Chimney Inspection in Highwood, IL Solves a 2-Year Mystery
By Chimney Monkey · Updated September 2026 · Highwood, IL
Quick answer: When a problem could be the roof or the chimney, a thorough chimney inspection that looks at the whole house is often the fastest way to a real answer.
For one Highwood, IL homeowner, that approach ended a two-year search after four other attempts.
A stubborn issue in one Highwood home went unresolved for two years. It could have been the roof, or it could have been the chimney. Finally, a chimney inspection from Chimney Monkey sorted it out.
Two Years, Four Companies, No Clear Answer
Mary, a homeowner in Highwood, described the frustration in her five-star Google review of Chimney Monkey:
★★★★★
“Chimney Monkey is a sanity saver! They were recommended by a couple people. I have spent 2 years trying to resolve a big problem — either with the roof or with the chimney — in my old house. 4 people/companies have come out with honest intentions & thought they fixed it. Brad arrived on time, patiently listened to me recite the history, looked at all the relevant parts of the house and came up with a solution. He helped me prioritize what had to be done & considered costs. Not an upsell — the majority of the work has to be done by my HVAC guy!”
— Mary, Highwood, Illinois (Google review · read Mary’s full review on Google)
Mary’s review points to three things that set this visit apart:
Patient listening
Brad heard the full two-year history first.
Whole-house look
He checked all the relevant parts of the house.
No upsell
Most of the work went to her HVAC contractor.
What Made This Chimney Inspection Different
According to Mary’s review, Brad arrived on time and listened to the full history of the problem. Then, he evaluated the relevant parts of the house, not just the chimney in isolation. That approach led to a clear solution, along with help prioritizing the work and being upfront about cost.
Here is how the visit unfolded, based on her review:
- On-time arrival: Brad showed up when scheduled.
- Full history: He patiently listened to two years of attempted fixes.
- Whole-house evaluation: He looked at all the relevant parts of the house.
- Clear solution: He identified what needed to happen next.
- Honest priorities: He helped rank the work, considered costs, and pointed most of it to her HVAC contractor.
Just as important, Mary noted that Chimney Monkey didn’t try to sell her services outside its scope. Most of the remaining work needed an HVAC contractor, and that’s exactly what Chimney Monkey told her.
Why Roof, Chimney, and Venting Problems Get Confused
Some problems sit where several systems meet. The chimney passes through the roof, and in many homes it also vents heating equipment such as a furnace or water heater. When something goes wrong in that area, the cause can be hard to pin down.
That’s why a good inspection looks beyond the chimney itself. A technician should consider:
Practical takeaway: If several repairs haven’t solved a problem, share the full history with your next technician. Past attempts can help rule out causes and point toward the real one.
Chimney Inspections in Highwood, IL
When a chimney issue isn’t clear-cut, an on-site inspection is often the fastest way to a real answer. That’s why Chimney Monkey provides chimney inspection, sweep, and repair services throughout Highwood and the surrounding North Shore.
Industry guidance: NFPA 211 calls for chimneys, fireplaces, and vents to receive an inspection at least once a year. Cleaning and repairs then follow based on what the inspection finds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if a problem is coming from my roof or my chimney?
It can be hard to tell on your own, because the chimney passes through the roof and the two areas affect each other. A technician who looks at all the relevant parts of the house, not just one component, is more likely to find the true source.
Why would a chimney company send me to an HVAC contractor?
In many homes, the chimney vents heating equipment such as a furnace or water heater. If the root cause is in that equipment, an HVAC contractor is the right fit. An honest chimney company will tell you when the work falls outside its scope.
What should I share with a technician about a recurring problem?
Share the full history: when the problem started, what past contractors tried, and what happened after each repair. Mary’s technician listened to two years of history before evaluating the house, and that context helped lead to a clear solution.
How often should I have my chimney inspected?
NFPA 211 calls for an inspection at least once a year. Cleaning and repairs then follow as needed, based on what the inspection finds. Older homes in Highwood and the North Shore especially benefit from routine checks.
To get started, contact Chimney Monkey to schedule a chimney inspection for your Highwood home, or read Mary’s full review on Google first.
Not sure what service your home needs? Start with a professional evaluation so the system can be identified, the visible conditions can be documented, and the right next step can be recommended.
Have a question about your chimney, fireplace, venting system, gutters, or dryer vent? Schedule a professional visit and get clear recommendations based on the actual condition of your home.
Categories: Chimney Care Chimney Inspection