Chimney inspections and repairs for South Lake Conway Villa homes

The attic above a fireplace is where a chimney leak often shows up first, long before a stain reaches the ceiling below. South Lake Conway Villa is a neighborhood within Belle Isle, and for homes there, a look in the attic around the chimney can tell you a lot about how the chimney is holding up, as long as it can be done safely.

If you can reach the attic safely and walk on the framing, look at the wood where the chimney or chase passes through the roof. Dark staining, soft or crumbling wood, rusty nails and damp insulation are signs that water has been getting in. White deposits on the chimney's masonry in the attic point to water moving through the brick.

On a factory-built chimney, look for rust on the metal pipe or water marks on the chase framing. Do not step off the framing, and do not move insulation around the chimney pipe; it may be a firestop or shield the manufacturer requires. Water in the attic usually comes from the flashing where the chimney meets the roof, a cracked crown, open mortar joints above the roof line or, on a factory-built system, a failing chase cover or storm collar.

Our technicians inspect from the roof and the attic and match the evidence inside to the entry point outside. Clearances matter in the attic too. The building code and fireplace manufacturers require air space between a chimney and the wood framing around it. We check that the framing and insulation are where they should be.

If you are not comfortable going into the attic, do not. Tell us what you see from the rooms below, and we will look. We are family owned and operated, and the South Lake Conway Villa inspection is free. Repairs are quoted with honest, upfront pricing, and you save 10% by booking within 72 hours after the inspection. Our workmanship warranty covers every repair.