Sweep & inspection
Caps & crowns
Flue relining
Masonry repair
Gas fireplace serviceLevel 1 sweep and inspection to the NFPA 211 annual standard - flue, crown, cap, and flashing checked and photographed
Chimney sweep logs do not sweep chimneys. They loosen some creosote - which then falls where a brush and vacuum still have to collect it.
Trusted Chimney Inspection for Westminster Homeowners
A chimney inspection in Westminster answers one question honestly: is this flue safe to burn in? Westminster’s dry, windy Front Range days and the hard freezes that follow a warm afternoon push a lot of stress onto masonry, caps and liners, and most of it happens quietly out of sight. Our technicians have up to 9 years of experience and carry a camera that shows you the inside of your own flue rather than asking you to take our word for it. We inspect, sweep and repair, so nothing gets handed off. Much of what we recommend is safety, not sales, and we say plainly when a chimney can wait. Call (844) 785-0715 to book. We answer 24/7, and fast dispatch from 7am to 7pm gets a trained technician to your door.
Fireplace Inspection
A fireplace inspection is the close look at the firebox, damper, smoke shelf and the fire-facing masonry rather than the long run of the flue. You need one when you’ve just bought a home, when smoke rolls into the room instead of up the draw, when the firebox bricks or mortar joints look crumbly, or when nobody has checked the fireplace in more than a year. At Hillcrest Chimney Sweep we check for cracked firebox panels, deteriorated mortar, a damper that no longer seals, and gaps where heat and embers can reach framing. Expect a fireplace inspection to fall in the $150-$350 range, and the written estimate sets the exact figure.
Firebox and damper check
We test the damper by hand and look for warped or broken plates that let heated gas escape the firebox. The firebox floor and rear wall get a close read for cracking and missing mortar joints. Anything failing here is put in writing before we leave.
Smoke and draft testing
A fireplace that smokes usually has a draft problem, an opening that’s the wrong size, or a flue that’s partially blocked or undersized. We test the draw and compare it against the opening and flue dimensions. That tells us whether the fix is a sweep, damper work, or a change at the top of the chimney.
Styles & brands we work with
- Sweep & inspection
- Caps & crowns
- Flue relining
- Masonry repair
- Gas fireplace service
Chimney Inspection Services
Chimney Inspection Services at Hillcrest Chimney Sweep are the full exterior-to-firebox review: cap, crown, flashing, masonry joints, liner, damper and firebox, all in one visit. You need them after a storm, when water stains show up on the ceiling near the chase, when a unit changes hands, or whenever more than a year has passed since the last look. We inspect from the roof down and from the firebox up, use professional-grade hardware from brands like Olympia Chimney and Copperfield, and document the findings with photos rather than vague notes. Chimney Inspection Services in Westminster typically run $150-$450 depending on how much of the system has to be opened or photographed. The written estimate settles it before any work begins.
Exterior structure review
On the roof we check the cap and spark screen, the concrete crown, the flashing where the chimney meets shingles, and the mortar joints on the stack. Westminster’s freeze-thaw cycles open small cracks that later soak the masonry, so we look at the joints closely. Decking and framing near the chase get checked for the water staining that points to a hidden leak.
Interior components review
Inside, we look at the damper, the smoke chamber, the firebox and the visible liner. A camera run confirms what the eye can’t reach. Findings are grouped by what’s safety-related versus what can wait, so you can plan rather than panic.
Chimney Flue Inspection
A chimney flue inspection is the focused check of the flue itself, the passage that carries smoke and carbon monoxide out of the house. You need one when you switch fuels (say, wood to gas), when an appliance is replaced or added to the flue, when you’re buying a home, or when creosote has been building for a season or two. We scan the flue with a camera, check for gaps between liner sections, confirm the liner is the right size for the appliance, and flag cracks and missing mortar in the surrounding tile. A chimney flue inspection runs about $150-$400 in Westminster, with the written estimate fixing the price. Anything we find comes with the picture to back it up.
