20-Point Safety Inspection

chimney inspection Tulsa

Safety First Chimney offers a chimney inspection Tulsa homeowners can use to check the fireplace, chimney, and home fire safety equipment together. This 20-point safety inspection looks beyond a quick glance, from the hearth to the top of the chimney.

A fireplace and chimney work as one system. When a part is damaged, blocked, or worn, the whole system can become less safe. A regular chimney inspection Tulsa families schedule before the burning season helps catch small problems early, before they become expensive or unsafe.

Carbon monoxide safety is also important. This colorless, odorless gas can form when fuel does not burn completely, and a blocked flue can allow it to build up indoors. Checking the flue and damper helps make sure smoke and gases have a clear path outside.

Each point below is explained in plain language, so you will know what is checked and why it matters. The same inspection is available as a chimney inspection Jenks homeowners can request. Safety First Chimney also provides chimney sweep Tulsa service to remove soot and buildup.

A full check matters because many chimney problems are not visible from inside the home. Damage at the top of the chimney, inside the flue, or behind flashing can develop slowly and remain hidden until a leak, odor, or smoke problem appears. Looking at all 20 points together gives a clearer picture than checking only the fireplace, and it helps homeowners understand which issues are urgent and which can be watched or planned for later.

Before the visit, it helps to note any smoke smells, drafts, stains, or changes in how the fireplace burns. During a chimney inspection Tulsa visit, ask questions about anything that is unclear. Afterward, keep the list of results with your home records, so future inspections can be compared and any follow-up work can be tracked over time.

What the 20-point inspection covers

The inspection is divided into three groups: the fireplace, the chimney, and fire safety.

Fireplace

1. Hearth Protection - The hearth is checked for size, placement, and noncombustible material that protects floors from heat, sparks, and embers.

2. Firebox/Grate - The firebox walls, floor, and grate are checked for cracks, heat damage, and loose material that could let heat reach nearby framing.

3. Ash Container - The ash container is checked for a tight-fitting lid, sturdy construction, and safe placement, since hot ashes can stay hot for a long time.

4. Damper - The damper is checked to make sure it opens and closes freely and stays open during use, so smoke does not become trapped indoors.

5. Smoke Chamber - The smoke chamber is checked for soot, cracks, and rough surfaces that can slow smoke and cause it to roll back into the room.

6. Lintel Bar - The metal lintel bar above the opening is checked for rust, bending, and sagging, since it carries the weight of masonry above it.

7. Brickwork - Fireplace brickwork is checked for cracked, loose, or heat-damaged bricks that help contain heat and protect nearby structure.

8. Mortar - Mortar joints are checked for crumbling, gaps, and missing material that can let heat and gases escape through the masonry.

9. Spark Arrestor/Doors - Doors, screens, and spark arrestors are checked for fit, latches, and damage that could let sparks or embers escape.

10. Tool and Gloves - Tools and heat-resistant gloves are checked for condition and safe handles, so you can tend a fire without burns or dropped embers.

Chimney

11. Cap - The chimney cap is checked for a secure fit, rust, and blockages, and for keeping rain, debris, and animals out of the flue.

12. Crown - The crown is checked for cracks and crumbling and for a slope that sheds water away from the flue, helping prevent water damage.

13. Flashing - Flashing where the chimney meets the roof is checked for gaps, rust, and loose sections that can allow leaks into the home.

14. Flue Tiles/Chimney pipe - Flue tiles or chimney pipe are checked for cracks, gaps, misalignment, and buildup that can block smoke and gases.

15. Brickwork - Exterior brickwork is checked for cracked, loose, leaning, or weather-damaged bricks that affect the chimney's strength and stability.

16. Mortar - Exterior mortar joints are checked for erosion and missing material that can let water into the chimney structure.

Fire Safety

Fire safety items are included because a fireplace inspection should not stop at the chimney. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, a working extinguisher, and a practiced escape plan protect the whole household, even when the fireplace itself is in good condition. These simple checks can make a real difference in an emergency.

17. Fire Extinguisher - The home fire extinguisher is checked for condition and accessibility, so it is easy to reach and ready if a small fire starts.

18. Smoke Detectors - Smoke detectors are checked for presence, placement, and working condition, since early warning is vital, especially at night.

19. Carbon Monoxide Detectors - Carbon monoxide detectors are checked for presence and placement near sleeping areas and fuel-burning appliances, and for working condition.

20. Fire Escape Plan - The household fire escape plan is reviewed, including exits and a meeting place, so everyone knows how to leave quickly and safely.

How it works

During a chimney sweep or inspection Tulsa visit, each item is marked Pass, Fail, or N/A. Pass means it was in acceptable condition at the time of inspection. Fail means it needs attention before normal use. N/A means it does not apply to your home.

After the inspection, you are told clearly what is safe and what needs attention, including which items failed and why, so you can plan next  steps. You receive a written copy of the 20-point inspection report.

Call to action

If you are unsure when your chimney was last checked, or if you have noticed smoke, odors, or damage, a full 20-point check is a practical next step.

To schedule a chimney sweep or inspection Tulsa visit, call Safety First Chimney at (918) 899-7861. Serving Tulsa, Oklahoma and surrounding areas, including Jenks, Broken Arrow, Bixby, Owasso, and Sand Springs. Open 24 hours.