Sweep & inspection
Caps & crowns
Flue relining
Masonry repair
Gas fireplace serviceLevel 1 sweep and inspection to the NFPA 211 annual standard - flue, crown, cap, and flashing checked and photographed
Chimney sweep logs do not sweep chimneys. They loosen some creosote - which then falls where a brush and vacuum still have to collect it.
Trusted Chimney Inspection for New Braunfels Homeowners
A cracked flue or a hidden creosote layer is the kind of problem you can’t see from the living room, and it’s the reason an annual inspection matters more than a quick sweep. Our technicians have up to 12 years of experience reading exactly those signs, and an inspection from Beacon Chimney Sweep gives you a plain-language report on what’s safe, what’s worn, and what can wait. New Braunfels homeowners call us because we handle the sweep, the inspection, and the repair under one roof, so nothing found on the roof gets handed off to someone else. We book inspections same-day where the schedule allows. Call (888) 401-6898 to set one up.
Fireplace Inspection
Fireplace Inspection covers the firebox, damper, smoke chamber, and the visible flue, and it’s what you want before the first cold front pushes through Comal County each fall. You need one if you’ve just bought a home, if the fireplace sat unused for a season, or if smoke has started backing into the room. Beacon Chimney Sweep checks the firebox for cracked brick and loose mortar, tests the damper for a proper seal, and looks up the smoke chamber for the turbulence that causes draft problems. A fireplace inspection in New Braunfels typically runs $75 to $150 depending on access and whether a camera is needed. We work with HeatShield resurfacing when the firebox needs restoration rather than just a cleaning.
What We Look For in the Firebox
Cracked firebrick, crumbling mortar joints, and a damper that won’t close flush are the three failures we see most. Any of them can let heat or embers reach framing that was never meant to see either. We note each one and tell you whether it’s a repair now or a watch item.
Gas and Wood-Burning Differences
Gas log sets still vent through the chimney and still need inspection, but the failure points shift to the burner, the connections, and the venting. Wood-burning fireplaces build creosote and need the flue checked for buildup. We adjust the inspection to what you actually burn.
Styles & brands we work with
- Sweep & inspection
- Caps & crowns
- Flue relining
- Masonry repair
- Gas fireplace service
Chimney Inspection Services
Chimney Inspection Services are the full check of your venting system from the firebox to the crown cap, and they’re the reason we recommend one every year whether or not you’ve burned much wood. You need them after any chimney fire, after a storm, when you’re buying or selling a home, or when you notice staining, odor, or draft issues. Beacon Chimney Sweep offers all three pillars of chimney care – cleaning, inspection, and repair – so a problem found on the roof is a problem we can fix without a second contractor. Standard inspection pricing in New Braunfels runs about $75 to $150, with camera work and Level 2 reports priced separately. We carry DuraFlex and Olympia Chimney materials for relines when the inspection calls for one.
Annual Checkups and What They Prevent
An annual look catches small cracks and thin creosote before they become a flue failure or a fire risk. It also gives you a record of the chimney’s condition over time, which matters when you sell. Skipping years is how small problems get expensive.
Buying or Selling a Home
A real estate transaction is the most common reason homeowners request a full inspection. Buyers want to know the flue is sound before they close, and sellers want no surprises at the negotiating table. We document what we find with photos you can share.
Chimney Flue Inspection
Chimney Flue Inspection focuses specifically on the flue, the channel that carries smoke and gases out of your home, and it’s the single most important part of the whole system to get right. You need one whenever there’s a change in how the chimney performs, after any event that could have damaged the liner, or as part of an annual check. Beacon Chimney Sweep runs a camera down the flue to look for cracks, gaps, spalling, and the creosote glaze that a brush alone won’t reveal. Flue inspection as part of a standard visit in New Braunfels typically falls in the $75 to $150 range, with video documentation priced accordingly. When the liner is deteriorated, HeatShield resurfacing can often restore it without a full replacement.
Clay Tile and Its Failure Points
Clay tile liners crack at the joints and spall where heat cycles them hardest, usually near the top and around offsets. Those gaps let heat and gases reach the masonry around them. A camera is the only reliable way to see them.
When a Reline Makes Sense
A liner that’s cracked through, oversized for the appliance, or missing entirely is a candidate for a reline. DuraFlex flexible systems fit around offsets that rigid pipe can’t. We’ll tell you honestly when resurfacing is enough and when it isn’t.
Chimney Fire
Chimney Fire is the ignition of creosote buildup inside the flue, and it can burn hot enough to crack the liner or reach the framing without anyone in the house knowing it happened. You need an inspection after any chimney fire, even a small one, and especially if you heard a roar, saw flames or sparks at the top, or noticed a sudden draft change. Beacon Chimney Sweep inspects the full system after a fire event, checking the liner for heat damage, the masonry for cracks, and the crown and cap for warping. Post-fire inspection in New Braunfels typically runs $150 to $300 depending on the level of assessment and camera work required. Creosote glaze is the usual culprit, and it’s why annual sweeping matters.
The Three Stages of Creosote
Creosote starts as a light soot, hardens into a flaky crust, then glazes into a tar-like layer that a brush won’t remove. That third stage is the one that fuels chimney fires. We identify the stage and recommend the right removal method.
