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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

Hi, I’m Home Inspector Dan — owner of Property Inspections Plus and a Certified Master Inspector 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, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, and the greater Phoenix area

📞 Call or Text: (623) 399-0079
📧 Email: homeinspectordanaz@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.propertyinspectionsplus.com