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In this video, we’ll walk you through how to use Prewritten Notes and Checklists in the Photo Documentation section of your report.

Once you’ve added your photos, scroll down to find the Prewritten Notes section.

From here, you can select up to seven notes from our library of over 600 options.

Use the search bar to type in keywords and quickly find the note that fits your inspection.

After you’ve selected your notes, you also have the option to include Checklists.

Start by choosing from 56 available checklist templates.

Once selected, simply check off any issues you’d like to include in your report.

You can use Prewritten Notes, Checklists, or both — whatever works best for your inspection style.

It’s all about making your reports faster, clearer, and more consistent.

Thanks for using InspectionFire.

 Start by opening your inspection form and navigating to the Technician & Company Information section.

Begin by entering your name and any credentials or certifications you hold.

Next, fill out your company details, including:

Company name, Address, Phone number, Website URL, Customer-facing email, and The email address where you’d like report submissions to be sent

You’ll also have the option to add your company logo. To do this, you’ll need a publicly accessible link to the image. If you don’t have one, feel free to email us your logo and we’ll generate a link for you.

Now, scroll down to the Disclaimers section. You can either write your own disclaimers or use the prewritten versions by following the link provided and copying them into the fields.

After that, review the prewritten Customer and Technician Acknowledgement notes. You can use the default text or edit it to better match your needs.

Once everything is filled out and reviewed, it’s time to approve your entries.

To save time on future reports, tap the three dots in the top right corner and select “Remember”. Then, check the boxes for all the fields you want the app to remember.

This will ensure you don’t have to re-enter this information every time you create a report.

Whether you’re just getting started or need a quick refresher, our latest video walks you step-by-step through using the InspectionFire report-writing app — built specifically for chimney professionals.

From entering customer details to submitting a polished PDF, we’ve streamlined the process to make your inspections faster, more consistent, and easier to complete in the field.

Welcome to InspectionFire.
In this video, we’ll guide you through how to navigate and complete an inspection report using the InspectionFire app.

Step 1: Enter Customer Information
Start by opening the form and filling out the customer’s details — including name, address, and any other relevant job information.

Step 2: Technician & Company Info
Next, enter or verify your technician and company information.

If this is your first time using the app, be sure to complete all fields.

Want to add your company logo? You’ll need a publicly accessible link to the image. Don’t have one? Just send us your logo and we’ll provide a link for you.

You can also add disclaimers by copying ours from the provided link or pasting in your own custom version.

Once everything is filled out, tap the three dots in the top-right corner and select “Remember” on any fields you want saved for future reports.

Step 3: Appliance Information
Now move to the Appliance section. Name the system and location, then enter all relevant inspection details.

Step 4: Photo Documentation
In this section, start by naming each photo block.

Then, upload your photos and write a description. You can also use our built-in tools, including:

• Pre-written notes and common deficiencies
• Inspection checklists

You can use either — or both — to streamline your documentation process.

Step 5: Summary & Recommendations
After you’ve added all your photo blocks, move on to the summary and recommendations section.
Here’s your chance to clearly explain your findings and next steps for the customer.

Step 6: Signatures & Submission
Capture the customer’s signature — or document why one wasn’t collected.

Review all entered information, add the technician’s signature, and submit the report.

Final Step: Viewing the Completed Report
Reports can be completed offline at the job site. When you’re back in service, the app will sync and allow you to submit the report.

Once submitted, you can view the final PDF by going to the “Completed Reports” section in the app.
Important: You’ll need a Wi-Fi or data connection to view the PDF.

A copy will also be emailed to you with a direct link to the final report for easy access and sharing

Engineered for Pros. Built for the Field.

At InspectionFire, we’re always pushing to improve the tools chimney professionals rely on. That’s why we’re excited to announce our newest innovation: the IX5 Housing, purpose-built for the all-new Insta360 X5 camera.

The Insta360 X5 brings next-level resolution and low-light capability to 360° inspections — and the IX5 Housing is designed to protect that power in the real-world environments inspectors face daily.

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X4 vs. X5: What’s the Difference?

If you’re already using the Insta360 X4, you might be wondering what makes the X5 different. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Feature	Insta360 X4	Insta360 X5
Video Resolution	8K at 30fps, 5.7K at 60fps, 4K at 100fps	8K at 30fps, 5.7K at 60fps, 4K at 120fps
Sensor	Dual 1/2-inch sensors	Dual 1/1.28-inch sensors
Processing	Single 5nm AI Chip	Triple AI Chip (2 imaging + 1 AI chip)
Low Light Performance	Good	Significantly improved
Image Clarity	Crisp	Ultra-sharp, especially in dark areas
Stitching Quality	Solid	More seamless and professional

In short: if you’re looking for cinematic-level detail and even better visibility in dark flues or dusty conditions, the X5 delivers.

