Chimney Inspection Levels Explained: Level 1 vs. Level 2

By Eagle Chimney MN · October 27, 2026

Buying a home, selling one, or just staying safe? Here's what Level 1 and Level 2 chimney inspections actually cover, and how to know which one you need.

What a Level 1 inspection covers

A Level 1 inspection is the standard annual check. We examine all the readily accessible parts of your chimney — the firebox, damper, smoke shelf area, the flue opening, and the exterior masonry, crown and cap — and verify the chimney is structurally sound and free of obstructions and combustible deposits. If your chimney hasn't changed since last year and you use it the same way, Level 1 is usually the right inspection.

What makes Level 2 different

A Level 2 inspection includes everything in Level 1 plus a video scan of the flue's interior. A camera travels the full length of the liner, revealing cracks, gaps, joint damage and blockages that simply cannot be seen from below with a flashlight. That interior view is what makes Level 2 the inspection of record for real-estate transactions, insurance questions and post-incident documentation.

When Level 2 is the right call

Schedule a Level 2 inspection when you're buying or selling a home, after any chimney fire, after a major storm or lightning strike, before relining the flue or changing heating appliances, or whenever a Level 1 inspection finds something that needs a closer look. It's also wise if the chimney sat unused for years — animals, debris and hidden deterioration are common.

What you get afterwards

Either way, you should walk away knowing your chimney's real condition: what we found, what it means, what needs attention now, and what can wait. At Eagle Chimney MN we explain findings in plain language and start every repair conversation with a free estimate, so the inspection leads to a clear decision — not a surprise bill.