In Lakewood’s dry climate, your chimney faces unique risks like creosote buildup and masonry cracks. You *can* safely handle basic upkeep like cleaning the hearth or checking your chimney cap, but never attempt sweeping, repairs, or inspections yourself—these carry fire, carbon monoxide, and structural risks. When in doubt, call Johnson Chimney Co for certified safety checks before winter hits—our crew serves Lakewood and nearby towns like Wheat Ridge and Golden.
3 Low-Risk DIY Chimney Checks for Lakewood Homes (With Safety Rules)
Lakewood’s high-elevation winters mean your chimney works harder, but some maintenance is safe for homeowners to handle. First, always wear gloves and a dust mask—even minor tasks stir up soot. 1. Clean the hearth and firebox: Use a stiff brush or vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove ash and debris after each burn. 2. Inspect your chimney cap: Look for rust, warping, or missing pieces; replace only if it’s a simple snap-on cap (never climb on your roof—see our safety guide). 3. Check for debris in the smoke chamber: Shine a flashlight up the flue—if you see leaves or nests, stop and call a pro. Learn more about safe self-checks before your next Lakewood chimney sweep.
Red Flags Your Lakewood Chimney Demands a Pro (Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late)
If you spot any of these during your inspection, halt all DIY work and call Johnson Chimney Co: 1. Rust or water stains on the fireplace or ceiling—signs of a leaking chimney crown or cracked flue. 2. Strong, sweet-smelling smoke that lingers in your home, or yellow/orange flames (not blue)—this means incomplete combustion and possible carbon monoxide (CO) risk. 3. Cracks wider than 3/8” in masonry or bricks popping out—these compromise structural integrity. 4. Excessive creosote (glossy black or tarry buildup) thicker than 1/8”—this is a fire hazard. Lakewood’s dry air accelerates creosote buildup; never attempt removal yourself. 5. Animals nesting in your chimney (birds, squirrels)—their debris blocks airflow and creates fire risks.
What You Should NEVER DIY (And Why Lakewood’s Climate Makes It Deadly)
Lakewood’s mix of high winds, freeze-thaw cycles, and dry air creates hidden chimney dangers. Never attempt these tasks: 1. Chimney sweeping: Creosote is flammable, and dislodging it can send soot into your home’s living spaces—inhaling soot causes respiratory issues, especially for Lakewood’s high-altitude population. 2. Masonry repairs: Patching cracks with mortar without proper repointing can trap moisture, leading to efflorescence (white salt deposits) and structural failure. 3. Flue relining: Improper lining can cause CO leaks or sparks escaping into your attic—a leading cause of chimney fires in Colorado. 4. Removing a damaged chimney cap: If it’s rusted or warped, the flue may be misaligned, increasing downdraft risks (smoke filling your home). 5. Ignoring code violations: Lakewood follows International Residential Code (IRC) for chimneys—DIY fixes can void home insurance. Learn what inspectors look for before your next Lakewood chimney sweep.
Pre-Sweep Prep: 5 Steps to Ready Your Lakewood Chimney for a Certified Cleaning
Before scheduling your Lakewood chimney sweep, do this prep to save time and money: 1. Clear the area: Move furniture, rugs, and decorations at least 3 feet from the fireplace. 2. Remove glass doors/screens: These must be off during sweeping to access the flue. 3. Cover vents: Use plastic sheeting to seal air vents and HVAC registers to prevent soot spread. 4. Check your damper: Ensure it opens fully—if it’s stuck, note the issue for the technician. 5. Document concerns: Take photos of cracks, rust, or soot buildup to discuss with the chimney sweep. Pro tip: Lakewood’s older homes (especially near Arvada or Westminster) often have clay tile flues—these require extra care during sweeping. Book your sweep before fall’s high-demand season starts.
When to Tap Johnson Chimney Co—Your Lakewood Fire Safety Backup
If you’re unsure about any part of your chimney’s condition, call us—it’s the safest choice. Our crew handles: • Annual inspections (required by Lakewood’s building code for resale homes). • Creosote removal (we use rotary brush systems to safely break down Stage 2+ buildup). • Masonry repairs (tuckpointing, crown repairs, and waterproofing to prevent leaks). • Chimney cap installation (we recommend stainless steel caps for Lakewood’s windy winters). • CO testing (undetectable leaks are a silent killer—learn how we test for them). Need us now? Lakewood homeowners report 3x more chimney emergencies in November—schedule your inspection today before the first cold snap. We also serve nearby towns like Evergreen and Morris.
Frequently Asked Questions
My Lakewood fireplace smells like gas even when it’s not lit—what should I do?
This is a carbon monoxide (CO) leak, likely from a cracked flue liner or blocked chimney. Do not use the fireplace again—CO is odorless and deadly. Open windows, evacuate pets/kids, and call Johnson Chimney Co immediately for an emergency inspection. Lakewood’s high altitude makes CO poisoning more dangerous—we respond to emergencies 24/7.
Why does my chimney in Lakewood leak water even after I sealed the crown myself?
DIY chimney crown repairs often fail because Lakewood’s freeze-thaw cycles expand cracks over time. A proper crown requires mortar bedding, waterproofing membrane, and metal flashing—all steps most homeowners miss. Water damage leads to rusted flue liners and masonry erosion, which can collapse. Let us fix it right before winter worsens the problem.
I found a small crack in my brick chimney near the base—can I fix it with caulk?
Never use caulk on masonry cracks—it traps moisture, accelerating brick deterioration. Even small cracks need tuckpointing (replacing damaged mortar) to match Lakewood’s seismic and wind load requirements. Ignoring it risks bricks popping out during a storm, which can damage your roof or start a fire. See when repair vs. replacement is needed—we’ll inspect it for free.