A neglected chimney in your Lakewood home could be a hidden danger. You might notice soot stains or hairline cracks, but never attempt roof access or flue probing. If you’re unsure, schedule a certified inspection with Johnson Chimney Co before lighting your first fire this season. This is one job where professional expertise keeps your family safe.
5 Safe DIY Checks Every Lakewood Homeowner Should Do Before Lighting Their Fireplace
Lakewood’s dry winters mean chimneys work harder, but you don’t need a ladder or tools to start. First, inspect from ground level: Look for cracked mortar between bricks (a sign of water damage) or rust streaks on the chimney cap, both common in our climate. Next, check the damper: If it’s stuck open or closed, draft issues (and smoke in your home) are likely. Finally, feel the flue: A cool chimney after a fire means poor airflow, likely creosote buildup. Stop here if you see soot inside the fireplace or a strong odor. For deeper checks like chimney sweep Lakewood or creosote removal, call a pro. Never use a vacuum or brush inside the flue, creosote dust is flammable and toxic.
Warning Signs in Lakewood Chimneys That Mean Stop Using Your Fireplace Immediately
If you notice any of these during your DIY check, extinguish all fires and call Johnson Chimney Co, these are fire or carbon monoxide risks: 1. Orange flames or excessive smoke: Normal flames are blue; orange means unburned fuel and creosote buildup. 2. Loud roaring/crackling: Could signal a blocked flue or collapsing masonry. 3. White smoke or a chemical smell: Means incomplete combustion, dangerous gases are entering your home. 4. Cracks wider than 3/8 inch: Masonry cracks let in moisture, accelerating rust and structural failure. 5. Birds/nesting material: Blockages cause deadly backdrafts. Lakewood’s high humidity worsens these issues, don’t wait for ‘fall maintenance season’ if you see these signs. Learn more about chimney inspections to understand the difference between a sweep and a full safety check.
Lakewood Chimney Tasks That Look Simple: But Aren’t Worth the Risk
Some ‘easy’ repairs can cancel warranties, break local codes, or create life-threatening hazards. Never: 1. Climb on your roof to inspect or clean. Lakewood’s steep roofs and icy winters cause falls (and lawsuits). 2. Use a shop vac or leaf blower to clear creosote, it explodes when disturbed. 3. Ignore a blocked flue (even if you ‘think’ it’s clear), creosote fires start silently. 4. DIY masonry repairs with cement or mortar without a pro’s eye, poor mixes trap moisture, rotting your chimney faster. 5. Skip annual chimney sweeps because ‘it looks fine’, creosote is invisible until it’s a stage 3 hazard. Pro tip: If your chimney’s over 20 years old (common in Lakewood’s older neighborhoods), schedule a level 2 inspection, internal damage isn’t visible from the outside. See our Lakewood service area for certified crews who follow NFPA 211 standards.
When to Trust Johnson Chimney Co: Your Lakewood Chimney’s Safety Backup
You’ve checked the basics, but now what? Call us immediately if: Your fireplace won’t stay lit (poor draft = carbon monoxide risk), you hear popping/roaring during fires (creosote fires start this way), or your smoke detector goes off during use (a red flag for backdrafts). We also recommend a pre-winter inspection if you’re using your fireplace for the first time this season. Lakewood’s dry air dries out old chimneys fast. Our crews handle: Creosote removal (safely, with HEPA vacuums), masonry repairs (before cracks turn into collapses), and gas fireplace safety checks (many Lakewood homes have hidden CO risks). Pro move: Book a chimney sweep now, fall is our busiest season, and delays mean higher creosote levels. See our Wheat Ridge coverage if you’re near the border, or check our pricing guide for transparent costs.
Lakewood-Specific Chimney Hazards: Why Your Neighbor’s ‘Fine’ Chimney Isn’t Yours
Lakewood’s elevation (5,431 ft), pine-heavy forests, and older homes create unique risks. 1. Wood-burning stoves: If you burn green wood (common in Lakewood’s dry climate), creosote builds 3x faster, schedule a sweep every 30 days. 2. Gas fireplaces: Rust on the vent pipe (from our wet springs) can leak CO, we test for this during inspections. 3. Masonry: Older Lakewood homes use sandstone bricks, which erode faster than modern materials. 4. Wind: Our Chimney Rock winds can push smoke into your home if the cap is loose. DIY fix? Tighten screws on your cap, but if it’s cracked, replace it with a stainless steel model (we install fireplace-proof caps). Need a pro? Our Lakewood team handles all of these, safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
My Lakewood Gas Fireplace Smells Like Fuel Even When Off: What’s the Immediate Next Step?
Turn off the gas supply immediately and open windows to ventilate. This is a carbon monoxide risk. Never light the fireplace again until a professional inspects for leaks or blocked vents. Lakewood’s older gas lines (especially in homes near Belmar) often corrode, call Johnson Chimney Co for a safety check before assuming it’s ‘just a draft issue.’ Learn gas fireplace safety tips to spot hidden dangers.
Why Does My New Chimney in the South Lakewood Area Still Leak After Every Rain?
A leaking chimney after rain means failed waterproofing or a cracked flue liner, both let moisture rot wood framing and corrode metal. DIY fix? Check the crown (top of chimney) for cracks, but never seal with tar or roofing cement (it traps moisture). Call us for: Repointing (sealing mortar joints), chimney waterproofing, or a liner replacement. Lakewood’s freeze-thaw cycles worsen leaks, address this before winter or risk a chimney collapse.
I Found a Small Animal Nest in My Chimney: Why Pouring Water Isn’t the Answer
No, this is dangerous. Animals (even dead ones) block airflow, causing deadly backdrafts when you light a fire. Never use water, smoke, or DIY traps, creosote dust from disturbing the nest is toxic and flammable. Instead: Turn off your fireplace, seal the damper, and call Johnson Chimney Co for a humane removal (we use one-way exclusion devices). Pro tip: Install a chimney cap to prevent future nests. Lakewood’s squirrel population makes this a yearly risk for many homes.