The Mad Hatter Hearth Diagnostic Plus Analysis

Hearth Diagnostic Plus: $529

Our Level 2 inspection shows the condition of the flue, roof, attic, and foundation. Hearth Diagnostic Plus includes that complete Level 2 and adds instrument testing to look for heat and water problems behind finished surfaces. Every hearth inspection is based on St. Louis City & County and St. Charles City & County currently adopted municipal code.

Best for: homebuyers and sellers, real estate agents, older and historic homes, homes with several fireplaces, and homeowners with a specific concern.

What's Included

• Complete NFPA 211 Level 2 inspection: sweep, internal camera scan of the flue, and rooftop, attic, and foundation inspection
• Heat Load & Thermography Analysis: a controlled heat load from a professional heat gun in the firebox, documented with a FLIR thermal imager at the fireplace face, attic, and surrounding areas
• Moisture mapping: readings in framing and drywall around the chimney, with comparison readings on masonry, to locate hidden water intrusion
• Laser clearance measurements: chimney height and roof clearance, plus interior clearances to combustibles
• Draft measurement: flue draft and pressure readings with a digital manometer
• Aerial roof imaging of the crown, cap, and flashing when the roof is too steep or unsafe to walk
• Written report with thermal images, moisture readings, measurements, and photos

See every instrument we use on our diagnostic tools page.

How the Heat Load & Thermography Analysis Works

After the flue is swept and inspected, a technician places a professional heat gun in the firebox, pointed up toward the damper. Before heating, we record baseline temperatures and thermal images of the fireplace face, the attic, and surrounding walls and ceilings. The heat gun runs for about 15 minutes on factory-built fireplaces and about 20 minutes on masonry fireplaces while the technician monitors temperatures throughout. Final thermal images show where heat travels into framing, trim, and the attic chase.

This analysis documents heat-transfer paths under a controlled heat load. It does not reproduce the full operating temperatures of a fire.

Flue Integrity Test: $849

Everything in Hearth Diagnostic Plus, plus flue performance measurements:

• Flue leakage test: the flue is sealed and held at a set test pressure while we measure the airflow needed to maintain it, showing how much the flue leaks
• Liner and metal thickness readings: ultrasonic readings on stainless liners, connectors, and metal components, where they can be reached

Best for: deciding whether an older stainless liner should be replaced, evaluating an unlined chimney before a new insert, verifying a relining project, and multi-flue homes and commercial buildings.

Chimney Fire Damage Assessment & Claim Report

After a chimney fire or storm, we document the chimney's condition, the damage found, and the repairs required to meet currently adopted code, with photos and instrument readings for your insurance claim. This report assesses damage and needed repairs; it does not determine the cause of a fire. Call today for your free estimate.

Add-Ons During Any Standard Service

If a technician sees a specific condition during a routine sweep or gas service, we may recommend one of these tests. We explain it and get your approval before any testing begins.

• Moisture Mapping — $129: for white staining on brick, a rusted damper, or water stains
• Heat Load & Thermography Analysis — $149: for factory-built fireplaces with trim or drywall tight to the opening
• Flue Leakage Test — $295: for open mortar joints, cracked tiles, or liner seam separation

Frequently Asked Questions