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Designed with Inspections in Mind

We’ve taken everything you loved about our past housings and made it even better for the X5. The IX5 is crafted to give your camera the protection it needs, without sacrificing usability. Whether you’re navigating tight flues or documenting conditions in low light, this housing is up for the challenge.

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Why the IX5 Stands Out:

• Built for the Insta360 X5 – snug fit, easy access
• Heavy-duty exterior – handles rough conditions
• Streamlined shape – perfect for tight spaces
• Field-tested design – made for real chimney pros

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Coming Soon to InspectionFire

If you’re ready to take full advantage of the Insta360 X5’s capabilities, the IX5 Housing will be a must-have addition to your inspection kit.

Stay tuned for the official release date — and get ready to level up your inspections.

Here is a brief list of updates between v2.30 to v2.92 which will start to roll out to accounts today. Please contact our office if do not see it show up in your account soon. Vanessa will also reach out via text or phone to let you know it is there. 

PDF FORMATTING / OUTPUT

• Line spacing for numerous fields in the PDF output updated to be consistent throughout the document
• Additional spaces or page breaks showing up in the PDF output removed
• Photo compression increased slightly to help keep submissions under 25 MB where large inspections are performed
• Output changed to a link sent via email as opposed to the PDF itself. This is to help when large inspections exceed 25 MB as when size increases above that point the PDF may not generate as it cannot be emailed or received by most email providers. If larger the link still allows downloading and generation without issue. 

PHOTO DOCUMENTATION SCREEN

• The pre-written notes screen and the checklists screen were combined into one screen so you can use either pre-written notes, or checklists, or both, and mix them back and forth throughout your report as you go.
• The pre-written notes selection boxes were disconnected from each other so that you can change or edit prior selected pre-written notes, or remove them, without affecting selections after that point.
• There are up to 7 prewritten notes per photo block entry you can choose and 56 checklists to choose from. 
• Language in the pre-written note selections simplified for easier searching and viewing.

IN DEVELOPMENT FOR RELEASE SOON

• Masonry measurements pull sheet and auto check function on dimensions and sizing. This is mostly complete, just waiting on the final design of the PDF output and testing. 
• Dynamic data that pushes out and pulls in so that once company information, disclaimers, and prompts are set in any form they will pull into any forms where those fields are present so that they only have to be entered once and will update automatically as new versions of the forms are updated.

As always – PLEASE SEND FEEDBACK – and let us know if there are any updates or ideas you have. We are actively working on improving all aspects of the app and workflow. Thank you!

How to Communicate the Hidden Danger of CO Spillage

As an inspection professional, your job isn’t just to inspect—it’s to persuade, guide, and ensure safety. Homeowners assume that if their heating system, fireplace, or chimney has worked fine for years, they’re in the clear. That’s the trap. CO is silent, invisible, and deadly. Your job is to help them see the unseen and take action before it’s too late.

Key Concepts to Explain to the Homeowner

1. What Is Carbon Monoxide and Why Is It Dangerous?

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can quietly fill your home without you knowing. It comes from incomplete combustion, and if it’s not vented properly, it can turn a safe space into a deadly one.

CO doesn’t announce itself. There’s no smell, no visible smoke—just symptoms that mimic the flu. Headaches. Dizziness. Nausea. And if ignored? The consequences can be fatal.

2. Why CO Spillage Happens

Your venting system is designed to remove CO safely. But if something disrupts that process—if the draft isn’t right, if a blockage forms, if negative air pressure pulls gases the wrong way—CO can spill right back into your home.

At this point, show homeowners the evidence—the drafting issues, the venting blockages, the appliance malfunctions. Make the invisible visible.

3. Common Causes of CO Spillage

Explain the root problems in a way that lands:

• Blocked or Restricted Venting – “Your system relies on a clear path to vent. If there’s creosote buildup, debris, or even an animal nest in there, CO has nowhere to go but back into your home.”
• Negative Air Pressure – “Your home is working against itself. When exhaust fans, dryers, or range hoods pull air out faster than it can come in, it creates a vacuum that pulls CO back in instead of pushing it out.”
• Cracked or Deteriorated Chimney Liner – “Think of your chimney liner like a hose. If it’s cracked or broken, it leaks. And in this case, what’s leaking is carbon monoxide.”
• Improper Appliance Sizing or Installation – “If the system isn’t matched properly, it won’t vent right. And when it doesn’t vent right, CO stays inside.”
• Lack of Maintenance – “A dirty system doesn’t work like it should. Regular maintenance isn’t just about performance—it’s about safety.”
• House Pressure Issues – “Your house is built tight for efficiency, but that same efficiency can trap CO inside. The way air moves through your home can either help or hurt.”

How to Present Your Findings

1. Keep It Direct, Keep It Real

Don’t soften the truth, but don’t alarm them either. Your tone should say: I know what I’m talking about, and I’m here to help you stay safe.

“I’m seeing signs that CO could be spilling back into your home. Since CO is odorless and invisible, you wouldn’t know it unless a detector goes off, or until symptoms show up—or worse. Let’s talk about what we can do to fix this now.”

2. Show, Don’t Just Tell

People believe what they see. Use every tool you have:

• Photos of blockages, damage, or improper installations.
• Smoke or draft tests to illustrate airflow issues.
• CO detector readings to prove the problem in real-time.

Make them feel like they’ve discovered the issue alongside you.

3. Offer Actionable Next Steps

Instead of overwhelming them with problems, make the solution simple and clear:

• Further Testing: “We need to run a draft test or combustion analysis to confirm the full extent of the issue.”
• Chimney and Appliance Maintenance: “A full cleaning and inspection can eliminate blockages and improve how your system vents.”
• Liner or Venting Repairs: “If the liner is cracked or deteriorated, replacing it will ensure that gases get outside—not into your home.”
• Installing CO Detectors: “A CO detector isn’t optional. It’s your only real-time warning system, and every home should have them on each level.”
• Addressing House Pressure Issues: “We may need to adjust ventilation, introduce makeup air, or modify exhaust systems to balance air pressure and keep CO out.”

Handling Homeowner Pushback

They’ll say: “But we’ve never had a problem before.”

Your response should gently and guide the conversation and reframe their perspective:

“That’s exactly what makes CO so dangerous—it builds up slowly, and by the time you notice it, it might be too late. Just because nothing bad has happened yet doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. There is evidence that combustion byproducts are making their way into your home. The best time to fix this is before it becomes a crisis.”

They might hesitate: “How do I know this is really necessary?”

You respond with tactical empathy:

“I get it. You’ve used this system for years, and no one wants to hear there’s a safety issue. But if I were in your shoes, I’d want to know. This isn’t a ‘maybe’ problem—this is a ‘when’ problem. And the fix is simple if we do it now.”

Final Thoughts: Your Role as an Educator and Negotiator

You’re not just an inspector—you’re a trusted advisor. Your words, your delivery, and your ability to guide the conversation will determine whether the homeowner takes action or walks away from a serious hazard.

The way you communicate this risk can be the difference between a safe home and a future emergency. Speak with authority, show them the problem, and make the solution easy to say yes to.

Because in the end, this isn’t about fixing a system—it’s about saving lives.

Example Explanation to Include In Your Report

CARBON MONOXIDE—THE SILENT KILLER

Your fireplace, heating appliance, or chimney may seem to work just fine—but that doesn’t mean it’s safe. Carbon monoxide (CO) spillage is a dangerous warning sign that something in your system isn’t functioning correctly. Unlike smoke, CO is invisible, odorless, and tasteless, making it nearly impossible to detect without specialized equipment.

Why Is CO Spillage a Problem?

A properly functioning chimney or venting system is designed to safely remove combustion gases, including CO, from your home. When something disrupts this process, those gases can leak into your living space, creating a serious health risk.

Common Causes of CO Spillage:

1. Blocked or Restricted Venting – Creosote buildup, debris, or structural damage can prevent proper airflow, forcing combustion gases back into the home.
2. Negative Air Pressure – High-efficiency exhaust fans, tightly sealed homes, or competing appliances (such as range hoods, dryers, or other HVAC systems) can pull air away from the chimney, causing backdrafting.
3. Liner or Chimney Damage – Cracks, deterioration, or improper installation can lead to leaks, allowing CO and other harmful gases to escape into walls or living areas.
4. Oversized or Undersized Chimneys – An improperly sized flue can lead to poor draft conditions, causing gases to spill rather than venting correctly.
5. Appliance Malfunction – Defective or improperly installed heating appliances can produce excessive CO or fail to vent correctly.

“But We Haven’t Had Any Issues…”

CO poisoning doesn’t always happen suddenly—it can accumulate at low levels over time, leading to chronic health problems before an acute event occurs. Symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion are often mistaken for other illnesses. Worse yet, prolonged exposure can be fatal.

Prevention Is the Only Safe Option

The fact that CO is undetectable without specialized equipment makes it one of the most insidious dangers in a home. Proper maintenance, inspections, and ensuring your system meets minimum safety standards are the only ways to protect your household from this invisible threat.