Schedule Now

Chimney Services » Blog » Who Should I Call for a Chimney Inspection in Somerville, MA?

CALL NOW! 978-552-3332

Who Should I Call for a Chimney Inspection in Somerville, MA?

by | Oct 23, 2025 | Chimney Inspection

When was the last time your chimney had a full inspection – not just a quick sweep, but a complete safety check from top to bottom? Here in Somerville, homes come in all shapes and ages, from 19th-century row houses to modern renovations. Each one tells a story through its brickwork, but age, weather, and everyday use can quietly wear down even the best-built chimneys. That’s why homeowners across Greater Boston trust Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep for detailed, honest chimney inspections that catch small issues before they turn into expensive repairs.

What Makes Regular Chimney Inspections So Important in Somerville?

Somerville weather swings from humid summers to freezing winters, and those freeze/thaw cycles can wreak havoc on mortar joints. Even minor cracks can spread fast once moisture seeps in. An annual inspection helps make sure your chimney is standing as strong as it looks.

During an inspection, our certified technicians check:

  • Masonry and mortar joints for cracks, loose bricks, and early signs of spalling.
  • Flue liners for hidden gaps or damage that could allow carbon monoxide leaks.
  • Crown and flashing for leaks that often show up after heavy snow or rain.
  • Smoke chamber and damper for buildup, corrosion, or improper function.

We use advanced video scanning tools to see what the naked eye can’t, because even microscopic cracks can lead to major safety issues down the road.

original infographic with a dark blue and gray color scheme and bold white text at the top reading “What Makes Regular Chimney Inspections So Important in Somerville?” The layout is divided into four illustrated sections. The top left box has a red background with an icon of a brick wall and magnifying glass showing a crack, labeled “To check masonry and mortar joints for cracks.” The top right shows a gray flue pipe with the caption “To examine flue liners for hidden gaps or damage.” The bottom left displays a chimney with water drops beneath it on a light gray background, labeled “To inspect crowns and flashing for leaks.” The bottom right has a gray box with a chimney emitting three red wavy lines representing heat, captioned “To check the smoke chamber and damper for buildup.”<br />

How Do Massachusetts Winters Affect Chimney Health?

That constant cycle of freezing and thawing can loosen mortar joints in just one or two seasons. Once moisture freezes inside those small cracks, it expands and pushes the bricks apart. Before you know it, that beautiful red-brick chimney starts leaning or shedding flakes. Here’s what we often see around Somerville:

  • Crumbling crowns that let water in at the top of the chimney.
  • White efflorescence stains showing trapped moisture inside the bricks.
  • Leaning chimneys due to shifting foundations or prolonged neglect.
  • Accelerated decay from road salt and urban air pollutants.

A proper inspection every year keeps these problems manageable and can often save homeowners from full rebuilds.

What Happens If You Skip a Chimney Inspection for a Season or Two?

We get it! Life gets busy. But even missing a single inspection can allow enough soot or creosote to accumulate to trigger a chimney fire the next winter. In older homes, unseen liner cracks or weakened masonry can let flames or fumes escape where they shouldn’t.

Common risks of skipped inspections include:

  • Rapid creosote buildup, especially in wood-burning fireplaces.
  • Hidden flue blockages from nesting animals or fallen debris.
  • Drafting issues that push smoke back into your living space.
  • Water leaks that damage both chimney and ceiling over time.

A quick visit from Billy Sweet’s team gives you peace of mind before heating season kicks in.

How Do Chimneys Hold Up During Coastal Storms or High Winds?

Somerville might not sit directly on the ocean, but strong nor’easters still bring high winds and sideways rain. Those gusts can loosen chimney caps, dislodge flashing, or even shift masonry over time. After any major storm, it’s smart to schedule a Level 2 inspection to check for:

  • Dislodged caps or covers that leave flues exposed.
  • Cracked crowns from flying debris or falling branches.
  • Water penetration that can start inside the attic long before you notice it.

Even a small leak can travel far, and catching it early keeps both your chimney and roofline intact.

Why Choose Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep for Your Somerville Home?

We’ve been serving Somerville and the greater Boston area for decades, and we know the unique challenges of local architecture, from historic triple-deckers to renovated townhomes. Our approach combines old-school craftsmanship with today’s inspection technology.

Homeowners call us because we:

  • Offer three levels of inspection (per NFPA 211 standards) to match your needs.
  • Provide clear, photo-documented reports after every visit.
  • Focus on preventive maintenance, not upselling unnecessary work.
  • Are fully certified and insured, so you know your home’s in professional hands.

Ready to Schedule Your Fireplace Inspection?

Before the next cold front hits or the holidays roll in, make sure your fireplace and chimney are ready for another New England winter. A professional inspection from Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep keeps your home safer, your system efficient, and your mind at ease.

Whether you’ve just moved into a Somerville classic or you’re maintaining a long-loved family home, we’re here to make sure your chimney continues to do its job beautifully for years to come.

Call Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep today to schedule your Somerville chimney inspection, well before the next fire season arrives.