It's a fair assumption that a chimney in a home built in the 2000s or 2010s shouldn't need much attention, but that's not quite what we find on Mason inspections. New construction comes with its own set of issues, usually tracing back to shortcuts or oversights from the original build rather than age-related wear. We've found undersized caps that let in more weather than they should, sections of factory-built flue that weren't fully connected, and clearances to combustible framing that don't quite meet code.
The other issue that comes up again and again in Mason is animal entry, and it's almost always in the flues that get used the least. A lot of newer homes here have a formal living room or dining room fireplace that's more of a design feature than a regular source of heat, and an unused flue with an undersized or missing cap is an easy way in for birds, squirrels, or raccoons. We've opened dampers on inspections to find nesting material that homeowners had no idea was there, sometimes in a home they'd lived in for years without ever using that particular fireplace.
Every inspection includes a full video scan of the flue, a check of the cap, chase cover, and flashing from the exterior, and a written report with photos so you have a clear record of what we found. If we catch a construction shortcut or animal issue, we'll walk you through exactly what needs to happen next and give you a straightforward, written estimate before any repair work begins.
What's Included
- Full-length video scan — checking for disconnected sections and other construction shortcuts.
- Clearance & connection check — confirming safe distances to combustible framing on factory-built systems.
- Animal entry check — a close look at rarely used flues for nesting material and blockages.
- Written findings & photos — a clear report so you know exactly what, if anything, needs attention.
FAQs
New construction isn’t immune to chimney issues — it just has a different set. We regularly find clearance shortcuts, disconnected sections, or caps that were never properly fitted during the original build. A first inspection is a good idea even on a home just a few years old.
Yes, and it’s one of the more common findings on our Mason inspections. Formal fireplaces and rarely used flues are easy entry points for birds and small animals, and an inspection catches nesting material and blockages before they turn into a bigger problem.