Liner condition
We look for cracks, spalling and separations in the liner and for liner sections that don’t line up. A liner with gaps is not a small problem, because heat and carbon monoxide can move into the masonry instead of up the chimney. If the liner is failing, HeatShield ceramic resurfacing or a DuraFlex liner replacement is part of what we handle.
Flue sizing for the appliance
An oversized flue runs too cool, which drives creosote buildup. An undersized one drafts poorly. We measure the flue against the appliance that’s actually connected to it, then explain whether the mismatch is worth correcting.
Chimney Fire
A chimney fire is a burn that starts inside the flue itself, usually in the creosote that coats the liner walls, and it can be loud and obvious or slow, quiet and easy to miss. Any burn on another surface needs our visit if you’ve heard roaring or popping, felt a strong heat from the chimney, or seen flames or dark smoke come out of the top. We inspect for the signs a fire leaves behind: warped dampers, cracked flue tile, broken liner sections and puffed creosote. Left alone, a chimney fire damages the liner that is supposed to keep the heat and gases away from the house. A post-fire inspection in Westminster is generally $150-$400 depending on how much has to be opened and imaged. Call (844) 785-0715 if you’re unsure. Our technicians are trained on what to look for, not what to upsell.
Signs a fire has already happened
We look for the tells: puffy, honeycombed creosote, cracked or spalled tile, warped damper plates and heat discoloration around the top of the stack. A chimney of this kind can look sound from the outside and be damaged inside. The camera shows you exactly what fired.
What the inspection covers after a burn
We check the firebox, damper, smoke chamber, liner and the top of the stack for damage and note what has to be repaired before the fireplace is safe again. The report separates urgent items from cosmetic ones. Nothing gets pushed on you that the photos don’t justify.
Level 2 Chimney Inspection
A level 2 chimney inspection is a detailed exam of the accessible chimney and flue using a camera, and it’s what the trades call for after a chimney fire, after an earthquake or storm event, on a home-sale transaction, and whenever an appliance changes or a flue is resized. At Hillcrest Chimney Sweep we run the camera through the flue, check every joint and transition, and inspect the attic, crawlspace and roof where the chimney touches the structure. This is the inspection a real estate clause usually calls for, and it gives a buyer or seller something documented to sign. A level 2 chimney inspection in Westminster typically costs $200-$500 depending on access and how much of the system has to be photographed. The written estimate is the final word, and findings are reviewed with you in plain terms.
When a level 2 is the right call
It’s the right call when a home is changing hands, after a fire or a storm, and when the appliance or flue configuration changes. A standard sweep-plus-look isn’t enough in those cases because the camera is what catches hidden damage. You get a report with photos you can share with an inspector or a buyer.
What the level 2 adds beyond a basic look
Beyond the sweep, it includes the camera run through the full flue, a check of attic and crawlspace where the chimney passes through, and a review of the connected appliance’s venting. The result is a documented snapshot rather than a verbal impression. We cover what the report means and what, if anything, needs attention now.
Chimney Leak
A chimney leak is water getting into the chimney or the house through the cap, crown, flashing, mortar joints or a failed chase cover, and it’s the problem most often mistaken for a roof leak. You need our visit when you see water stains on the ceiling near the chimney, damp patches on the chase, rusty damper hardware, or crumbling mortar after a storm. We inspect from the top down, check the cap and spark screen, look at the crown for cracking, and test the flashing where the chimney meets the roof. Leaks usually trace back to missing or failed Gelco or Famco components, or to mortar that froze and opened over winter. A chimney leak inspection in Westminster generally runs $150-$400, and the written estimate sets the price. We show you the photograph of the failed joint rather than describing it.
Where chimney leaks usually start
The cap, the crown and the flashing where the chimney meets the roof are the most common entry points, followed by cracked mortar joints in the stack. Water that gets in at the top shows up much lower, which is why an interior stain is a poor guide to the source. We track it from the top down.
Water damage versus active leak
Older efflorescence and staining can look like a current problem when it isn’t. We separate old water marks from fresh ones and check for rust and rot that point to an active leak. If it’s an old stain and a sound crown, we’ll say so instead of selling a repair.
