Water Stains or a Damp Firebox
Moisture inside the firebox or on the ceiling beside the chimney means the crown, cap or flashing is letting water in. An inspection finds the entry point before it reaches framing.
Licensed & Insured5-Star RatedFrom $59
Chimney Inspection in Chicago, IL — Photos, Findings, Straight Answers
A flat-rate inspection from experienced local technicians serving Chicagoland. Every component is checked, photographed and rated safe, monitor or repair — in writing, the same day.
- Written Photo Report
- Same-Day Appointments
- No Upsell Pressure
- Flat $59 / $79 Pricing
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Get Your Free Chimney Estimate
Fill in your details and we'll get back to you about your chimney — wherever you're located in our service areas.
$59 flat inspection
Published price for a standard inspection, $79 for a full Level 2 camera scan. No trip fees, no hourly surprises.
Written photo report
Every finding is photographed and explained in plain English — yours to keep for insurance, realtors or a second opinion.
No scare-tactic upsells
If the chimney is safe, we tell you it's safe. We quote repairs only when the photos show they're needed.
Same-day & next-day slots
Tight arrival windows, a courtesy call before we come, and most inspections done in 45–60 minutes.
Step 1 — When to Book
Three Reasons Homeowners Call for an Inspection
Chimney problems are hidden by design — most of the system is inside a masonry shaft you can't see. These are the moments when guessing gets expensive.
Smoke, Odor or Weak Draft
A flue that won't draw is either blocked, sized wrong or coated in creosote. An inspection tells you which one — and whether it is safe to light another fire.
Buying, Selling or Insuring the Home
Lenders, insurers and buyers ask for documented chimney condition. A Level 2 camera inspection gives you a dated report that answers the question.
Not sure it's urgent? A $59 inspection answers the question with photos.
(682) 217-3577Chicago inspection appointments
Get a Clear Answer Before You Light the Next Fire
Speak with a technician about your fireplace, leak, home purchase or insurance request. We’ll match you with the right inspection level without overselling.
Prefer to send details?
Share what you're seeing and we'll contact you to confirm the right next step.
Request My InspectionPhoto report & straight answers · No obligation
Free 30-Second Tool
Which Inspection Level Do You Need?
Three questions and you'll know whether a standard visual inspection is enough or whether the flue should be scanned with a camera.
Question 1 of 3
Why are you booking an inspection?
Step 2 — The Three Levels
Inspection Levels, Explained Without the Jargon
The industry defines three inspection levels. Here is exactly what each one covers and what it costs with Captain Chimney Repair.
Level 1
$59
Standard Visual Inspection
Best for: annual safety checks on a chimney in regular, unchanged use.
- Firebox, damper and accessible flue interior
- Crown, cap, flashing and exterior masonry
- Draft and clearance check
- Written report with photos
Level 2
$79
Camera Scan Inspection
Best for: home sales, after a chimney fire or storm, or any time something has changed.
- Everything in a standard inspection
- Full-length camera scan of the flue liner
- Joints, cracks, gaps and blockages documented
- Accessible attic, crawlspace and roof review
- Report suitable for realtors and insurers
Level 3
Quoted
Investigative Inspection
Best for: confirmed hazards where concealed areas must be opened up.
- Used only when a Level 2 finds a serious hidden defect
- Removal of specific masonry or wall sections
- Scoped and priced in writing before any work starts
Step 3 — What Gets Checked
Every Component, Documented
Six systems, one report. You see a photo of each one — not a checkbox on a clipboard.
Firebox & Damper
Cracked panels, failed refractory mortar and dampers that no longer seal are the most common findings — and the cheapest to fix early.
Flue Liner
We check for cracks, gaps, shifted tiles and creosote glaze. A compromised liner lets heat and carbon monoxide reach the structure.
Crown & Chase Cover
The concrete crown is the chimney's roof. Hairline cracks turn into water damage in a single freeze-thaw cycle.
Cap & Spark Arrestor
Missing or rusted caps invite rain, birds and embers. We photograph the cap from above so you can see it yourself.
