What Is a Level 2 Chimney Inspection?

By Robert (Bob) Anderson, 28 years of experience · November 8, 2026 · 6 min read

A Level 2 chimney inspection is a more detailed evaluation that includes a required video scan of the flue. It is used when a change or event may have affected the chimney, so the scan can reveal damage a basic visual check may miss.

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What a Level 2 Chimney Inspection Adds

A Level 2 inspection adds a video scan of the flue to the inspection. A small camera moves up or down the chimney and rotates so the inspector can look for cracks in flue tiles and failed mortar joints. The scan provides a closer view of parts of the flue that may not be visible during a basic inspection.

The CSIA Standard Operating Procedure for Level 2 inspections requires a video scan. If the flue’s size or offsets prevent scanning, the inspector notes that limitation in the report. Read the CSIA Level 2 inspection procedure for the standard’s details.

When a Level 2 Chimney Inspection Fits

How the Level 2 Flue Scan Is Carried Out

1. State why you need the inspection — Tell the sweep whether you are preparing for a sale, relining, changing an appliance, or checking possible fire or weather damage. That context helps focus the inspection on the change or event.
2. Identify the fireplace or heating appliance — Point out the appliance connected to the chimney and describe any change you have made or plan to make. This gives the inspector a clear starting point for evaluating the flue.
3. Make the fireplace accessible — Clear personal items from around the fireplace and move anything that blocks access to the opening. Keep the fire extinguished and the appliance cool before the visit.
4. Let the inspector examine the flue — The inspector uses a small camera to look through the flue. A video scan is a required part of a Level 2 inspection, rather than an optional extra.
5. Check the flue tiles and joints — The camera is rotated to view the flue surfaces. The scan looks for cracked tiles and mortar joints that have failed, which can affect the chimney’s condition.
6. Note any access limits — Offsets or a flue that is too small can prevent the camera from passing through. The Level 2 procedure calls for that limitation to be recorded in the report.
7. Review the findings before using the fireplace — Read the report for observed damage, areas the camera could not scan, and recommended next steps. If the inspection follows a suspected chimney fire, keep the appliance out of use until its condition has been assessed.

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Level 1 or Level 2: Which Chimney Inspection Do You Need?

The choice depends on whether anything about the chimney or its use has changed. The CSIA describes Level 1 as the usual inspection for routine cleaning and annual checks when no changes have occurred; Level 2 adds the video scan.

Signs That a Flue Needs More Than a Routine Look

A Level 2 inspection is based on a change or event, not just on how the fireplace looks from the room. Consider the reason for the inspection and share these details when you book:

• You heard or saw signs of a chimney fire — Stop using the fireplace and arrange an inspection before lighting another fire. A chimney fire can damage the flue even when the damage is not visible from indoors.
• You are buying or selling the home — Ask for a Level 2 inspection so the flue receives the required video scan as part of the evaluation.
• You plan to reline or change the appliance — Have the chimney evaluated before the change. The inspection can identify existing conditions that matter to the planned work.
• An event may have affected the chimney — Tell the sweep what happened and request an evaluation appropriate to the event. A camera scan can check the flue interior for damage that a surface view may not show.

What the Video Scan Can—and Cannot—Show

A video scan gives the inspector a closer look at the flue’s interior, including tile cracks and failed mortar joints. It does not mean every part of every chimney can be scanned: size and offsets can block the camera, and the inspection report should identify that limitation.

A scan also does not repair damage or remove deposits. The report is the record of what the inspection found and what could not be viewed. Ask about an unclear finding before authorizing repair work, and keep the report for future maintenance or property records.

For a suspected chimney fire, CSIA explains that extreme heat can damage chimney materials and that many chimney fires go undetected. Its chimney-fire guidance describes common fire conditions and potential damage.

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Booking a Level 2 Chimney Inspection

When you book, describe the reason for the Level 2 inspection and identify any fireplace or appliance connected to the chimney. Share whether the visit follows a sale, relining, appliance change, suspected fire, or weather event so the sweep knows what prompted the request.

The visit does not have one fixed duration: access, chimney layout, offsets, and whether the camera can pass through affect the inspection work. Ask about appointment availability when you book. We offer same-day service, and you can request an appointment through our contact page or learn about our chimney video inspection service.

Frequently asked questions