Chimney Camera Inspection
A chimney camera inspection is a video run of the flue interior with a light on the end of a flexible rod, and it’s the only way to see the parts of the liner the eye cannot reach from the firebox. You need one when you’re buying a home, after a chimney fire, when a liner is suspected of cracking, or when a draft problem persists after a sweep. We run the camera the full length of the flue, record it, and walk you through the footage on the spot. Findings like a cracked tile, an offset joint, or a gap at the top of a liner are shown to you directly, not summarized into a sales proposal. A chimney camera inspection in Westminster runs $150-$400 depending on the length of the run and the access. You keep the photo report, and nothing is recommended that the camera didn’t show.
What the camera can show
The camera catches cracked and spalled flue tile, gaps between liner sections, missing mortar at joints, blockages from nests or debris, and heat damage that never reached the surface. It records the whole run so the evidence is on file. You see the same footage we do, at the same time.
Why video evidence matters
A homeowner can’t verify a claim about liner damage from the ground, and that’s where trust gets fragile. The video removes the guesswork: if a repair is needed, the footage shows where, and if nothing is wrong, the footage shows that too. It’s the fairest way to settle the question.
Brands We Service
We work with DuraFlex flexible liner systems and know where those liners wear at the seams and at the top connection. We use HeatShield ceramic resurfacing when a liner is deteriorating but still worth saving, and we know when that approach makes sense versus when a full DuraFlex replacement does. Our familiarity with Olympia Chimney and Copperfield components helps us match caps, covers and connectors to what’s actually on the chimney. These are the brands chimney specialists trust, and using them is not improvisation.
We also work with Gelco and Famco on caps, covers and ventilation hardware, the protective pieces that keep water and animals out of the flue. The right cap and the right crown matter as much as the firebox itself. Whether you have Olympia Chimney, Famco, Copperfield, DuraFlex or any other make, we can help. Our inspection and report tell you what’s there, what’s failing, and what it takes to put it right. From cap to firebox, we handle the whole system.
See the difference
Before
After
Before
After
Before
AfterSigns You Need a Pro Right Now
- Smoke rolling back into the room. A fireplace that used to draw well and now doesn’t points to a blockage, a damaged flue, or a sizing problem. It’s worth having it checked before the next fire.
- Water stains or damp patches near the chimney. Staining on the ceiling or the chase is a sign water is getting in, and the entry point is almost always higher than the stain. Left alone, a leak rots framing and destroys mortar.
- Rusty damper or creosote flakes in the firebox. Rust points to moisture in the flue; flakes of creosote mean buildup is heavy enough to be a fire risk. Both are reasons to inspect before lighting another fire.
- A roaring or popping sound during a burn. That’s a possible chimney fire and should be treated as one. Don’t burn again until the flue has been inspected.
- More than a year since the last inspection. Creosote builds silently, and a cracked liner doesn’t announce itself. An annual look is the cheapest safety check on the whole system.
Our Process, Step by Step
- 1
Book and confirm the scope. We ask what you’ve noticed and confirm the kind of inspection the situation calls for. The price is set by written estimate before any work begins, and there’s no fee added at the door.
- 2
Exterior check. On the roof we review the cap, crown, flashing, mortar and chase components, with attention to the Gelco and Famco hardware that keeps water out. Photos get taken at every stage.
- 3
Interior and camera run. Inside, we check the firebox, damper and smoke chamber, then run a camera down the flue to see the liner end to end. Every finding gets a picture to go with it.
- 4
Review and written report. We sit down and walk you through what we found, grouped by what’s a safety concern and what can wait. Nothing is recommended that the camera didn’t show.
- 5
Sweep and repair options, if needed. If the inspection calls for a sweep or a repair, we quote it in writing and do the work in-house. If nothing’s wrong, we say so.
How Much Does Chimney Inspection Cost in Westminster?
A typical chimney inspection in Westminster runs $150-$450, and the exact figure depends on the depth of the inspection, the access, and whether anything has to be opened. A basic look at the firebox and damper sits at the low end; a full camera run of the flue with a written report pushes the range up. A fireplace inspection alone generally falls in the $150-$350 bracket. A chimney flue inspection runs about $150-$400. A level 2 chimney inspection, called for on a home sale or after a fire, typically costs $200-$500 because it covers the full flue plus attic and crawlspace access. A camera inspection with a photo report lands in the $150-$400 range depending on the length of the run.
