1. Chimney Cap
The chimney cap refers to the metal cover that is installed at the very top of your chimney. The main function is to keep rain, snow, debris, and animals out. A missing or damaged chimney cap is among the most commonly found problems by inspectors and also among those that are the easiest to overlook.

Real-life example: In one inspection, a homeowner complained of birds noise coming. Turns out, the chimney cap had blown off during a storm, and a family of starlings had made the flue their home. A simple cap replacement solved the issue and prevented future nesting.

2. Crown
The crown is that sloped concrete or mortar top which seals the chimney to the outside elements; when cracked or deteriorated, water can penetrate the masonry below, freeze during more frigid months, and do damage over time.

While inspecting, professionals will assess whether the crown is sufficiently sloped and sealed. Even small, hairline cracks suggest early water intrusion, particularly in older homes.

3. Flue Liner
The flue liner is one of the most critical elements to consider in chimney safety. It lines the inside of the flue and protects the walls of your house from heat and combustion byproducts. It also ensures efficient air venting.

Inspections look for cracks, gaps, and spalling (pieces flaking off). If the flue liner is damaged, it poses a serious hazard: it can permit fire or carbon monoxide to enter your living space.

A real-life example: A homeowner in Virginia Beach discovered that her clay liner had collapsed only after she made the inspection appointment in preparation for listing her house. It not only prevented a potential major fire hazard but also increased her property’s value and allowed her to pass the real estate inspection.

4. Firebox
Firebox is the part where you stack your actual fire. This is usually lined with some firebricks and refractory mortar. With time, high temperature, creosote, and moisture cause these things to crack or deteriorate.

Indeed, they inspect loose bricks, worn mortar joints, or clear evidence of heating stress, and so forth. A tiny crack would be enough for flames or gases to seep through an opening and reach structural framing behind the walls.

5. Smoke Chamber
While the smoke chamber functions to compress smoke before flue entry, it is also a place where creosote and soot can accumulate. This area can create turbulence in the flow of smoke.

If the chamber is not properly purged, it can cause some smoke to back up or to burn unevenly. Inspections will determine if the smoke chamber is shaped and sealed properly and whether or not there is excessive buildup.

6. Damper
The damper can control airflow as it opens during a fire to release smoke and closes to prevent draughts when the fireplace is not in use. A damper stuck in a rusty state or broken is inefficient and will allow for the entry of cold air instead or back draft in smoke into the house.

Technicians check for complete opening and tight closing of dampers and check for signs of rust or abnormal warping, particularly in the case of older homes with classic throat dampers.

7. Masonry and Brickwork
Your chimney is built to withstand the continuous assault of heat, weather, and time. As it stands, pretty much unfinished through freeze-thaw cycling and moisture intrusion over the years, these bricks and mortar can crack, spall, and decay.

Usually, inspections confirm the absence of mortar joints or the presence of loose bricks for chimneys that have been denied protective crowns or caps. It is imperative to repair this kind of damage right away so the water doesn’t have time to wander down further into the chimney structure.

8. Flashing
Flashing is a metal barrier between the chimney and the roof to seal it in a space. It is the first line of defense to keep water from ingressing. One of the most common causes of chimney leaks is damaged flashing.

The inspectors check for rust, edges lifted, or decay in the sealant. Bad flashing can lead to leaks in the attic, mold, or rotting wood in the framing underneath the roofline.

9. Ash Dump and Cleanout Door
An ash dump is a compartment found in homes with wood-burning fireplaces, designed to store ashes from the firebox. The cleanout door is usually has its location in the basement or on the outside of the house as an entryway into this chamber.

Ash dump doors are checked by chimney sweeps who inspect their sealing, assess how much ash is accumulated, and investigate how safe and structurally sound the ash pit is.

10. Chimney Chase (for factory-built systems)
Prefabricated or factory-built fireplaces are preserved inside the chimney, which is usually enclosed by wood or metal chases. Inspectors check that the chase cover is secure and hasn’t rusted or leaked and that the siding around it hasn’t suffered any damage.