What Is a Level 2 Chimney Inspection?
A Level 2 chimney inspection is the middle of the three inspection levels set by NFPA 211, the national standard for chimneys, fireplaces and vents. It includes everything in a Level 1 inspection, plus:
- A video scan of the full flue, from the smoke chamber to the top
- A look at the chimney where it passes through the attic and any crawl space
- A check of the roof areas around the chimney, including flashing, crown and cap
- A review of clearances from the chimney to nearby wood framing
You can read about all three levels on our chimney inspection page. The short version: a Level 1 is the yearly check. A Level 2 is for when something has changed or may have caused damage you cannot see.
When NFPA 211 Calls for a Level 2 Inspection
NFPA 211 lists clear triggers for a Level 2. The NFPA 211 standard is the rulebook that chimney technicians across the country follow.
| Trigger | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Sale or transfer of the property | The buyer needs to know the flue is sound before they light a fire |
| Change of appliance or fuel | A new insert, stove or switch from wood to gas may need a different flue size or a liner |
| After a chimney fire | Fire can crack clay tiles and warp metal flues without showing from the hearth |
| Storm, hail, earthquake or other event | Wind and hail crack crowns and move bricks. A tree limb can shift the whole stack |
| An operating problem | Smoke in the room, odors or poor draft with no clear cause |
Level 2 Inspections for Dallas Home Sales
Home sales are the most common reason Dallas homeowners call us for a Level 2. A general home inspection usually stops at the firebox and a look at the outside of the chimney. It does not run a camera through the flue.
Timing tips for buyers and sellers:
- Book early in the option period. Texas option periods are often short, so schedule the Level 2 as soon as your offer is accepted.
- Ask us about roof access. Tall two-story chimneys or steep roofs can need extra time. We tell you when you book.
- Share the report. Buyers can send it to their agent. Sellers can use it to answer questions before they come up.
- Use the estimate. If we find damage, the free written repair estimate gives both sides a real number to work with.
Older homes in Lakewood, Kessler Park and Preston Hollow often have clay tile flues that have never been scanned. Newer homes in North Dallas and Plano often have factory-built metal flues inside wood chases. Both can hide damage that only a camera finds.
The Video Scan of the Flue
The flue is the channel that carries smoke and gas out of the house. Most of it is hidden behind brick or framing. During a Level 2 we run a camera through the full length and record what we see.
The camera shows problems like:
- Cracked or missing clay flue tiles
- Gaps in mortar joints between tiles
- Glazed creosote or heavy buildup
- Separated or dented sections of a metal flue
- Nests, debris or other blockages
- Heat damage left behind by a past chimney fire
If the flue is too dirty for the camera to see, we sweep first. Our chimney sweep clears soot and creosote so the scan shows the real surface.
What the Level 2 Report Contains
You get a written report you can keep, share with a buyer or seller, or send to an insurance adjuster.
- Photos of each part of the system we checked
- The flue video findings, with the location of any damage
- A plain-language list of problems, ranked by safety
- A free written estimate for any repairs
- Notes on anything that does not meet NFPA 211 clearances
There is no upselling. If the chimney is in good shape, the report says so.
Signs You Need a Level 2 Chimney Inspection
Book a Level 2 instead of a standard inspection if any of these apply:
- You are buying or selling a home with a fireplace
- You had a chimney fire, or heard a loud roaring or popping sound from the flue
- Hail or high wind hit your home since the last inspection
- You plan to add a gas insert, wood stove or new gas logs
- A Level 1 found signs of damage it could not fully see
- Water is leaking near the chimney inside the attic or on a ceiling
Chimney Relining After a Level 2
When the scan shows cracked tiles or a damaged metal flue, the fix is often a new stainless steel liner. A liner gives smoke and gas a sealed path out and protects the framing around the chimney. Learn more on our chimney relining page, or see our full list of chimney repair services.
Book a Level 2 Chimney Inspection in Dallas
Chimney Sweep Keepers Dallas is a veteran-owned, family-run company at 6041 Village Bend Dr, near White Rock Lake. We are CSIA certified, licensed, bonded and insured. We answer 7 days a week from 7 AM to 11 PM and can often fit a Level 2 into a short option period. Call (469) 206-2085 and we will give you a time window and a price before we start.
