to a different fuel, after a major storm, and yearly if you burn wood regularly. If you already suspect a problem, we can combine the inspection with a repair estimate in a single visit.

What chimney inspection from Asset includes

  • Exterior check of crown, cap, brick, mortar and flashing from the roof
  • Firebox, damper, smoke chamber and hearth condition
  • Flue check for obstructions, nests, creosote and cracked or missing tiles
  • Camera scan of the flue interior where needed
  • Condition of the chimney where it passes through the attic and roof deck
  • Written report with photos and recommendations in order of priority
  • Free, itemized estimate for any repairs we recommend
Roofer inspecting chimney flashing on an asphalt shingle roof

Common Problems

Signs you may need chimney inspection

You are buying or selling a house

A general home inspection usually covers the chimney from the ground and the firebox from the hearth, and little in between. A dedicated chimney inspection finds the cracked flue tiles, failed crowns and hidden water damage that show up as expensive surprises after closing.

Smoke drifts back into the room

A fireplace that smokes may have a blocked or undersized flue, a damper that does not open fully, a nest, or a draft problem caused by the house itself. Each has a different fix, and guessing wastes money. An inspection narrows it to the real cause.

You changed your heating system

Converting from oil to gas or installing a high-efficiency furnace changes the temperature and moisture of the exhaust going up the flue. Many older clay-lined chimneys cannot handle it safely. An inspection confirms whether the existing flue is sized and lined correctly for the new appliance.

There was a chimney fire or a storm

A chimney fire can crack flue tiles without any visible sign from the room. High winds and nor'easters can shift caps, crack crowns and loosen flashing. After either event, have the chimney checked before using the fireplace or heating appliance again.

Animals or nests

Birds, squirrels and raccoons find uncapped flues inviting. Nests block the draft and are a fire hazard, and animals that die inside create odors that are hard to remove. An inspection identifies blockages and whether a cap or screen would prevent the next visitor.

It has simply been a while

Masonry deteriorates slowly, and most of the damage happens out of sight. If nobody has looked at the chimney in several years, especially in a pre-1960 house, a routine inspection is the cheapest way to catch problems while they are still minor.

Our Process

How chimney inspection works with Asset

  1. 01

    Roof-level check

    We start at the top, where most problems begin: the crown, the cap, the flue opening, the brick and mortar above the roofline, and the flashing and counter-flashing where the chimney meets the roof.

  2. 02

    Interior check

    From below, we look at the firebox, damper and smoke chamber, then the flue itself. In the attic, we check clearances and look for staining, rot or daylight around the chimney chase.

  3. 03

    Report and next steps

    You get a written summary with photos, a plain explanation of what each finding means, and a recommendation on what to do about it. If repairs are warranted, the estimate is free and comes with no pressure.

FAQ

Chimney Inspection questions, answered

What are the different levels of chimney inspection?

Broadly, a basic inspection covers the readily accessible parts of the chimney with no tools beyond a flashlight. A more thorough inspection adds a camera scan of the flue and a look at accessible attic and crawl spaces, and is the usual recommendation when a property changes hands or an appliance is replaced. The most invasive type removes parts of the chimney or surrounding structure to investigate suspected hidden damage. We will tell you which fits your situation.

How often should a chimney be inspected?

Once a year is the common guidance for any chimney that is in use, whether it serves a fireplace, a furnace or a water heater. Wood-burning fireplaces that see heavy use benefit from a check before each heating season. Chimneys that are not in use still need an occasional look, because water damage does not care whether you light fires.

How long does a chimney inspection take?

Most residential inspections take about an hour, longer if the flue needs a camera scan, if there are multiple flues, or if we are also measuring for a liner. Commercial stacks and multi-family buildings take longer. We will give you a realistic window when you schedule.

Does a home inspector's report cover the chimney?

Only partly. Home inspectors generally note what they can see from the ground and the hearth and then recommend a specialist for anything further. If the report says the chimney was not fully evaluated, or flags anything at all, it is worth having us look before you negotiate the sale.

What does a chimney inspection cost?

The fee depends on the type of inspection, the number of flues, the height of the chimney and whether a camera scan is needed. We quote it up front when you call. If the inspection leads to repair work, the repair estimate itself is always free.

What happens if you find a problem?

We explain it, show you the photos, and tell you whether it is a safety issue, a water issue or a maintenance item. Then you get a written estimate for the fix. There is no obligation to use us for the repair, and the report is yours to share with a seller, buyer or insurance company.

Special offers

Current deals & promotions

All offers and terms
  • 5% Off

    Senior Discount: 5% Off

    Homeowners 65 and over save 5% on roofing and chimney work. Just mention it when you call or send the form.

    Code SENIOR5 Ongoing
    Get a Free Estimate
    Terms

    Homeowner must be 65 or older. Discount up to $750 per project. One offer per household. Cannot be combined with other offers. Must be mentioned before the estimate is signed. Valid for new contracts in our North New Jersey service area.

  • 10% Off

    Veterans, Active Military & First Responders: 10% Off

    Thank you for your service. Veterans, active-duty military, police, firefighters and EMS receive 10% off any roofing or chimney job, repair or replacement.

    Code SERVICE10 Ongoing
    Claim Your Discount
    Terms

    Valid ID or proof of service required. Discount up to $1,500 per project. One offer per household. Cannot be combined with other offers. Must be mentioned before the estimate is signed. Valid for new contracts in our North New Jersey service area.

  • $1,000 Off

    $1,000 Off Your First Roof Replacement

    New customers save $1,000 on a complete roof replacement, shingle or flat. Includes tear-off, new underlayment, flashing and a full clean-up, with the price in writing before we start.

    Code NEWROOF1000 Ends Dec 31, 2026
    Get a Replacement Estimate
    Terms

    New customers only. Applies to full roof replacements. One offer per household. Cannot be combined with other offers. Must be mentioned before the estimate is signed. Valid for new contracts in our North New Jersey service area.

  • $250 Off

    $250 Off a Chimney Rebuild or Stainless Liner

    Save $250 on a chimney rebuild from the roofline up or a new stainless steel liner installation. Both include a written inspection report with photos.

    Code CHIMNEY250 Ends Dec 31, 2026
    Request Chimney Service
    Terms

    Applies to chimney rebuilds and full liner installations. One offer per household. Cannot be combined with other offers. Must be mentioned before the estimate is signed. Valid for new contracts in our North New Jersey service area.

  • $200 Off

    Storm Damage Special: $200 Off Repairs

    After a nor'easter or wind storm, we document the damage for your insurance claim and take $200 off the repair. Call as soon as you notice missing shingles or a leak.

    Code STORM200 Ends Apr 30, 2027
    Request Storm Damage Repair
    Terms

    Applies to storm-related roof repairs of $1,000 or more. One offer per household. Cannot be combined with other offers. Must be mentioned before the estimate is signed. Valid for new contracts in our North New Jersey service area.

  • $100 Reward

    Refer a Neighbor, Get $100

    Know someone who needs a roof or chimney? When they sign a contract with Asset, you receive $100 and they get a free inspection report with photos.

    Code NEIGHBOR100 Ongoing
    Refer Someone
    Terms

    Reward paid after the referred project is completed and paid in full. Referrer must be named before the estimate. No limit on referrals.

Free Estimates · Licensed & Insured

Ready to talk about chimney inspection?

Tell us what you are seeing. We will come out, take a look, explain what we find, and give you a free written estimate. No pressure.

Schedule a Chimney Inspection (201) 727-3113

Mon – Sat: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM