Chimney Inspection in Somerset, MA

Keep Your Family Safe This Winter

Professional chimney inspection in Somerset catches dangerous problems before they become disasters. Our certified technicians protect your home and peace of mind.

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Professional Chimney Safety Inspection Services

What You Get With Our Inspection

Your chimney gets a thorough safety evaluation that spots hidden dangers most homeowners miss. We check for creosote buildup, structural damage, and ventilation problems that could put your family at risk.

You’ll know exactly what condition your chimney is in, with clear explanations of any issues we find. No surprises, no scare tactics—just honest assessment from technicians who’ve been doing this for over 25 years.

Most importantly, you get peace of mind knowing your fireplace is safe to use all winter long. Your insurance company will be happy too, since regular inspections often help with coverage requirements.

Somerset Chimney Inspection Experts

Local Knowledge You Can Trust

Above and Beyond Chimney has been serving Bristol County families for over two decades. We understand how coastal moisture affects chimney brickwork in Somerset and the specific issues that come with New England winters.

Our CSIA-certified technicians are members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild, which means we stay current on the latest safety standards and inspection techniques. We’re not just another contractor—we’re your neighbors who take chimney safety seriously.

Somerset homeowners choose us because we explain everything in plain English, show up when we say we will, and never pressure you into unnecessary work. Your safety is our priority, not our sales numbers.

Our Chimney Inspection Process

What Happens During Your Inspection

We start by examining your chimney’s exterior, checking the crown, cap, and flashing for damage or wear. Then we move inside to inspect the firebox, damper, and smoke chamber for cracks or deterioration.

Using specialized cameras when needed, we examine the flue liner from top to bottom, looking for blockages, creosote buildup, or structural problems that could create safety hazards. We also check your chimney’s ventilation to ensure proper airflow.

After the inspection, we sit down with you to review our findings. You’ll get a detailed report explaining any issues we discovered, along with our recommendations for repairs or maintenance. No technical jargon—just clear information you can understand and act on.

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Somerset Chimney Inspection Details

What Your Inspection Includes

Every inspection covers your complete chimney system, from the firebox to the chimney cap. We examine masonry joints, flue liner condition, damper operation, and ventilation effectiveness. You’ll also get a carbon monoxide test at no extra charge.

Somerset’s location near the coast means your chimney faces unique challenges from salt air and moisture. We know how these conditions affect different chimney materials and what to look for in Bristol County homes.

Our Level 1 inspections are perfect for annual maintenance, while Level 2 inspections include video camera work for home sales or after suspected damage. We’ll recommend the right level based on your specific situation, not what makes us the most money.

How often should I get my chimney inspected in Somerset?

The National Fire Protection Association recommends annual chimney inspections, and Massachusetts fire officials strongly support this schedule. Somerset’s coastal climate creates additional moisture challenges that make yearly inspections even more important.If you use your fireplace regularly during winter, annual inspections catch problems early when they’re still affordable to fix. Even if you rarely use your fireplace, the chimney can still develop issues from weather exposure, animal intrusion, or structural settling.Skipping inspections isn’t worth the risk. Massachusetts had 539 chimney-related fires in 2020 alone, causing over $3 million in property damage. An annual inspection costs far less than dealing with fire damage or a complete chimney rebuild.

What's the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 inspections?

Level 1 inspections are the standard annual checkup for chimneys in normal use. We examine all accessible parts of your chimney system, check for obvious damage, and ensure everything’s working properly. This covers most homeowners’ needs and typically costs between $100-$200.Level 2 inspections are more comprehensive and include video camera work to see inside the flue liner. You’ll need this level when buying or selling a home, after storm damage, or if you’re changing fuel types. The camera reveals hidden problems that aren’t visible during a basic inspection.Level 3 inspections involve removing parts of the chimney structure to access hidden areas. These are rare and only needed when serious problems are suspected. We’ll always start with the least invasive inspection level that meets your needs.

How much does a chimney inspection cost in Somerset?

Level 1 inspections typically run $100-$200 in the Somerset area, while Level 2 inspections with camera work cost $200-$400. The exact price depends on your chimney’s height, accessibility, and how many flues need inspection.Many companies offer free inspections if you hire them for cleaning or repairs, but these “free” inspections often come with pressure to buy additional services. We charge fair, upfront prices because we want you to get an honest assessment, not a sales pitch.The cost of an inspection is minimal compared to what you’ll pay if problems go undetected. A small crack that costs $150 to fix today could lead to a $5,000 chimney rebuild if ignored. Annual inspections are the best insurance your chimney can have.

What problems do you typically find during inspections?

Creosote buildup is the most common issue we see, especially in chimneys that haven’t been cleaned recently. This tarry substance is highly flammable and causes most chimney fires. We also frequently find damaged or missing chimney caps, which let water and animals into the flue.In Somerset’s coastal environment, we often see accelerated deterioration of mortar joints and metal components due to salt air exposure. Flashing problems are also common, particularly around older chimneys where the seal between the chimney and roof has failed.Blockages from bird nests, leaves, or debris are another frequent discovery. These obstructions can cause dangerous carbon monoxide backup into your home. The good news is that most of these problems are easily preventable with regular maintenance and prompt repairs.

Do I need an inspection if I don't use my fireplace?

Yes, even unused chimneys need annual inspections. Weather, animals, and structural settling can create problems whether you burn fires or not. Water damage from a leaking chimney cap can cost thousands to repair, regardless of fireplace use.Unused chimneys are actually more susceptible to certain problems. Animals love to nest in quiet flues, and debris can accumulate without you noticing. If you ever decide to use your fireplace again, you’ll need to know it’s safe first.Many insurance companies require annual inspections for homes with chimneys, regardless of use. It’s a small investment that protects your home’s value and ensures you’re meeting your insurance requirements. Even dormant chimneys can develop safety issues that affect your entire home.

What happens if you find problems during the inspection?

We’ll explain exactly what we found and why it matters for your safety. You’ll get a detailed report with photos showing any issues, along with our recommendations for repairs. We never pressure you into immediate decisions—you’ll have time to consider your options.For minor issues like small cracks or loose mortar, we can often handle repairs the same day if you choose. Larger problems might require scheduling a separate appointment with specialized equipment or materials. We’ll always give you a clear timeline and upfront pricing.If we find serious safety hazards, we’ll advise you to avoid using your fireplace until repairs are complete. Your family’s safety comes first, and we’ll work with you to find the most cost-effective solution. Most problems we discover are fixable without breaking the bank, especially when caught early.

Local Resources

Somerset, MA is located in Bristol County in Massachusetts State