Chicagoland & Suburbs • Cook, Lake, DuPage, McHenry, Will, Kane
2,400+ 5-Star Reviews
Fireplace & Venting Safety
Chimney Camera Scan ($250)
$250 for the first flue, $150 for each additional flue. A camera is inserted into the chimney flue to inspect for blockages, deteriorated mortar joints, cracks, and creosote buildup. Clay tile flue repairs commonly range from $8,000 to $12,000 or more.
Is a Chimney Scan Worth It for You?
An honest breakdown of the pros, cons, and when the risk justifies the cost.
Pros
- Chimney flue repairs — particularly in clay tile flues — commonly range from $8,000 to $12,000 or more. A $300 inspection is a low-cost way to know what you are buying before closing.
- Identifies active safety concerns including blocked flues, structural cracks, and creosote accumulation that can pose fire or carbon monoxide risks.
- Provides negotiating leverage when significant findings are documented before the sale closes.
Cons
- Metal flues have far fewer problems and significantly lower repair costs.
- If the fireplace will not be used, some issues — while real — carry less urgency.
When the Risk Is High
- The home has clay tile flues, which are the most common type in older Chicagoland homes and the most failure-prone
- The fireplace or wood-burning appliance has been actively and regularly used
- The home is older and there is no documentation of recent chimney service
When the Risk Is Low
- The home has metal flues in good documented condition
- The fireplace is a gas-insert type that has been recently serviced
- The buyer has no intention of using the fireplace