by Mark Hudson | Aug 21, 2026 | Chimney Inspection
Whether you live in Jacksonville, Middleburg, Gainesville, or anywhere across Northeast Florida, scheduling a chimney inspection is one of the smartest steps you can take as a homeowner. But before the technician arrives, a little preparation on your end can make the process smoother and more efficient. Knowing what to expect and what to do ahead of time helps ensure your inspector has full access and can deliver a thorough, accurate assessment.
How Do I Clear the Area Around My Fireplace for an Inspection?
A clear workspace allows your chimney inspector to move efficiently and focus on what matters most. Before your appointment, take a few minutes to walk through the space around your fireplace and hearth. Removing clutter and personal items not only speeds up the inspection process but also reduces the risk of anything being moved, bumped, or soiled during the visit. Here is a quick checklist to help you get started:
- Move furniture, rugs, and décor at least three to four feet away from the fireplace opening
- Remove any fireplace tools, screens, or grates stored directly in front of the hearth
- Clear the mantel of candles, picture frames, and other decorative items
- Pull back or remove area rugs that could be dirtied during the inspection
- If there is a hearth gate or baby gate nearby, move it out of the way
- Ensure the inspector has a clear path from the entry door to the fireplace
Do I Need To Remove Ashes Before a Chimney Inspection?
You do not need to remove all ashes from your firebox before a chimney inspection, but keeping a manageable level can be helpful. A small amount of ash, typically no more than an inch or two, is generally fine to leave in place. However, if ash is piled high or overflowing the firebox, it is worth scooping out the excess before your appointment. Too much ash can make it harder for the inspector to fully examine the firebox floor and lower areas of the system.
If you have a metal ash bucket and scoop on hand, do a quick cleanup a day or two before the inspection. Avoid using a standard vacuum, as it can spread fine particles throughout your home. Residents across Orange Park, St. Augustine, and Ponte Vedra Beach often find that a quick pre-inspection tidy-up leads to a faster, more focused visit.
Should Pets Be Kept Away During a Chimney Inspection?
Keeping pets secured during a chimney inspection is a good idea for everyone involved. Inspectors often bring equipment like cameras, lights, and brushes that can be tempting or frightening to animals. A curious dog or cat darting near the firebox or getting underfoot can slow the inspection and potentially cause a distraction that leads to missed details.
Beyond the disruption, chimney inspections can stir up dust, soot, and debris, none of which is good for pets to inhale. If you have dogs or cats, consider securing them in a bedroom or another part of the home away from the work area. If you live in a warmer part of the service area, like Fleming Island or Green Cove Springs, and your pet enjoys the yard, letting them outside during the visit is another simple solution. A little planning ahead keeps both your pets and your inspector comfortable throughout the appointment.
Can I Use My Fireplace the Night Before an Inspection?
Using your fireplace the night before a chimney inspection is not recommended, though it is not always a dealbreaker. When a fire burns, it leaves behind residual heat in the firebox and flue that can linger for many hours. A hot or warm chimney makes it harder for the inspector to work comfortably and may limit their ability to get close to certain components during the evaluation.
For the most thorough and efficient chimney inspection possible, plan to skip the fire for at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. This allows the firebox and flue to cool completely, making the process more comfortable for the technician and more accurate overall. Homeowners in Middleburg, Keystone Heights, and Gainesville who use their fireplace frequently during cooler months should keep this timing in mind when scheduling. Building in a buffer day ensures the inspector can do a complete, unobstructed job.
What Are Common Issues Found During Chimney Inspections?
