A Level 1 inspection is the baseline safety check for a chimney that is used regularly and hasn't changed — same appliance, same fuel, no incidents since last year. It answers the question every Minnesota homeowner should ask once a year: is this chimney still sound, clear and safe to light?
Eagle Chimney MN performs Level 1 inspections across Saint Paul and the Twin Cities, usually alongside an annual sweep. It's a visual, hands-on examination by a technician who works on chimneys every day — not a glance from the driveway.
What a Level 1 Inspection Covers
We examine every part of the system that can be reached without dismantling anything:
- Firebox, firebrick and hearth condition
- Damper operation and seal
- Smoke shelf and smoke chamber
- Flue opening and visible liner condition
- Creosote and soot accumulation levels
- Exterior masonry, mortar joints and crown
- Chimney cap or chase cover condition
- Flashing at the roofline
- Clearances and signs of animal or debris blockage
Who Needs a Level 1 Inspection
Level 1 is the right inspection when your chimney's setup hasn't changed and nothing has gone wrong — it's the annual check that keeps small issues small:
- Every wood-, gas- or oil-burning chimney, once a year
- Before the heating season, as part of routine maintenance
- When you're renewing the same burning habits as last year
- Paired with an annual sweep for a complete picture
What Happens After
You get our findings in plain language: what's sound, what's wearing, and what — if anything — needs attention, with photos of anything we flag. If the chimney is in good shape, we'll tell you exactly that. If something needs work, your repair conversation starts with a free estimate and a written, upfront quote. And if we see something a Level 1 can't fully evaluate, we'll say so and explain what a Level 2 video scan would add.