Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps: Trusted Chimney Inspections in Greenwood, SC

At Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps, we’ve been serving upstate South Carolina homeowners for nearly 45 years, and chimney inspections have always been one of the cornerstones of what we do. A fireplace should bring warmth, comfort, and beauty to your home…not hidden risks. Our team of certified technicians brings decades of experience, hands-on knowledge, and the personal touch of a family-run business to every inspection we perform in Greenwood, SC. Whether you live in a historic home downtown or a newer build in the suburbs, you can count on us to keep your system working as safely and as efficiently as possible.

What Common Problems Are Uncovered During a Chimney Inspection?

Think of a chimney inspection as your first line of defense against hidden hazards and inefficiency. Many of the biggest chimney issues don’t make themselves obvious until they’ve already caused costly or dangerous damage, which is why the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 211) both recommend annual inspections – so any small problems can be uncovered well before they escalate.

Some problems we commonly uncover during inspections include:

  • Creosote buildup, or layers of flammable residue that could spark a chimney fire.
  • Cracks in flue liners, which allow heat, smoke, or carbon monoxide to escape into the home.
  • Animal nests and debris, which create blockages that prevent smoke from venting properly.
  • Water intrusion that leads to leaks that can weaken mortar, brick, and flashing over time.
  • Masonry deterioration in the form of spalling bricks, missing mortar joints, or cracked crowns.

We’ve seen situations in Greenwood where homeowners thought their occasional fireplace use meant everything was fine—only to discover, during an inspection, that water damage or liner cracks had been quietly compromising their chimney system for years. Catching issues early is the key to preventing bigger headaches.

 

original infographic has a dark gray background with white rectangular boxes listing common chimney inspection issues. At the top, bold white text asks, “What Common Problems Are Uncovered During a Chimney Inspection?” Each problem is paired with a blue circular icon: creosote buildup with a chimney emitting fumes, cracks in flue liners with a broken vertical line, animal nests and debris with a bird sitting on twigs, water intrusion with a house roof and water drop, and masonry deterioration with a brick wall symbol. The overall design uses a clean layout with contrasting black, white, and blue for readability.<br />

Your Greenwood, SC Chimney Experts: Why We Love This Area

Greenwood, SC, is more than just where we work… It’s part of the community we’re proud to serve. Known as the “Emerald City,” Greenwood shines with charm, culture, and hospitality. Locals enjoy the annual Festival of Flowers, a summer highlight that fills the city with vibrant displays and community spirit. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate Lake Greenwood State Park, where boating, fishing, and camping make for perfect weekend getaways. And in the heart of town, Uptown Greenwood offers dining, shopping, and a lively arts scene that residents love.

Whether you’re near Lander University, live close to the trails of Ninety Six National Historic Site, or are settled into one of the friendly neighborhoods around the city, Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps is proud to keep Greenwood homes warmer, cozier, and better protected. Make us your go-to local chimney company.

What Happens During a Chimney Inspection?

When you schedule an inspection with us, we tailor the service to your system’s needs:

  • Level 1 Inspection: A basic visual check for homes where no changes have been made and everything seems to be operating normally.
  • Level 2 Inspection: A more detailed look, often involving video scanning, and especially recommended when selling or buying a home, after a major event like a storm, or when making changes to your heating system.
  • Level 3 Inspection: Rare, but necessary in cases where hidden damage is suspected. This may require limited demolition to uncover structural problems.

One of our Greenwood customers recently shared how their Level 2 inspection uncovered a hidden blockage in the flue. They’d been noticing occasional smoky odors, but assumed it was normal. In reality, a bird’s nest had built up behind the damper. Removing it not only improved performance but made their home safer immediately.

How Often Should I Schedule an Inspection?

Most homeowners should plan on at least one chimney inspection a year. But your exact schedule may depend on how often you use your fireplace or stove.

  • Occasional use (just a few times a season): One inspection per year is usually enough.
  • Moderate use (several times a week in winter): Annual inspections are essential, and sweeps may be needed twice per year.
  • Heavy use (daily or year round): Inspections may need to happen more than once per year to keep up with creosote and wear.

Skipping inspections might save time in the short term, but we’ve seen the long-term consequences—expensive repairs from chimney fires, smoke damage inside living rooms, or extensive masonry work after water infiltration. A yearly check is a small investment in peace of mind.

Why Choose Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps for Your Greenwood Chimney Inspection?

When you work with us, you’re not just hiring a technician—you’re getting a team backed by decades of service and national certifications. Our sweeps are certified by:

  • Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)
  • National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG)
  • National Fireplace Institute (NFI)
  • South Carolina Chimney Sweep Guild (SCCSG)
  • North Carolina Chimney Sweep Association (NCCSA)

And beyond certifications, we stay on the cutting edge by attending conventions, workshops, and continuing education opportunities. That means when a Blue Sky technician inspects your chimney, you can trust you’re getting knowledge, care, and workmanship you won’t find everywhere.

Schedule Your Greenwood, SC Chimney Inspection Today

At Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps, we’ve built our reputation on providing as thorough and as professional service as possible while keeping the family-first approach that sets us apart. When your chimney needs attention, whether it’s a routine inspection, sweeping, or repair, you can count on us to deliver quality results and peace of mind.

Call us today or book your inspection online. Let us bless your hearth and keep your Greenwood home ready for cozy fires all year long.