Warning Signs After a Fire
Puffy or cracked creosote, warped metal, discolored caps, and a strong burnt smell are the signals we look for after a fire event. Any of them means the flue needs a careful inspection before the next burn. Don’t light another fire until it’s checked.
Level 2 Chimney Inspection
Level 2 Chimney Inspection is the camera-based assessment you need for a real estate transaction, after a chimney fire, or when a Level 1 look turns up something worth a closer read. It goes beyond the basic visual check by running a video camera through the entire flue and inspecting accessible portions of the chimney exterior, attic, and crawlspace. Beacon Chimney Sweep provides a Level 2 report with photos and video so you can see exactly what we see, and we can quote any repair the same visit. A Level 2 inspection in New Braunfels typically runs $150 to $300 depending on the chimney’s construction and access. Nothing gets recommended without camera evidence you can review yourself.
The Camera and the Report
A flexible camera travels the flue and captures cracks, gaps, offsets, and buildup the eye can’t reach. We record the run and hand you a report you can keep, share with a buyer, or hand to an insurer. The evidence is yours, not just ours.
When Level 1 Isn’t Enough
A Level 1 visual check is fine for an annual routine visit on a chimney with no history. The moment there’s a fire, a sale, a liner change, or a suspected problem, the camera is what settles it. That’s a Level 2, and it’s the standard we hold ourselves to.
Chimney Leak
Chimney Leak is water getting into the chimney system through the crown, flashing, cap, or masonry itself, and it shows up as ceiling stains, rust on the damper, or a musty smell near the hearth. You need an inspection as soon as you notice any of those signs, because water and masonry don’t mix and small leaks widen with every rain. Beacon Chimney Sweep traces the source from the top down, checking the crown for cracks, the flashing where the chimney meets the roof, and the cap for gaps. Leak diagnosis and repair in New Braunfels typically starts around $150 for the inspection and diagnosis, with repair quoted separately. We tell you plainly when a sealant fix is enough and when the crown needs rebuilding.
Tracing the Source From the Top
Most leaks start at the crown or the flashing, not the flue itself. We check the highest points first and work down, so we’re not guessing at the cause. The camera confirms whether water has already reached the interior.
What Repair Actually Involves
Crown cracks can often be sealed, while a failing crown needs to be rebuilt. Flashing gets reworked where it’s pulled away from the masonry. We scope the job by what the water path actually requires, not by what’s easiest to sell.
Chimney Camera Inspection
Chimney Camera Inspection uses a flexible video camera to see the inside of the flue and smoke chamber, which is exactly where the dangerous problems hide. You need one when a visual check isn’t conclusive, after a fire, during a home sale, or any time the flue’s condition is in question. Beacon Chimney Sweep records the run and shares the footage with you, so the discussion about repair is based on what’s visible rather than a verbal description. A camera inspection in New Braunfels typically runs $150 to $300 as part of an assessment, depending on how much of the system needs to be recorded. The footage often changes the conversation, and it should.
What the Lens Reveals
Hairline cracks, separated tile joints, missing mortar, and glaze-stage creosote all show up clearly on camera. So does a liner that was installed improperly or sized wrong for the appliance. These are the failures that cause fires and carbon monoxide problems.
Reviewing the Footage With You
We walk through the recording together so you understand what each finding means and what it takes to correct it. You keep a copy for your records or your insurer. If something can wait, we say so.
Brands We Service
We work with an intentional roster of professional-grade chimney brands because the material in a flue is the difference between a repair that lasts and one that doesn’t. DuraFlex flexible liner systems are what we reach for on relines where offsets make rigid pipe impractical, and we know where those liners wear at the joints and terminations. HeatShield resurfacing is our choice for restoring a firebox or flue that’s deteriorated but still structurally sound, letting you avoid a full replacement when the conditions allow it. Gelco products round out the repair work, and Olympia Chimney components handle the venting details that keep a system working as one unit.
Knowing these products means we can diagnose a failure and specify the material that fits it, rather than installing whatever the hardware store happens to stock. Whether you have DuraFlex, HeatShield, or any other make, we can help.
See the difference
Before
After
Before
After
Before
AfterSigns You Need a Pro Right Now
- Smoke backing into the room. A fireplace that used to draft fine and now doesn’t is telling you the flue is blocked or the pressure has changed. It’s worth a look before the next fire, not after.
- A strong burnt or creosote smell. That smell means creosote is building up or has already glazed. It’s the layer that fuels chimney fires, and it needs a sweep before you burn again.
- Water stains or rust near the hearth. Staining on the ceiling or rust on the damper points to a leak that’s already reached the interior. Water damages masonry fast, so this one moves to the front of the list.
- Visible cracks in the firebox or flue. Cracked brick or tile lets heat and gases reach framing and masonry that can’t handle either. A camera inspection confirms how deep the damage goes.
- You’ve had a chimney fire. Even a small one can crack a liner without obvious signs. An inspection after any fire event is the only way to know the flue is still sound.
