# Fireplace & Chimney Safety: A Friendly Word from A Home Inspector

- Link: https://propertyinspectionsplus.com/fireplace-chimney-safety-a-friendly-word-from-a-home-inspector/
- Published: 2025-08-22T19:52:09+00:00
- Author: homeinspectordan

There’s something special about a fireplace. Whether it’s a roaring blaze on a chilly
winter night or just the glow of embers crackling while you wind down from a long
day, fireplaces bring a kind of comfort that’s hard to beat. But like just about
everything else in a home, they’ve got to be treated with a little respect and a
healthy dose of caution.

![](https://propertyinspectionsplus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/unnamed242-1024x768.
jpeg)

Now, during your inspection, I probably noted a few things about the fireplace or
chimney in the report. Maybe it’s a bit of wear in the firebox, some creosote buildup,
or flashing that’s seen better days. Whatever it is, those comments are there because
your fireplace is one place where “out of sight, out of mind” can really get you
in trouble if you’re not careful.

![](https://propertyinspectionsplus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/unnamed980-1024x768.
jpeg)

You see, chimneys and fireplaces take a beating over time. Every fire you light 
sends heat, gases, and smoke up through the chimney—and over time, that creates 
buildup inside the flue. That black, flaky stuff you might’ve heard called creosote?
That’s highly flammable, and it doesn’t take much for it to catch if it’s left to
pile up. A stray spark, a strong draft, and next thing you know, you’ve got a chimney
fire on your hands. And that’s not something anyone wants to experience.

Another thing to keep in mind is the condition of the chimney structure itself. 
Mortar joints, bricks, chimney caps—they’re all exposed to weather, year in and 
year out. Cracks or gaps can let water seep in, and around here where the freeze-
thaw cycle is no joke, that water can expand and do real damage. Moisture inside
a chimney can also cause rust, odors, and even let in pests like birds or squirrels
looking for a cozy spot.

![](https://propertyinspectionsplus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/unnamed308-1024x768.
jpeg)

Now, I want to be real clear: I’m not a chimney sweep or a fireplace specialist.
I do my best to visually inspect what I can access during the home inspection, but
fireplaces and chimneys really should be checked out by a certified chimney professional,
especially before you light the first fire of the season. They’ve got special tools,
cameras, and training to see deep inside that flue and check for hidden issues that
just aren’t visible from the outside.

Even if everything looks just fine at first glance, getting a proper cleaning and
safety inspection once a year is one of the smartest things a homeowner can do. 
It’s like changing the oil in your car—it’s not always urgent, but skipping it too
long can cause problems you sure don’t want. And trust me, the peace of mind is 
worth it.

![](https://propertyinspectionsplus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/unnamed364-1024x768.
jpeg)

If your home has a gas fireplace, that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook either. 
Those need regular checks too—venting issues, carbon monoxide concerns, and pilot
light malfunctions can all pop up over time. Just like with a wood-burning unit,
a licensed professional should give it a once-over every so often.

Bottom line? A fireplace can be a wonderful thing—beautiful, cozy, even romantic—
but it’s also one of the few places in your home where you’re intentionally starting
a fire. So let’s treat it with the care it deserves. Keep it clean, get it inspected,
and don’t ignore the little signs that something might be off.

![](https://propertyinspectionsplus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/unnamed696-1024x577.
jpeg)

And hey, if you’ve got any questions about what I saw during your inspection or 
what to do next, don’t be shy. I’m here to help however I can. Better safe than 
sorry, right?

### About the Author

**Hi, I’m Home Inspector Dan — owner of Property Inspections Plus and a **[**Certified Master Inspector**](https://certifiedmasterinspector.org/)**
based in Gilbert, Arizona.** With years of experience inspecting homes across the
Valley, I specialize in helping buyers, sellers, and investors make informed decisions
with confidence. Whether you’re purchasing your first home or evaluating an investment
property, I provide thorough, honest, and easy-to-understand inspections — including
sewer camera scans, mold inspections, infrared imaging, and termite inspections.

📍 Serving [Gilbert](https://propertyinspectionsplus.com/), [Chandler](https://propertyinspectionsplus.com/home-inspector-chandler-az/),
[Mesa](https://propertyinspectionsplus.com/home-inspector-mesa-az/), [Tempe](https://propertyinspectionsplus.com/home-inspector-tempe-az/),
and the greater [Phoenix](https://propertyinspectionsplus.com/home-inspector-phoenix-az/)
area

📞 **Call or Text:** [(623) 399-0079](https://propertyinspectionsplus.com/fireplace-chimney-safety-a-friendly-word-from-a-home-inspector/623-399-0079)

📧 **Email:** [homeinspectordanaz@gmail.com](https://propertyinspectionsplus.com/fireplace-chimney-safety-a-friendly-word-from-a-home-inspector/homeinspectordanaz@gmail.com)
🌐 **Website:** [www.propertyinspectionsplus.com](https://propertyinspectionsplus.com/)

## Fireplace and chimney checks in every home inspection

Learn more about our [residential home inspections](https://propertyinspectionsplus.com/residential-home-inspection/),
or see our home inspector pages for [Scottsdale](https://propertyinspectionsplus.com/home-inspector-scottsdale-az/)
and [Fountain Hills](https://propertyinspectionsplus.com/home-inspector-fountain-hills-az/).
Every home inspection includes a [termite (WDO) inspection](https://propertyinspectionsplus.com/termite-inspection/)
at no extra charge, plus a 1-year termite warranty through [Firehouse Pest Control in Gilbert](https://firehousepest.com/services/termite-treatment/)
if no active termites are found.

**Buying a home?** [Book your inspection online](https://app.spectora.com/home-inspectors/my-inspection-company-f8d6dbae4e/schedule)
or call [623-399-0079](https://propertyinspectionsplus.com/fireplace-chimney-safety-a-friendly-word-from-a-home-inspector/6233990079).

Property Inspections Plus is a [Gilbert, AZ home inspection](https://propertyinspectionsplus.com/)
company led by Certified Master Inspector Dan Pierce. We inspect homes across the
East Valley, the Phoenix metro and the rest of Arizona. See all of our [service areas](https://propertyinspectionsplus.com/service-areas/).