Lakewood’s cold winters demand a well-maintained chimney, but DIY shortcuts can lead to fire hazards or carbon monoxide leaks. Follow these safety-first tips to protect your home and family.
Skip the DIY chimney sweep—here’s what you CAN do safely in Lakewood
You can handle simple chimney maintenance yourself, but leave the deep cleaning to the pros. Start by inspecting your chimney cap for cracks or rust—especially after Lakewood’s windy winters. Clear debris like leaves or pine needles from the top using a broom or leaf blower, but never climb onto the roof yourself. Inside, check the flue for obstructions by shining a flashlight upward (use a mirror if needed). If you spot soot buildup thicker than a credit card, it’s time to call a professional. For Lakewood homes with gas fireplaces, ensure the pilot light is clean and the glass doors are free of residue. These small steps reduce fire risks without putting you in danger.
Why ignoring creosote buildup in your Lakewood chimney is a fire waiting to happen
Creosote, a tar-like byproduct of wood burning, coats your chimney flue and is highly flammable. In Lakewood, where many homes rely on wood stoves during chilly evenings, creosote buildup accelerates. You can’t remove it safely with DIY tools—brushing alone often pushes debris deeper into cracks. Instead, monitor your fires: if you notice excessive smoke, a strong chemical odor, or black, tarry deposits on your firebox floor, these are warning signs. Even a small amount of creosote can ignite during a chimney fire, which burns at over 2,000°F and can spread to your roof in minutes. Always have your chimney swept annually by a licensed chimney sweep before the heating season begins.
The #1 Lakewood chimney mistake: skipping annual inspections (and what it costs you)
Lakewood’s older homes often hide hidden damage behind brick and mortar. A missed inspection can turn a $200 repair into a $2,000+ rebuild if water damage or structural cracks go unnoticed. Schedule a Level 1 inspection each year—it’s quick, non-invasive, and checks for cracks, blockages, or deteriorating mortar. If you’ve recently remodeled or experienced a chimney fire, a Level 2 inspection is required by code. Don’t rely on visual checks alone; even a small crack in the flue liner can allow carbon monoxide to seep into your living room. Protect your family by booking an inspection before winter sets in. Learn more about code compliance in our guide Chimney Inspection & Code Compliance for Lakewood Homes: What You Need to Know.
Water damage: the silent killer of Lakewood chimneys (and how to spot it early)
Lakewood’s freeze-thaw cycles are brutal on chimneys. Water enters through cracked crowns, missing mortar joints, or damaged flashing, then expands when frozen, cracking bricks from the inside out. You can check for water damage by looking for white, chalky stains (efflorescence) on the exterior or a musty smell in your fireplace. Inside, inspect the firebox for crumbling mortar or rusted damper handles—both signs of moisture intrusion. While you can reseal small cracks with waterproof masonry sealant (applied only to the exterior), major repairs require professional repointing. Ignoring water damage leads to costly structural failures and compromises your chimney’s ability to vent safely. For a full list of local towns we serve, visit our service area.
Warning signs your Lakewood chimney needs a pro—NOW
Some problems demand immediate attention from a licensed chimney sweep. If you notice smoke backing up into your living room, flames shooting from the chimney top, or a loud roaring sound during a fire, these are signs of a chimney fire that may have already damaged your flue. Other red flags include a collapsed flue liner, visible daylight through masonry, or a chimney that leans away from your home. Carbon monoxide alarms sounding near the fireplace are a critical warning—evacuate and call 911 if levels are high. Never attempt to fix these issues yourself; improper repairs can void warranties or violate local building codes. Instead, contact a certified team like Johnson Chimney Co for emergency service.
When to call Johnson Chimney Co: honest advice from Lakewood’s trusted sweep
We’re not here to replace your DIY efforts—we’re here to keep them safe. Call us if your Lakewood chimney hasn’t been swept in over a year, if you’ve bought a home with an unknown chimney history, or if you’ve experienced any of the warning signs above. Our certified sweeps use industry-grade tools and follow NFPA 211 standards to ensure your chimney is clean, safe, and code-compliant. We also offer free estimates and transparent pricing—no hidden fees. Serving Lakewood and nearby areas like Golden, Arvada, and Wheat Ridge, we’re your local experts for chimney sweeping, inspections, and repairs. Book your appointment today to avoid costly mistakes tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
My Lakewood fireplace smells like campfire even when it’s not in use—what’s causing this and how do I fix it?
That campfire smell is likely creosote or moisture trapped in your chimney. Start by opening a window near the fireplace to improve airflow. If the odor persists, it’s time for a professional chimney sweep to remove buildup and check for water damage. Burning only seasoned hardwood and ensuring your damper is fully open when not in use can also help.
Why does my Lakewood chimney have white stains on the bricks, and is it just cosmetic?
Those white stains are efflorescence, a sign of water seeping through your chimney. While it may look like just a cosmetic issue, it indicates deeper moisture problems that can weaken your masonry. Apply a breathable waterproof sealant to the exterior bricks, but call a pro to address cracks or damaged flashing causing the leaks.
I live near Bear Creek Park in Lakewood—how often should I have my chimney inspected if I only use it a few times a year?
Even occasional use requires an annual inspection. Lakewood’s climate and local air quality can accelerate creosote buildup, and small cracks can go unnoticed until they become major issues. A Level 1 inspection costs less than $150 and ensures your chimney is safe for those rare but cozy fires. Schedule yours before winter sets in.