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 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 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.