Protect Your Lakewood Home from Chimney Fires & Carbon Monoxide

Even unused chimneys deteriorate. Birds, squirrels, and debris can block your flue, while moisture from Lakewood’s humid winters accelerates rust in your damper and liner cracks. A Level 1 inspection now could reveal hidden damage before your first fire of the season, preventing a dangerous draft or carbon monoxide leak when you finally relight the hearth.

That smoky odor comes from creosote residue clinging to your flue walls, which absorbs moisture and releases volatile organic compounds as temperatures rise. Lakewood’s dry air intensifies the smell, but a thorough sweep removes the buildup, leaving your home smelling fresh—not like a campground.

Seasoned oak still produces creosote, though less than pine or wet wood. Lakewood’s altitude (5,280 feet) means fires burn hotter and faster, creating more rapid creosote accumulation. The CSIA recommends annual sweeps regardless of wood type to prevent hidden buildup in your flue’s bends.

A Level 2 includes a video scan of your entire flue, from smoke chamber to chimney cap, to spot cracks, gaps, or obstructions invisible to the naked eye. In Lakewood, where older homes often have offset flues or deteriorating crowns, this deeper inspection is critical for safety and insurance compliance.

A cracked chimney crown or deteriorated mortar joints around the flue allow water to seep in, pooling behind your liner and freezing in Lakewood’s winter nights. This expands cracks further, leading to structural damage. We seal these gaps with waterproof masonry treatments that last 5–10 years.

Brushing alone won’t address cracked tiles, missing mortar, or a deteriorating crown—common issues in Lakewood’s 1970s-era homes. A full sweep removes creosote, but a complete safety check requires inspecting the liner’s integrity, which only a Level 2 video inspection can confirm.

Gas inserts require a Class A liner rated for high heat and corrosion resistance. Many Lakewood homes built before the 1990s have unlined masonry chimneys, which can crack under gas appliance heat. We test liner condition and install UL-listed stainless steel liners if needed.

You can relight your fire immediately after a professional sweep, but we recommend waiting 24 hours for any residual moisture from cleaning to evaporate. In Lakewood’s dry climate, this prevents temporary odors or minor soot residue from lingering in your living room.