Our Process, Step by Step
- 1
We start with a conversation. We ask what you burn, how often, and whether you’ve noticed anything unusual. That history tells us where to look first and shapes the level of inspection you actually need.
- 2
We inspect top-down and bottom-up. The crown, cap, and flashing get checked from the roof, then the firebox, damper, and smoke chamber from inside. Working both directions catches problems a single pass would miss.
- 3
We run the camera. A flexible video camera travels the flue so we can see cracks, gaps, and buildup that a visual check can’t reach. The footage is recorded and shared with you.
- 4
We show you what we found. We walk you through the findings with photos and video, explain what each one means, and tell you plainly what needs fixing now and what can safely wait. No upsell theater.
- 5
We quote any repair in writing. If something needs attention, you get a written estimate before any work begins. The written estimate sets the final price, and we can handle the repair ourselves with DuraFlex or HeatShield materials.
How Much Does Chimney Inspection Cost in New Braunfels?
Chimney inspection in New Braunfels typically runs $75 to $150 for a standard visual inspection, while a Level 2 inspection with camera work runs $150 to $300 depending on the chimney’s construction and how much of the system needs to be recorded. A post-fire assessment or leak diagnosis often falls in the $150 to $300 range as well, since both require the camera and a closer read of the damage. Those ranges reflect the New Braunfels market, where a mix of older masonry chimneys and newer construction means no two inspections are quite the same.
Several things move the price. The height and pitch of the chimney, whether the roof is safe to walk, how accessible the attic and crawlspace are, and whether the flue has offsets that slow the camera all affect the time and equipment required. A chimney that hasn’t been inspected in years usually takes longer than one on an annual schedule.
The way to avoid overpaying is to insist on evidence. You should see the camera footage and photos before anyone recommends a liner or a masonry repair, and you should get a written estimate before work begins. We don’t recommend anything we can’t show you, and we say plainly when a finding can safely wait a season. The free estimate covers the walkthrough and the written scope, and the price is set per job by that written estimate.
Our Service Area Near New Braunfels
We serve New Braunfels and the surrounding communities, including Garden Ridge, Redwood, Hollywood Park, Cibolo, Seguin, Schertz, Selma, Canyon Lake, and Universal City. Response times depend on where you are relative to the Canyon Lake corridor and the I-35 stretch, so call and we’ll give you a realistic window. If you’re in Garden Ridge or Redwood, we can usually book you into the same week. Learn more about Beacon Chimney Sweep and the full scope of chimney work we handle.
Serving New Braunfels, TX – Our Local Coverage Area
We serve New Braunfels and nearby communities. Use the map below to see the area we cover. If you’re nearby, we can almost certainly help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chimney Inspection in New Braunfels
A chimney inspection is a professional assessment of your entire venting system, from the firebox and damper up through the flue to the crown and cap. It checks for creosote buildup, cracked liners, damaged masonry, and water intrusion, and it tells you what’s safe to use and what needs repair. We document findings with photos and camera footage so you can see what we see. Call (888) 401-6898 to book one.
A standard visual inspection usually takes 45 minutes to an hour, while a Level 2 inspection with camera work runs closer to 90 minutes depending on the chimney’s height and access. A chimney that hasn’t been checked in years may take longer because there’s more to document. We’ll give you a realistic time estimate when you book. Call (888) 401-6898 for scheduling.
A standard inspection in New Braunfels typically runs $75 to $150, and a Level 2 inspection with camera work runs $150 to $300. The final price depends on the chimney’s construction, roof access, and how much of the system needs to be recorded. The written estimate sets the price before any work begins. Call (888) 401-6898 for an exact quote – estimates are free.
Yes, we work with DuraFlex liner systems and HeatShield resurfacing materials, along with Gelco and Olympia Chimney components. Knowing these products means we can diagnose a failure and specify the material that fits it rather than guessing. We also inspect and repair chimneys built with other materials and components. Call (888) 401-6898 to discuss your system.
We book same-day inspections where the schedule allows. We answer 24/7, with fast dispatch from 7am to 7pm, Sunday through Friday. A call outside dispatch hours is booked into the next opening, Sunday through Friday, 7am to 7pm. Call (888) 401-6898 to check availability.
Inspection findings are documented in writing with photos and camera footage, so the record of your chimney’s condition is yours to keep. Repair work is quoted in a written estimate that spells out the scope before we start. Ask about the terms for any specific repair when we quote it. Call (888) 401-6898 with questions.
Clear the area around the fireplace and make sure we can reach the hearth, the attic access, and the roof if needed. Don’t burn anything for at least 24 hours before the visit so the flue is cool and the camera view is clear. If you have documentation from a prior inspection, have it handy. Call (888) 401-6898 to confirm your appointment.
Schedule Your Chimney Inspection Service in New Braunfels Today
Book a chimney inspection in New Braunfels and get a clear, camera-backed report on what your flue actually needs. Beacon Chimney Sweep handles the inspection, the sweep, and any repair under one roof, with a written estimate before work begins. Call (888) 401-6898. We answer 24/7. Fast dispatch from 7am to 7pm, Sunday through Friday. Estimates are free and there’s no obligation.
Written by the team at Beacon Chimney Sweep.