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Chimney inspection camera (C) Daniel Friedman Inspecting Chimney Flues by Remote Cameras

Chimscan and other chimney interior flue inspection camera systems:

This article describes the use of a remote camera and lighting to perform a safety inspection of the condition of a chimney flue interior.

These articles on chimneys and chimney safety provide detailed suggestions describing how to perform a thorough visual inspection of chimneys for safety and other defects. Chimney inspection methods and chimney repair methods are also discussed.

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

Inspecting Chimney Flues by Remote Cameras

Preparing to inspect a chimney flue with a camera (C) Daniel Friedman

Peering up into a chimney flue from below or down into a flue from a rooftop access point, even with a bright light, is pretty much staring into a black abyss.

Chimney inspection camera (C) Daniel Friedman

It is difficult to see all of the interior chimney surfaces.

Quite a few chimney cleaning companies offer a camera service which is in essence, a fisheye lens attached to a video camera which is lowered through the flue or which may be inserted into a chimney flue from inside the building at a fireplace or chimney thimble.

A Chimscan® is a common chimney inspection system you may hear about. Chimney inspection cameras permit a more careful inspection of the condition of the entire flue interior.

Especially on older masonry flues of unknown condition, this step can be quite valuable in assessing the safety and security of the flue against fire, spark, or gas leaks.

Our photos, compliments of Mike Grossman in Duluth, MN, and other northern Minnesota contributors (HC & AC) show a special chimney inspection camera being prepared for use during a chimney inspection.

ChimScan flue inspection camera being prepared for use in a Minnesota home (C) InspectApedia.com A Church

Shown above and below, the ChimScan chimney flue inspection camera being prepared for use in a Two Harbors MN home.

ChimScan flue inspection camera being prepared for use in a Minnesota home (C) InspectApedia.com A Church

Below: the technician sends the ChimScan camera UP the flue from inside the home by adding additional extensions to its push rod.

ChimScan flue inspection camera being prepared for use in a Minnesota home (C) InspectApedia.com A Church

And below we see examples of what the chimney inspection camera can disclose: open mortar joints between clay chimney flue tiles - a potential fire or combustion gas hazard, and cracked flue tiles - the same hazard.

Open mortar joints between clay chimney flue tiles are a potential fire or combustion gas hazard (C) InspectApedia.com A Church

Photos courtesy of InspectApedia.com editor A. Church.

Cracks in a clay chimney flue tile  are a potential fire or combustion gas hazard (C) InspectApedia.com A Church

See more about this chimney repair

at CHIMNEY RE-LINING CHOICES - chimney lining alternatives when a flue liner is missing or damaged.

Below: our illustration provided by Carson Dunlop Associates shows the dangers of gaps between traditional clay tile flue liners.

Incomplete chimney liner (C) Carson Dunlop Associates

 




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Below you will find questions and answers previously posted on this page at its page bottom reader comment box.

Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

Question:

(Nov 29, 2011) catherine e robinson said:
how can i get a professional chimney person to check my zero clearance fireplace to see if scorching occurred ?

Reply:

Call your local fire inspector (in your building department or fire department) or when calling local fireplace or chimney contractors and inspectors ask their experience and credentials including membership in the National Chimney Sweeps Guild.


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