From Fairmount's century-old brick chimneys to Tanglewood's suburban builds, our inspections tell you exactly what's happening inside your flue — before it becomes a bigger problem.
Fort Worth asks a lot of its chimneys. In neighborhoods like Fairmount and Arlington Heights, century-old masonry stacks have survived decades of North Texas hail, high wind, and the freeze-thaw cycles that slowly work brick and mortar loose. In newer builds around Tanglewood or the suburbs ringing the TCU area, factory-built and masonry chimneys alike face the same clay-soil movement that shifts foundations and, with them, everything attached above the roofline. A proper chimney inspection is how you find out what all of that has actually done to your chimney — not a cleaning, but a structural and safety evaluation of the whole system.
An inspection is a diagnostic process, distinct from a standard chimney sweep and cleaning. Our technicians check the flue lining, mortar joints, crown, cap, damper, and connections for signs of deterioration, water intrusion, or improper clearances. We're looking for the kind of damage that doesn't announce itself — hairline cracks, hidden creosote glazing, or a flue liner that's separated just enough to let heat reach nearby framing.
Chimney inspections follow an industry-standard tiered system, and which level you need depends on your situation. A Level 1 inspection is the baseline for a chimney in regular use with no known issues — a visual check of accessible portions. Level 2 goes further, adding a camera scan of the flue interior and is required after a chimney fire, an appliance change, a sale of the home, or any time a homeowner suspects damage. Level 3 is reserved for cases where hidden damage is suspected behind walls or other concealed areas, and may involve removing components to get a full picture. We walk Fort Worth homeowners through which level fits their chimney before we ever climb a ladder. For a deeper breakdown, see our guide on how the three inspection levels differ.
This region's climate is hard on chimneys in specific, predictable ways. Hailstorms can chip crowns and dent caps without any obvious sign from the ground. Sustained high winds work at loose flashing and can rock an already-weakened chimney crown. And the clay-heavy soil common across Fort Worth expands and contracts with moisture swings, gradually shifting foundations and pulling masonry chimneys away from the structures they're attached to. In Fairmount and Ridglea, where many chimneys date to the early 1900s, decades of this movement compound with original mortar that was never built for today's freeze-thaw frequency. Newer homes aren't exempt either — even a well-built modern chimney can develop separation or liner issues within a decade if it was ever exposed to a chimney fire or years of unaddressed leaks. An inspection is the only reliable way to know which of these factors has caught up with your chimney.
Two of the most common reasons Fort Worth homeowners call us for an inspection have nothing to do with routine maintenance. Buying or selling a home — especially an older one in a historic district like Fairmount or Near Southside — typically calls for a Level 2 inspection so both parties know the chimney's true condition before closing. The other trigger is safety-related: any chimney fire, no matter how minor it seemed, warrants a full camera inspection to check for hidden liner cracks or heat damage that could set the stage for a repeat fire. If your home has been through either scenario, don't guess; a documented inspection protects you either way.
Our Level 2 and Level 3 inspections use video scanning equipment to examine the flue from top to bottom, capturing footage of areas no visual check from the roof or firebox could ever reach. This is how we catch the issues that lead to bigger repairs later — a cracked tile liner, a gap at a joint, or creosote buildup thick enough to be a fire risk. If the scan reveals damage, we'll walk you through what chimney repair or masonry repair options make sense, and whether a new chimney cap would prevent the same issue from recurring. We also check attached systems like dryer vent lines when they run near the chimney chase, since blocked or damaged vents can compound moisture problems in the same area.
We'll help you figure it out over the phone before we ever schedule a visit anywhere in Fort Worth.
(214) 225-8874Chimney inspection pricing depends on a handful of real factors rather than a flat number: which level of inspection your situation requires, whether camera equipment is needed, how accessible the chimney is, and the age and condition of the masonry or liner system. A straightforward Level 1 check on a well-maintained modern home costs less than a Level 2 scan on a century-old Fairmount chimney with multiple flues. Rather than guote a fixed price that doesn't reflect your actual chimney, we start every job with a clear, up-front conversation about what your specific situation involves. All of our services start at $99, and we're happy to give you a Free Online Quote before you commit to anything. If you're weighing whether a fireplace is a selling point or a repair project, our post on buying a Fort Worth home with a fireplace covers what to check first.
Lowes Chimney Sweep is certified, insured, and serves close to 98 cities across Dallas-Fort Worth, seven days a week including Sundays. Call (214) 225-8874 to schedule a Fort Worth chimney inspection or request your Free Online Quote today.
"Very pleased with the professionalism and promptness of service. The chimney sweep was done quickly and efficiently at significantly less cost than the first quote I got from another company. Happy to recommend Lowes Chimney Sweep to anyone in Plano!"
"Outstanding chimney sweep service from start to finish. They were punctual, courteous, and left our chimney spotless with no mess in our home. I won't use anyone else for chimney services in Dallas TX!"
More reviews from homeowners across the metroplex are on our reviews section, or learn more about our team before you book.
Most homeowners need a Level 1 inspection annually, especially given how much hail and wind this area sees each year. If your home is in an older neighborhood like Fairmount with original masonry, or if you've noticed any leaks or debris, we recommend checking sooner rather than waiting for the annual visit.
A Level 1 is a basic visual check for chimneys in normal, ongoing use with no known problems. A Level 2 adds a camera scan of the flue interior and is required after a chimney fire, a real estate sale, or an appliance change. A Level 3 goes further still, sometimes requiring removal of components when damage is suspected behind walls or other concealed areas.
Yes — a Level 2 inspection is standard practice for home sales, and it's especially important for older Fort Worth properties where decades of masonry aging and North Texas weather may have caused hidden issues. Having documentation in hand can also smooth negotiations with buyers.
We run a video scanning tool down the flue to capture footage of the liner, joints, and interior surfaces that can't be seen from the firebox or rooftop. This lets us spot cracks, separations, or heavy creosote buildup and show you exactly what we found, rather than just describing it.
Cost depends on the inspection level needed, chimney accessibility, and whether camera work is involved, so we don't quote flat prices without knowing your situation. Services start at $99, and we provide a Free Online Quote so you know what to expect before we schedule anything.
Straight answers from our DFW chimney pros before you book.
