Do I need a chimney inspection before installing an insert?
Yes — a Weaverville insert starts with a chimney inspection, and which inspection depends on your house. Reems Creek's new construction and downtown's older homes with inefficient original fireboxes are two different animals. We scope the existing flue or chase first, because sizing a liner and setting a sealed insert both depend entirely on what's actually up there.
New Reems Creek build vs. old downtown firebox
The rapid new construction out toward Reems Creek usually came with a factory prefab box and a metal chase — the inspection there checks firebox condition and clearances, because a masonry-style liner won't fit a prefab. Downtown Weaverville's older homes are the opposite: original masonry with clay tile sized for a big open wood fire, inefficient and often cracked after decades of use. That flue can take a stainless liner once we've confirmed the tile and mortar are sound. Two housing types, two scopes, and a camera is the only honest way to tell which you've got.
North-facing valley, Buncombe permit
Weaverville's north-facing valley position warms up slowly in spring, which stretches the season you'll actually use the hearth. Once the flue checks out, we pull the Buncombe County permit and meet the inspector. You're 15 minutes north of the Asheville showroom, so the visit is easy to schedule. Call (828) 545-0525 for a free assessment.
Fireplace help in Weaverville
We install and service fireplaces throughout Weaverville and the rest of Buncombe County — just 15 minutes north from our Asheville-area showroom.
Related questions
- My chimney is damaged — can I still install a gas insert?
- Does a wood-burning insert require a full stainless steel liner to the top of the chimney?
- Can a gas insert be installed in my existing masonry fireplace?
- Does a gas fireplace insert need a chimney liner?
- How do you measure a fireplace to know if an insert will fit?