Booking a chimney inspection is one of the smartest steps you can take as a homeowner in Manchester, Bedford, Merrimack, Concord, or anywhere across Southern New Hampshire. A little preparation on your end helps our CSIA-certified team work efficiently, protect your home, and deliver a thorough, accurate report. So what should you actually do before the appointment? Let’s walk through the questions homeowners ask most often.
How Do I Clear the Area Around My Fireplace for an Inspection?
Our technicians need clear, comfortable access to your fireplace, hearth, and any connected appliances to perform a complete chimney inspection. Many homes in Bedford and Goffstown feature living rooms built around the fireplace, which often means furniture, décor, and family photos sit right in the work zone. Taking a few minutes to clear the space before we arrive helps us focus on your chimney instead of working around your belongings. Here’s what we recommend:
- Move furniture, rugs, and decorations at least six to eight feet away from the hearth.
- Remove items from the mantel, including photos, candles, and keepsakes.
- Clear a path from your entry door to the fireplace so our team can bring in equipment easily.
- Take down fireplace screens or glass doors if they’re easy to remove, or let us know if they’re fixed in place.
- Provide clear access to your attic, basement, or furnace room if your flue connects to those areas.
- Move vehicles or outdoor items that could block ladder placement near the exterior of your chimney.
Do I Need To Remove Ashes Before a Chimney Inspection?
Leaving the ashes in place is usually fine, and in many cases, we actually prefer it. Our technicians bring drop cloths, protective covers, and specialized vacuums designed to handle soot and ash without spreading dust through your home. If you’ve been burning regularly in Manchester or Concord during the heating season, there’s no need to scoop out the firebox before we arrive.
Ash can also tell us a story. The amount, texture, and color of the residue sometimes help us spot burning habits or fuel issues worth discussing during your chimney inspection.
If you do decide to clean out the firebox, give the ashes at least 72 hours to cool completely. Hot embers can stay active far longer than most homeowners expect. Always place ashes in a metal container with a tight lid, and store it outdoors on a noncombustible surface away from your home, deck, and garage.
Should Pets Be Kept Away During a Chimney Inspection?
We love meeting the dogs and cats of Southern New Hampshire, but we do recommend keeping pets in a separate room or crate during your chimney inspection. Our team moves in and out of your home, sets up ladders, and uses equipment like inspection cameras, work lights, and high-powered vacuums. The noise and activity can startle even the calmest animals.
Open doors present another concern. A curious dog in Merrimack or a skittish cat in Auburn can slip outside in seconds while our technicians carry gear back and forth. Soot and debris can also irritate a pet’s paws, eyes, and lungs if they wander too close to the work area.
A quiet bedroom with water, a favorite toy, and a closed door usually works well. If your pet tends to get anxious around visitors, consider scheduling a walk or a short visit with a neighbor during our appointment window.
Can I Use My Fireplace the Night Before an Inspection?
We ask homeowners to avoid using the fireplace for at least 24 hours before a chimney inspection. A fire the night before leaves the firebox, damper, and flue hot, and our technicians can’t properly examine surfaces that are still too warm to touch. Heat can also keep smoke and fine particles lingering in the flue, which makes camera footage harder to read.
Active embers create another problem. Even a fire that looks completely out can hold hot coals beneath the ash bed for many hours, and we can’t begin a hands-on evaluation until everything has cooled.
We understand that a cold night in Concord or Bedford makes a crackling fire tempting. If you rely on a wood stove or fireplace insert for heat, let us know when you book, and we’ll help you plan around your appointment. A brief pause in burning helps us deliver a more thorough, accurate assessment of your system.
What Are Common Issues Found During Chimney Inspections?
Every chimney inspection we perform comes with a detailed report that includes photos, measurements, and clear recommendations. Over the years, we’ve seen the same handful of problems appear in homes from Manchester to Exeter, often caused by New Hampshire’s freeze-thaw cycles and heavy seasonal use. Here are the issues we find most often:
- Creosote buildup: This flammable residue coats flue walls over time and remains a leading cause of chimney fires.
- Cracked or damaged flue liners: Gaps in the liner can allow heat and gases to reach combustible materials in your walls.
- Deteriorating masonry: Water and repeated freezing break down mortar joints and bricks, leading to spalling and instability.
- Damaged chimney crowns and caps: Cracks in the crown or a missing cap let rain, snow, and animals into the flue.
- Flashing leaks: Worn or improperly installed flashing allows water to seep into your attic and ceilings.
- Blockages: Nests, leaves, and debris can restrict airflow and push smoke and carbon monoxide back into your home.
Does Prep Change Depending on What Type of Chimney Inspection I’m Having?
Preparation does shift slightly depending on the level of chimney inspection you schedule. A Level I inspection covers the readily accessible portions of your chimney, so clearing the hearth area and pausing fireplace use is usually all you need to do.
A Level II inspection goes further, including a video scan of the flue and a look at accessible areas of your attic, basement, and crawl spaces. It’s typically required when you buy or sell a home in Merrimack or Concord, change fuel types, or after a chimney fire or severe storm. For this level, make sure our team can easily reach those additional spaces.
A Level III inspection is the most in-depth and may involve removing portions of the chimney structure or surrounding walls to investigate serious concerns. We’ll walk you through exactly what to expect beforehand so there are no surprises.
Trust Your Chimney Inspection to Southern New Hampshire’s Local Experts
A little preparation goes a long way toward a smooth, thorough chimney inspection. As a veteran-owned, locally operated company led by a CSIA Master Chimney Sweep, Ceaser Chimney Service proudly serves homeowners in Manchester, Bedford, Merrimack, Concord, and surrounding towns. We treat your home with care, clean up after ourselves, and deliver detailed reports you can trust. Reach out to our team today to schedule your inspection and keep your hearth healthy all year long.