As Lakewood’s fall-fires get cozier, so do chimney risks. You can visually check for leaks or test your damper—but if you spot cracks, excessive soot, or rust, **stop** and call Johnson Chimney Co for a certified inspection. Never attempt repairs yourself—carbon monoxide and fire risks aren’t worth the gamble.
5 Safe DIY Chimney Checks Every Lakewood Homeowner Should Do This Fall
Before Lakewood’s first cold snap, take 15 minutes to perform these **safe** checks from the ground or ladder (never inside the chimney). Start by **turning off power to the fireplace** and wearing gloves. First, inspect the **chimney cap** for damage—look for bent or missing sections, which let rain and critters in. Next, check the **damper** for rust or stiff movement; a stuck damper blocks airflow and creates dangerous backdrafts. Finally, scan the **masonry** for cracks wider than 1/8 inch or crumbling mortar, especially near the roofline where Lakewood’s freeze-thaw cycles cause stress. Use our glossary to identify common terms like ‘flue’ or ‘creosote.’ If you spot any issues, **stop and document them**—this helps Johnson Chimney Co assess your system faster during your Lakewood chimney sweep appointment.
How to Test Your Chimney for Carbon Monoxide Leaks (Without a Detector)
Carbon monoxide (CO) is invisible but deadly—Lakewood’s high-altitude homes are especially vulnerable due to thin air reducing oxygen flow. For a quick test, **light a small candle near the fireplace** while the damper is closed. If the flame flickers or goes out, your chimney may have **blockages or poor draft**, forcing CO into your home. Next, check for **rust stains** on the fireplace hearth or walls; these signal moisture and potential CO leaks. If you or pets experience **headaches, dizziness, or nausea** after using the fireplace, **evacuate immediately** and call 911. Never rely on smell—CO is odorless. For a professional CO test during your chimney inspection, contact Johnson Chimney Co’s certified crew.
Red Flags: When Your [[Denver-West Chimney|/locations/denver-west]] Needs a Professional—Not a DIY Fix
Some problems look harmless but hide serious risks. **Stop DIYing and call Johnson Chimney Co if you see:** - **Glass-like creosote** (Stage 3 buildup) in your flue—this is highly flammable and requires **specialized tools** to remove safely. Learn more about creosote risks. - **White powdery residue** on the fireplace floor—this could be **paraffin wax** from burning candles, which clogs flues and creates toxic fumes. - **Animals’ nests** (birds, squirrels) in the chimney; removing them risks **dislodging creosote or damaging the liner**. - **Water stains** on ceilings or walls above the fireplace—this means your chimney’s **waterproofing failed**, and DIY caulk won’t fix the root cause. Lakewood’s heavy snowfall worsens this. See our waterproofing guide for proper solutions.
Lakewood Homeowners: 5 Chimney Tasks You Should **Never** Attempt Yourself (And the Dangers They Hide)
Avoid these **dangerous** tasks that void warranties, violate code, or risk injury: - **Removing creosote** with a brush or vacuum—this spreads flammable tar into your home and lungs. Johnson Chimney Co uses **rotary brushes and high-pressure air** to remove it safely. - **Repairing cracks** in masonry with regular mortar—chimney mortar must be **NSF-certified** for high-heat environments. Lakewood’s building codes require licensed repairs. - **Installing a chimney cap** without proper sealing—an improper cap can **worsen draft issues** or trap moisture. Our crew ensures caps meet **UL 1777 standards**. - **Ignoring a blocked flue**—even if your fire ‘burns fine,’ a blocked chimney forces CO into your home. Learn how inspections differ from sweeps to understand why a pro’s tools matter.
When to Trust Johnson Chimney Co: Your [[South Lakewood|/locations/south-lakewood]] Chimney Safety Backup
If your DIY checks reveal **any** of the warning signs above—or if you’re unsure—schedule a **Level 2 chimney inspection** with Johnson Chimney Co. Our crew covers Lakewood and nearby areas like Wheat Ridge and Golden, and we’ll: - Use **video inspection cameras** to spot hidden blockages or liner damage. - Test for **carbon monoxide leaks** with portable detectors. - Provide a **written report** with photos and repair recommendations—no upselling. See our pricing for transparent, upfront costs. Fall is the **best time** to inspect before winter fires; book now while our Lakewood team has availability. **Pro tip:** If your home is in a **fire-prone area** (like near Evergreen), we recommend **annual inspections**—code often requires it.
Frequently Asked Questions
My chimney smells like gas even when the fireplace isn’t on—what’s causing this in Lakewood’s dry air?
This is likely **stale air or trapped gas** from a blocked flue or cracked liner. Lakewood’s dry fall air can **shrink mortar joints**, creating gaps that let fumes seep in. **Never ignore this**—it’s a **carbon monoxide risk**. Turn off gas lines, open windows, and call Johnson Chimney Co for a **Level 2 inspection** with a **smoke puff test** to detect leaks. Learn more about CO risks.
Why does my Lakewood fireplace smoke when I light it, even with the damper open?
Smoke means **poor draft**, often caused by **creosote buildup**, a **blocked flue**, or **obstructions** (like a collapsed chimney cap). Lakewood’s **high elevation** can worsen draft issues. **Do not burn the fire longer**—this increases CO risk. Instead, **close the damper**, wait 10 minutes, then relight with a **small kindling fire** to test. If smoke persists, schedule a chimney sweep to clear blockages. See our draft troubleshooting guide.
I found a small animal nest in my chimney—can I remove it myself or does it need a pro?
**Never remove nests yourself**—this risks **dislodging creosote** (which can ignite) or **damaging the flue liner**. Animals often nest in **hidden crevices**, and disturbing them can cause **fines** if they’re protected species (like swallows). Call Johnson Chimney Co for **humane removal** using **specialized tools** and a **post-inspection sweep** to ensure no debris remains. Learn about wildlife in chimneys.