Chimney Inspection in New Jersey
A close look at the outside of your chimney (brick, mortar, crown, cap and the flashing where it meets the roof) so you know what condition it is in and what, if anything, needs attention.
NJ HIC #13VH12036000 | Serving homeowners across New Jersey from East Rutherford
- Free inspection & estimateNo-cost first visit
- NJ HIC #13VH12036000Registered Home Improvement Contractor
- East Rutherford headquarters168 Humboldt St
- Convenient online schedulingRequest online, then pick a time
An exterior look at the chimney and where it meets the roof
The part of a chimney above the roof takes more weather than almost anything else on the house. Rain, wind and freeze-thaw cycles work on the brick, the mortar joints, the crown on top and the flashing at the roofline. Small openings in any of these can let water into the masonry or past the roof.
Our chimney inspection is an evaluation of the chimney’s exterior and visible condition. We look at the masonry, the crown, the cap and the chimney-to-roof flashing, note anything that looks loose, cracked, eroded or out of place, and explain what we see in plain language, with photos where helpful.
Homeowners usually call after noticing crumbling mortar or loose brick, a stain on a ceiling or wall near the chimney, a leaning or damaged cap, or simply because they are having roof work done and want to know where the chimney stands.
What this inspection is not
This is not a certified internal chimney, flue or fireplace safety inspection. We do not evaluate flue liners, smoke chambers, dampers, venting performance or whether a fireplace or appliance is safe to use. If you need that kind of evaluation, for example before using a fireplace or when buying a home, contact a qualified chimney safety professional.
What an exterior chimney inspection often finds
Most of these start small. Catching them early usually means a more limited repair.
Cracked crown
Cracks in the cement cap on top of the chimney let water soak down into the masonry.
Eroded mortar joints
Joints that have recessed, crumbled or opened up between the bricks.
Spalling brick
Brick faces that flake or pop off, often from water freezing inside the masonry.
Loose flashing
Lifted, bent or poorly sealed metal where the chimney meets the roof.
Missing or damaged cap
An open flue or a rusted, bent cap that no longer keeps out rain and debris.
Signs of water entry
Staining, efflorescence or damp areas on the masonry or nearby ceilings.
Repair, rebuild or keep an eye on it
What we recommend depends on what we actually see. Sometimes the answer is that nothing needs to be done yet.
Findings that usually point to repair
- Localized mortar erosion
- A cracked but intact crown
- Flashing that has lifted or lost its seal
- A damaged or missing cap
Findings that may point to a rebuild
- Widespread loose or spalling brick
- Visible leaning or separation
- Masonry deteriorated well below the crown
- Repeated repairs that have not held
Factors that affect the decision
How much of the chimney is affected, whether the problem is surface-level or structural, how the chimney ties into the roof, and whether roof work is planned.
When further investigation is needed
An exterior inspection cannot see inside the flue or the masonry itself. If what we see suggests a concern inside the chimney, we will tell you, and recommend a qualified chimney safety professional for that part.
How your chimney inspection works
Request
Send the form with photos of the chimney if you can take them safely from the ground.
Book a time
Pick an available time on our Google Calendar booking page.
Exterior check
We look at the brick, mortar, crown, cap and roof flashing when access is safe.
Interior signs
Where relevant, we look at staining on ceilings or walls near the chimney.
Explain
We go over what we found, with photos where helpful.
Next steps
If repairs make sense, you receive an estimate. If not, we tell you.
Your appointment is confirmed once you complete the Google booking or we confirm it with you directly.
Parts of the chimney we evaluate
The exterior of a chimney is a set of parts that work together to keep water out of the masonry and the house.
Brick & mortar
The masonry itself, including how the joints and brick faces are holding up to the weather.
Crown
The sloped top that sheds water away from the flue and off the edges of the chimney.
Cap
The cover over the flue opening that helps keep out rain, debris and animals.
Flashing
The metal that seals the joint between the chimney and the roof covering.
What Our Customers Say
We have not yet received Google reviews about chimney inspections specifically. The first review mentions Matt spotting a deteriorating chimney during other work; the others are genuine Google reviews about our work in general.
Excerpt“As his team quickly wrapped up the problem, he also noticed the deteriorating chimney that would eventually become a problem in the near future.”
Excerpt“Matt and his crew are prompt, clear about what repairs are needed, why, and the scope of the work.”
Excerpt“Very communicative and helps you understand where and what the problem is.”
Quoted from our Google Business Profile. Rating and count as of October 28, 2026.
Exterior chimney inspections across New Jersey
Our team works from East Rutherford and serves homeowners in all 21 New Jersey counties, subject to availability. Choose your county or see every area we cover.
Headquarters
168 Humboldt St, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
(551) 241-0470 · monarchroofingnj@gmail.com
Service availability can vary by location and schedule. See all service areas.
Chimney inspection FAQs
Is this a certified chimney safety inspection?
No. We evaluate the exterior and visible condition of the chimney and its connection to the roof. We do not inspect flues, liners, dampers or fireplaces, or certify that a chimney is safe to use.
Who should I call for a flue or fireplace inspection?
A qualified chimney safety professional who inspects the inside of the chimney system. We are happy to coordinate with them if exterior repairs are needed.
Is the exterior chimney inspection free?
Yes. The inspection and any resulting estimate are free.
Will you go on the roof to look at the chimney?
When it is safe. Roof pitch, height, weather and roof condition decide what we can reach. Please do not climb up yourself to take photos.
Can you check the chimney while you inspect the roof?
Yes. Because chimney flashing and the roof around it are closely connected, many homeowners have both looked at in the same visit.
What does white staining on the brick mean?
White, powdery deposits are often efflorescence, a sign that water is moving through the masonry. It is worth finding out where the water is getting in.
Can you tell if the chimney is causing my leak?
We look for the visible signs that point to the chimney, such as failed flashing, a cracked crown or open joints. Some leaks need more investigation to confirm the exact path.
Do I need to be home?
It helps, especially if there is interior staining to look at and so we can go over the findings with you. Let us know when you book if you cannot be there.
Related services
Also see: Roof Flashing Repair.
Request Your Free Chimney Inspection
Tell us about your project, upload photos if available, and choose your preferred inspection date and time.
Please note: preferred dates and times are requests until your booking is confirmed.
Prefer to talk? Call or text (551) 241-0470 or email monarchroofingnj@gmail.com.
Want to Know What Shape Your Chimney Is In?
Tell us what you are noticing (loose brick, a stain near the chimney or a damaged cap) and we will start with a free exterior inspection.