Flashing & Roofline
Where the chimney meets the roof is the number-one leak point. We check the step and counter flashing and the seal behind it.
Draft & Clearances
We confirm the chimney draws correctly and that combustible clearances meet code for your appliance.
Step 4 — How the Visit Runs
Book My Inspection
One Hour, One Clear Report
No mystery, no jargon and no pressure at the end of it — just evidence and a recommendation you can act on when you're ready.
1. Book the Appointment
Call or send your details. We confirm the inspection level, the flat price and an arrival window that suits your day.
2. Interior Walkthrough
Drop cloths down, then firebox, damper, hearth and clearances are examined and photographed.
3. Flue & Roof Review
Camera up the liner where needed, then crown, cap and flashing checked from the roof.
4. Written Report
Findings, photos and a clear safe / monitor / repair rating for each component.
5. Plain-English Walkthrough
We go through the report with you, answer questions and quote only what the photos justify.
Step 5 — See the Findings
What Our Inspections Turn Up
Real chimneys we inspected — and the repairs the photos justified.
5-Star Rated
What Homeowners Say About Us
5.0 average rating
Serving Chicago, Illinois and the surrounding area
“Water was coming in around our chimney every time it rained. Captain found the cracked crown and bad flashing, explained everything clearly, and fixed it in one visit. Not a drop since.”
Michael R.
Chimney Leak Repair · San Antonio, TX · 2 weeks ago
“Very professional from start to finish. The inspection was thorough, they showed me photos of everything, and the cleaning was spotless — no mess left behind. Fair price too.”
Sarah K.
Chimney Inspection & Cleaning · Austin, TX · 1 month ago
“Our 90-year-old brick chimney was crumbling. The tuckpointing work is beautiful — it looks brand new but still matches the house perfectly. True craftsmen.”
David & Anna T.
Tuckpointing & Masonry Repair · Houston, TX · 1 month ago
Step 6 — Know the Price First
Book NowFlat-Rate Inspection Pricing
$59
Standard Inspection
Visual check with photo report
$79
Level 2 Inspection
Camera scan of the flue interior
$99
Sweep + Inspection
Book together and save the second trip
10% Heroes Discount for military, veterans, police, firefighters, EMTs and seniors 65+.
FAQs
Chimney Inspection Questions
Ask us anything before you book — including whether you need an inspection at all. We'll tell you straight.
(682) 217-3577A standard visual inspection is a flat $59 and a full Level 2 camera inspection is $79. Both include a written report with photos. There are no travel charges and no hourly billing — you know the price before we arrive.
Once a year for any chimney or fireplace that is used, and always before buying a home, after a chimney fire, after a major storm, or when you change the appliance or fuel type.
A Level 1 inspection is a visual check of the readily accessible parts — firebox, damper, accessible flue, crown, cap and flashing. A Level 2 adds a full-length camera scan of the flue liner plus a review of accessible attic, crawlspace and roof areas. Level 2 is the standard for property sales and after any event that could have damaged the chimney.
Most standard inspections take 45 to 60 minutes. A Level 2 camera inspection usually runs 60 to 90 minutes depending on the number of flues and roof access.
Yes. Unused chimneys still take on water through a cracked crown, lose mortar to freeze-thaw damage and attract birds and squirrels into the flue. An inspection catches those problems before they reach the roof or ceiling.
No. You get the photos and a safe / monitor / repair rating for each component. If nothing needs work we say so in writing, and you are free to take the report to anyone else.
Yes, and most homeowners do. Booking a $99 sweep together with an inspection saves a second trip, and the flue is easier to assess once the creosote is cleared.
Yes — a 10% Heroes Discount for military members, veterans, police, firefighters, EMTs and seniors 65+. Mention it when you book.
Chimney Inspections by City
Need the flue cleaned too? See our $99 chimney sweep · Chimney repair services.
Book Your $59 Chimney Inspection
A full written report with photos, usually within a day or two of your call — and an honest answer about whether anything needs fixing.