Chimney Inspection for Cicero Homes

Chimney inspection in brief

An inspection starts at the top and works down. We check the chimney cap and cover, the crown, the brick and mortar of the stack, and the flashing where the chimney meets the roof. Then we check the flue, damper, smoke chamber and firebox. We look for a blocked chimney flue, cracked or spalling chimney brick, creosote buildup, water stains and the source of any chimney odor. Gas fireplaces and gas appliances vented into the chimney are part of the job. Our full chimney inspection service covers each step in detail.

What Cicero's housing records mean for an inspection

According to the CMAP Community Data Snapshot (American Community Survey 2020-2024 five-year estimates), 61.8% of housing units in Cicero were built before 1940 and 26.2% were built between 1940 and 1969. The median year built is 1938. The Town of Cicero Building Department states that Cicero's homes are predominantly older and require ongoing maintenance.

Cicero's Unified Development Code (Chapter 114, document dated 10.19.2022) says the traditional neighborhoods north of Cermak Road between Lombard and Central Avenues, and south of Cermak to Pershing Road, contain a mix of historic bungalows and two-flats, cape cod cottages, two-story colonial designs and raised ranches. These define Cicero's predominant housing stock.

In general, a chimney that has stood for many decades has been through many seasons of rain, freezing and heat. It may also have served several different furnaces, water heaters or fireplaces over the years. On an older brick chimney, the inspection focuses on how the masonry has held up and whether the flue still suits whatever is venting into it now.

Selling or buying: the certificate of compliance timeline

The Town of Cicero requires a Certificate of Compliance for most real estate transfers. A Town Building Inspector inspects the property, and the property must be brought into full compliance with the Town Code before the certificate is issued (source: The Town of Cicero - Building Department: Buying Or Selling A Home?) For a real estate transfer, the Building Department advises scheduling the Certificate of Compliance inspection at least 30 days before the proposed closing date to avoid transfer delays (source: Town of Cicero Building Department - Certificate of Compliance / As-Is).

The Town also states that its Compliance Inspection Report for property transfers is not a substitute for a building permit, and that work requiring permits must be cleared with Building Department staff. If a chimney inspection turns up work that needs doing, ask the Building Department whether it needs a permit before the work starts.

As-Is purchases and condition reports

Under the Town of Cicero's As-Is Repair Agreement for buyers, condition reports such as roofing and heating reports must be submitted to the Town. The property is not considered habitable until they are (source: Town of Cicero Building Department - As-Is Repair Agreement). The Town decides which reports your file needs, so confirm the list with the Building Department. If the home heats with a fireplace, wood stove or gas appliance vented through the chimney, an inspection shows you the condition of that venting before you move in.

Chimney camera inspection

Much of a flue can't be seen from the firebox or from the top of the stack. A chimney camera inspection sends a camera through the flue to show cracked liner sections, gaps at the joints, heavy creosote, or a nest or debris blocking the flue. We use it when a visual check leaves open questions, when smoke or odor problems have no obvious cause, or when a buyer wants to know what is inside the flue before closing.

When inspection is the right first call, and when it isn't

Start with an inspection if you're buying or selling, if the chimney hasn't been looked at in years, or if you notice stains, odors, smoke spilling into the room, or brick flaking off the stack. If you already know what's wrong, such as a loose cap, washed-out mortar or a leaking crown, chimney repair in Cicero may be the better place to start. If the fireplace gets regular use and buildup is your main concern, a sweep comes first. Our guide to creosote dangers and why chimney maintenance matters explains why that buildup deserves attention.

More for homeowners and property managers

Commercial and property-manager work is offered, which helps owners of two-flats and other rental buildings. Gas fireplace and gas appliance work is offered, and we work on all major fireplace brands. For everything else we do in the area, visit our services for Cicero homes page. To learn more before booking, read how chimney inspection works from start to finish. Request an estimate when you're ready.