FAQs & Appointment Guidance
Ensuring Your Home’s Hearth Is Inspected with Precision
At The Chimney Doctor, we specialize in inspections, service, and restoration of elite property hearth-systems — from Snowmass and Aspen to Telluride and Vail. Below you’ll find answers to common questions and essential preparation tips to ensure your service appointment runs smoothly and efficiently.
1. Inspection Frequency
Q: How often should my chimney, fireplace or stove be inspected?
A: According to the National Fire Protection Association NFPA 211, chimneys, fireplaces, and vents must be inspected at least once annually to verify structural soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances.
Q: How often should the system be swept or cleaned?
A: Inspection is required at least annually. Sweeping, cleaning, or service shall be performed as necessary or indicated by the appliance or chimney manufacturer.
- For wood-burning systems, plan on having the system swept and inspected every 1 to 3 cords of wood (depending on appliance type, efficiency, and venting).
- Pellet systems should be swept and serviced annually or after using approximately 2–3 tons of pellets, whichever comes first.
- Gas systems should be cleaned and serviced annually. Most manufacturers recommend annual maintenance. Even during off-season, a certified technician should verify venting integrity, check for debris or moisture intrusion, inspect ignition systems and confirm safe operation.
2. Appointment Preparation – Ensuring a Seamless Service Visit
To deliver the highest standard of service and protect your home at a premium level, please prepare for your inspection or service appointment by doing the following:
- Schedule Early: High-end service regions fill quickly. If possible, book during spring or summer when scheduling is easiest.
chimney.doctor - Discontinue Use of the System 24 Hours Prior: Allow your system and chimney to fully cool, giving our team safe, uninterrupted access for inspection and service.
- Clear the Work Area: Remove rugs, furniture, personal items and decor from at least a 4–6 foot radius around the appliance or hearth. Our team uses drop-cloths, protective covers and HEPA-filtered vacuums to safeguard your interior.
- Remove Ashes (if applicable): For wood systems with an ash-box, empty the ash-box prior to our arrival — it gives us more time for detailed inspection and analysis.
- Ensure Exterior and Attic/Crawlspace Access: If your system terminates on the roof, requires attic/access‐space entry, or sits atop a basement or crawlspace, please ensure safe and clear access to those areas (e.g., via ladder, hatch or clearance).
- Know Your Location & Availability: If your property is in one of our Tier 1 service zones (Snowmass Village, Telluride, Basalt, Vail, Carbondale, Aspen), premium scheduling is available. Please confirm your preferred date and appointment window.
Service Priority:
We provide full inspection and repair services in our Tier 1 markets — Aspen, Snowmass Village, Telluride, Vail, Basalt, and Carbondale.
We also serve select surrounding areas on a limited-availability basis. Tier 2 scheduling is grouped into specific service days to ensure route efficiency and safety for our technicians.
3. FAQ - Additional Common Questions
Every inspection we perform is guided by nationally recognized safety standards — NFPA 211, IRC, and manufacturer instructions— and executed by certified professionals trained under the F.I.R.E. and CSIA programs. Whether we’re inspecting a 100-year-old masonry chimney or a modern direct-vent system, our process is methodical, documented, and fully defensible.
Q: Will I receive a written inspection report?
A: Yes. Every inspection is documented with a detailed report, full-color photos, measured observations and a summary of findings tied to industry‐standard codes. A link to a photo album of every photo or video taken on site is available.
Q: What if repairs are recommended?
A: Your report will include prioritized recommendations. Estimated timelines, costs, and options for service may follow separately, depending on the complexity of your system — allowing you to plan and budget thoughtfully.
Q: Do you accommodate high-end finishes or sensitive interiors?
A: Absolutely. We treat every home as if it were our own. Protective covers, boot-covers, clean staging procedures and discreet, respectful service are standard.
Q: I’m currently experiencing strange odors or symptoms when using my gas appliance. What should I do?
A: If you smell gas, experience headaches, metallic taste or lightheadedness while your appliance runs, discontinue use and contact us immediately — these symptoms may indicate a venting or combustion issue requiring urgent inspection.
4. Contact and Scheduling
Call us at 970-234-3330 or reach out via our contact us and scheduling request form.
Based in Grand Junction, CO, we serve Colorado’s premium mountain home markets and beyond.
2944 I-70 Business Loop #210
Grand Junction, CO 81504
info@chimney.doctor
Certifications & Associations
