Chimney & Fireplace Services in Northern Virginia

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 211 recommends that chimneys, fireplaces, and vents be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs should be completed when necessary.

Here are some common warning signs that may indicate your chimney should be inspected:

• Creosote buildup: A thick, black or tar-like buildup inside the chimney may indicate creosote accumulation. Because creosote can be highly flammable, a professional chimney inspection can help determine whether cleaning or other maintenance is needed.

• Unusual odors: Smoke or unusual odors coming from the chimney or fireplace may indicate a ventilation, blockage, or other chimney problem that should be evaluated.

• Damaged masonry: Cracked or missing bricks, deteriorating mortar, or other visible chimney damage can indicate that an inspection and possible repairs are needed.

• Reduced fireplace draft: If your fireplace is not drafting properly, there may be a blockage or ventilation problem that should be inspected.

• Visible water damage: Water stains, dampness, rust, or deterioration around the chimney can indicate moisture intrusion and should be evaluated.

Regular chimney inspections can help identify potential problems early and determine whether cleaning, maintenance, or repairs are needed.

Some common signs that your gas fireplace may need to be inspected include:

• Yellow or abnormal flame: A flame that looks yellow or otherwise unusual may indicate a combustion or ventilation issue that should be evaluated by a qualified professional.

• Strong gas odor: If you smell gas around your fireplace, treat it as a potential gas leak and address it immediately. Follow your gas utility's emergency instructions and have the fireplace professionally inspected before using it again.

• Reduced heating performance: If your gas fireplace is not heating as effectively as it once did or its performance has changed, an inspection can help identify potential problems.

• Visible damage: Cracks, deterioration, or other visible damage around the fireplace, firebox, venting, or chimney should be professionally evaluated before continued use.

• Unusual operation: Changes such as difficulty starting, unusual sounds, soot, or other abnormal operation can indicate that your gas fireplace should be inspected.

Regular professional inspections can help identify potential problems with your gas fireplace and determine whether cleaning, maintenance, or repairs are needed.

A qualified NVA Home Services technician will evaluate your chimney, wood-burning fireplace, gas fireplace, or wood or pellet stove to assess its condition and identify any cleaning, maintenance, or repair needs.

For a chimney inspection, our technician begins inside by visually inspecting the firebox, smoke chamber, smoke shelf, damper, and accessible portions of the flue tiles or liner. We then inspect the exterior of the chimney and accessible upper sections, including the masonry or brickwork, chimney crown, flashing, upper flue tiles or liner, and chimney cap.

For a gas fireplace inspection, our technician visually evaluates the accessible components of the appliance, including the glass doors, seals, log set placement, wiring, gas lines and connections, ignition system, remote or wall switch, pilot light, burners, flame characteristics, and ventilation exhaust.If our technician finds that during the visual inspection your chimney needs swept or your gas appliance needs cleaned or serviced, they will perform those services utilizing tarps, (when applicable), and high powered vacuums with HEPA filters to ensure your house remains clean.

If the inspection indicates that your chimney needs cleaning or your gas fireplace requires cleaning or servicing, our technician can discuss the recommended service with you. When cleaning or servicing is performed, we use protective tarps when appropriate and high-powered vacuums with HEPA filtration to help keep your home clean.

During the inspection, our technician completes an inspection report documenting the findings. The report is provided to you along with your invoice, which can be paid securely online or by mailing a check.

If we identify additional chimney or fireplace work that may be needed, we can provide a written estimate with photo documentation for your review and approval. Once approved, we will work with you to schedule the recommended cleaning, maintenance, or repairs.