What moves the price: the number of flues to inspect, the pitch and access of the roof, whether a chase cover has to come off, and whether an appliance needs to be disconnected to reach the flue. You avoid overpaying by asking for a written estimate before work begins, and by asking whether a sweep is included in the inspection or billed separately. Any inspection we quote includes the camera run, a photo report and a review of findings with you. Nothing is recommended without the photographic evidence to back it up, and if the chimney can safely wait, we’ll tell you that too. The written estimate sets the final price.
Our Service Area Near Westminster
Westminster sits between Denver and the northern suburbs, and we serve the surrounding communities across the north metro. You’ll find our technicians in Westminster, and also working in Commerce City, Brighton, Niwot, Frederick, Cherry Hills Village, Fort Lupton, Lochbuie, Greenwood Village and Firestone. From a Westminster base the drive to most of these is short, so a booked inspection usually lands within days, not weeks. If you’re north of Denver or out toward the plains, we’re already in your area. To see what the whole practice covers, visit Hillcrest Chimney Sweep. Estimates are free and the report is documented, wherever you are on the north side.
Serving Westminster, CO – Our Local Coverage Area
We serve Westminster and nearby communities. Use the map below to see the area we cover. If you’re nearby, we can almost certainly help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chimney Inspection in Westminster
A chimney inspection is a documented review of the chimney system from cap to firebox, including the flue, liner, damper, smoke chamber and the exterior structure. In Westminster, that means checking the parts that Front Range weather stresses most: mortar joints, crown and flashing. We inspect, photograph, and explain the findings before any work is recommended. The point is to tell you whether the chimney is safe to burn in and what, if anything, it needs.
A basic inspection usually takes under an hour, while a full level 2 with a camera run and attic access runs about one to two hours. Access, the number of flues, and how much has to be opened all affect the timing. We don’t rush the camera run, because a fast look is how damage gets missed. Expect a booked appointment, not a walk-in drop by.
A chimney inspection in Westminster typically costs $150-$450, with the level 2 range at $200-$500 when attic and crawlspace access is involved. The written estimate fixes the figure before work begins, and there’s no fee added at the door. Call (844) 785-0715 for an exact quote, and estimates are free.
Yes, we work with DuraFlex flexible liner systems and Olympia Chimney components, along with HeatShield ceramic resurfacing for liners that can still be saved. Our camera run shows you the condition of the existing liner before we recommend a repair or a full replacement. We do the liner work in-house, so there’s no handoff to another contractor. Whether it’s DuraFlex or any other make, we can help.
Same-day inspection is often possible when you call early in the day. We answer 24/7, and fast dispatch runs from 7am to 7pm, Sunday through Friday. A call outside dispatch hours gets booked into the next opening in that window, not left to voicemail. Saturday is closed. Call (844) 785-0715 to find the next open appointment.
Yes, we back our inspection, sweep and repair work with a satisfaction guarantee: if something in the documented scope isn’t done right, we come back and put it right. The inspection report and photo record are yours to keep, which is the real guarantee: the findings are visible and checkable. We won’t recommend work the camera didn’t show. Ask for the wording on the written estimate.
Clear the hearth and the floor in front of the fireplace, and make sure a technician can reach the firebox without moving furniture. If you have an appliance connected to the flue, note the make and model so we can check sizing. Have the roof access clear if you know it’s tight, and mention any recent storm damage. That’s it; we bring the rest. Call (844) 785-0715 if anything about access is uncertain.
Schedule Your Chimney Inspection Service in Westminster Today
Book a chimney inspection in Westminster and get a documented, photographed answer about your chimney rather than a guess. We inspect, sweep and repair, so one company sees the whole system through. The written estimate is free, no obligation, and the report is yours. Call (844) 785-0715. We answer 24/7, and fast dispatch runs from 7am to 7pm, Sunday through Friday. Estimates are free.
Written by the team at Hillcrest Chimney Sweep.