Chimney inspections reveal a wide range of issues, from minor maintenance needs to problems that require more immediate attention. In Northeast Florida, where chimneys may go unused for much of the year, certain conditions tend to show up more frequently. Here are some of the most common findings:
- Creosote buildup in the flue, which can accumulate quickly even with light use and poses a fire hazard
- Cracked or deteriorating mortar joints in the firebox or crown, often caused by moisture exposure and Florida’s fluctuating weather
- Damaged or missing chimney caps, which allow rain, debris, and animals to enter the flue
- Blockages from bird nests, leaves, or other debris, especially common in chimneys that sit unused during warmer months
- Spalling brickwork on the exterior of the chimney, caused by moisture cycling through the masonry
- Damper issues, including stuck, warped, or corroded dampers that prevent proper airflow
Schedule Your Chimney Inspection With Hudson Chimney
Preparing for a chimney inspection does not have to be complicated. A few simple steps before your appointment can make a meaningful difference in the quality and efficiency of the visit. Hudson Chimney has been serving homeowners in Jacksonville, Middleburg, Gainesville, and surrounding Northeast Florida communities since 1979. Contact our team to schedule your chimney inspection with a certified professional today.
by Mark Hudson | Nov 15, 2019 | Chimney Inspection
When it’s time to light the first fire of the season, the last thing you want to think about is rushing to schedule important chimney and fireplace services. When you wait until the last minute to schedule your chimney sweep and inspection, you risk the Fall Rush. This is the first few weeks of burn season in which chimney sweep companies are busy. Packed schedules can make getting necessary services almost impossible. Don’t wait. Don’t procrastinate! Schedule important services now. Your chimney sweep and inspection is an investment in your future. It saves lives, property, and even money in the long-run.
The Fall Rush
Homeowners who procrastinate important maintenance for their home may end up paying for it in the future. If you depend on your fireplace, insert, or stove for supplemental heat, you cannot risk lighting it without an inspection. By lighting it before an inspection, you put your home and family at risk for fire and chimney emergencies. If you wait too long, you may miss out on the services you require at a desirable time. We don’t want our customers to choose between safety and comfort this year. We want you to be able to light your fire safely this year, and we always want to be your trusted choice. That is why we offer our expert chimney services year-round and encourage homeowners to schedule ahead of time!
Proper Maintenance = Safe Chimneys
Only those fireplace and chimney systems that are routinely cleaned and annually inspected are safest and efficient. Even the most advanced fire appliance and a properly installed chimney system will become inefficient without proper maintenance. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends chimney inspections and sweeps for safety and efficiency no matter how old the system is and no matter how often it is used. As a fire is burned in the hearth, creosote and soot are produced and rises up the chimney. These microscopic particles of carbon and tar cling to the sides of the flue and will eventually lead to corrosion and buildup if not removed. When creosote is allowed to buildup and overheat, the water vapors are removed and it is transformed into a hardened, highly flammable mass of “glazed creosote”. This material slows airflow through the flue and creates a serious fire hazard as dangerous temperatures heat the creosote and ignite it, resulting in a flue fire.
It isn’t just wood fires that need to be maintained annually. Gas fires don’t produce creosote, but they do produce carbon monoxide and water vapors. These can still lead to furniture and home damage and respiratory issues for the family. Carbon monoxide exposure can lead to permanent organ damage and possible death. The only way to ensure your system is working properly and safely is to schedule maintenance annually with a certified expert.
Clean Chimneys for Christmas
The chimney sweep and inspection are vital for safety for certain, but it also enriches your home and your holiday experience. When your chimney and fireplace are squeaky clean, the blaze will be beautiful and strong, the hearth will be clean of creosote and ash, and your living space will be warm and cozy. The fireplace has a special place in the holiday scene. It’s the backdrop for gift-giving, movie nights, parties, and even family photos. With a clean chimney, you won’t have to worry about a smelly living room either!
Chimney Inspections in Jacksonville
Whether you burn a fire every day or only a few times per month, you still need to have it inspected every 12 months. This keeps it working safely and identifies damages and hazards before they put your family and your home in danger. Residents in and around Jacksonville have put their trust in Hudson Chimney for over 30 years for chimney care and diagnostics. We offer level one, two, and three inspections, and our trained eyes and skilled hands know exactly where to look for problems both common and uncommon.
SCHEDULE A LEVEL ONE INSPECTION if you:
- have had no problems with your chimney system over the last year
- haven’t changed it
- plan to use it the same way for the next year as well.
SCHEDULE A LEVEL TWO INSPECTION if:
- you’ve made changes to your system
- you suspect problems with your system
- it’s been through a serious storm or natural disaster that might cause damage to your system.
A level two inspection is also required before the sale or transfer of land and includes a thorough assessment of the entire chimney interior by video surveillance equipment.
SCHEDULE A LEVEL THREE INSPECTION if:
- a hazard is suspected during a lesser level inspection.
Your technician should present a detailed report before proceeding with a level three inspection because they may require demolition and most often end in repair.
Remember, before you light your fire this fall, make sure it’s safe! Schedule your chimney sweep or inspection with Hudson Chimney today. Dial 904-282-4159.
by Mark Hudson | Sep 29, 2018 | Chimney Inspection
It’s almost time for the first fire of the season, and you don’t want to be left out in the cold. Make sure your chimney system is ready when you are scheduling your chimney services early. Lighting a fire in a dirty or damaged chimney can be a recipe for disaster. It can put your family at risk, lower the value of your home, and cost you dearly in repairs and damages.
Beat the Fall Rush
When you schedule early, you can avoid the fall rush and make sure you’re on the books with your preferred company and technician. If you wait, you may end up waiting longer than expected as chimney professionals stay busy during the Fall Rush–the period between October and January. During this time chimney sweeps are busy with routine services, repairs, and installations. Don’t risk lighting a fire in a dangerous or dirty chimney. Don’t miss out on using your fireplace this fall. Don’t wait; schedule chimney services early.
A Clean Chimney
When your chimney was out of use this summer it may have become home to rodents or wildlife. During the summer, humidity or precipitation might have mixed with the creosote and soot to create a corrosive material on the liner. This material left inside the chimney can lead to odors, a drop in efficiency, and even dangerous buildup. There may be a dangerous buildup that becomes an obstruction. The only way to ensure your chimney system is clean and will work efficiently and properly is to schedule a sweep before fall. Schedule a Hudson chimney sweep and you can rest assured that our courteous and knowledgeable technicians will leave your chimney in the best shape possible, safer and more efficient than ever.
Annual Inspections
Like chimney sweeps, inspections are an opportunity for a professional to see your system and recognize a problem that a homeowner will miss. During an inspection, a professional will assess your entire system and you’ll get a clean bill of health, a repair recommendation, and even documentation for your insurance or realtor. This annual appointment is one of the most important for your home. Have it done now, and you’ll have time for necessary repairs before fall.
Repairs
Schedule repairs as soon as you are aware of a problem. If there is masonry damage, missing parts, or any other problems, have it addressed before burn season. If your chimney has cracked, crumbled or falling masonry, a professional should repair it through a process of tuckpointing. A chimney leak should be diagnosed and repaired before winter to avoid the freeze/thaw cycle–whether the flashing or cap needs replaced, crown needs repairs, or the whole chimney needs to be waterproofed. We can repair it before winter when you schedule early.
Call Hudson Chimney at 904-282-4159 or contact us online so that you can schedule early and rest assured that your fireplace will be ready for a fire this fall.
by Mark Hudson | May 9, 2018 | Animals in chimney
You hear about it happening to other people, but you’ve never thought that it would happen to you. An animal has made its way into your chimney! Birds, critters, or anything that can climb on your roof could get inside your chimney. Or worst, the intruders have made your chimney their home. What do you do now? We are going to learn some of the problems that comes with animals and critters invading your chimney, and how our professionals at Hudson Chimney can help get rid of this problem or preventing it from happening in the first place.
The Problems With Animal Intrusion
If your chimney cap is missing or damaged, you may end up with a animal trying to make a nest in your flue. Once inside, they may build a nest, carrying in debris that could ignite or block the flue completely. They may also leave behind a flue obstruction that might smell so foul that it could run you out of the house. If the animal does end up leaving on its own, they could still potentially leave behind nesting materials such as feathers, fur, and even droppings.
Additionally, small mammals may climb out of a chimney using their teeth and claws, scratching and damaging your flue liner. Small scratches on the surface of the liner may not seem like a big deal, but these scratches will collect creosote and soot that continues to corrode the already damaged area. This will eventually become a hazard, which could cause major issues for your masonry and put your safety at risk.
Chimney Swifts
Critters are not the only thing that can make its way into your chimney flue. You may hear the chirping of birds from time to time. A bird may fly in and out of your chimney, or they may even move into your chimney completely! Chimney swifts are a species of bird that move into chimneys and nest in them.
In fact, chimney swifts naturally nest in hollow trees. When North America began to colonize, this eventually lead to more chimneys than hollow trees, so these birds adapted. Now they nest in chimneys, and if your chimney isn’t capped, they’ll be in yours too. Chimney swifts are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and they are unlawful to be removed or harmed while staying in your chimney. You may even want us to come do a humane animal removal, but this is even unlawful for us. Chimney swifts cannot be removed or tampered with. We can only wait and hope they leave on their own, which can take up to 90 days from the time they move in and nest.
Humane Animal Removal
We believe that when it comes to your chimney, you’re better safe than sorry. If you hear an animal in your chimney (even a bird), you can call us at Hudson Chimney, and we’ll determine whether the animal can be removed or not. Our process is safe for both the chimney and the animal, and shouldn’t interfere with your home at all.
If you need to schedule an appointment for animal removal, call us at 904-282-4159 today.
by Mark Hudson | Sep 8, 2017 | Chimney Inspections
Your fireplace is designed to hold your fire, and your chimney is designed to vent it. These two parts of the chimney system are made to work together. When both parts work correctly, the fire should be safe and efficient. When even one part of the system falls short, efficiency drops and fire risk goes up.
Preventative Maintenance
Both the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommend routine maintenance for a safe and efficient fire. That means that your chimney should be clean, and checked annually for damage and wear. Making these appointments and caring for your chimney system in this way ensures your fireplace and chimney lasts longer, is safer for your home and family, and is easier on the environment. This low-cost preventative service can save you thousands later.
What is a CSIA Inspection?
A CSIA inspection is an annual inspection to be completed by a CSIA certified chimney sweep. There are three levels of CSIA inspection:
- Level 1 – To be completed annually when nothing has changed with the chimney system. This inspection includes all accessible portions of the chimney.
- Level 2 – To be completed if a level 1 raises concern, if a change is made to the system, or if a home is being sold or transferred. This inspection includes all accessible portions as well as those accessed through hidden areas including attics and crawlspaces.
- Level 3 – To be completed if a hazard is detected in a level 2 inspection. This inspection requires extra tools to remove components of the building, including walls and parts of the chimney if necessary.
Why Hire a Professional
By the time the average homeowner notices a problem with the chimney, the unseen damage has occurred. In some cases, devastating damages can occur inside the chimney itself, causing efficiency to drop, allowing hazardous gases and particle pollution into your home, and creating the perfect environment for a flue fire.
While you may be unaware, your fire is always coating your flue with soot and creosote. A minor chimney leak or the wrong type of wood burning in the fireplace can lead to a drop in efficiency. A drop in efficiency increases the amount of soot and creosote, leading to a buildup, and eventually a fire. Chimney leaks not only raise the risk of fire but also lead to damages to your home and even mold in the air you breathe. All of this and more can occur while you go on, unaware and in danger.
It’s our highest priority at Hudson Chimney to educate the community as well as our customers in and around Jacksonville about fire risk. Stay safe. Protect your family and your property. Hire a CSIA certified chimney expert today, and have Hudson Chimney complete your annual inspection.
