Your chimney isn’t just for looks, it’s a safety system. Lakewood’s dry air and older homes mean creosote builds up fast. Get it swept before your first fire of the season. Check for cracks, rust, or smoke smell. If you see soot in the room or hear strange noises, stop using it and call a pro right away. anchor
What Every Lakewood Homeowner Can Do Themselves (Safely)
Quick checks to do before firing up your chimney this season Check the damper: Open it all the way and look for rust, cracks, or debris. If it’s stuck or damaged, don’t force it, call a chimney sweep instead. Check the flue cap: Ensure it’s secure and undamaged. A missing or bent cap lets rain and critters in. Look for water stains: Dark streaks on the fireplace or ceiling mean leaks, common in Lakewood’s freeze-thaw cycles. Test for smoke smell: Light a small fire and watch the flue. If smoke stays in the room, your chimney isn’t venting right. anchor
Preparing Your Chimney for Winter: Lakewood Homeowners’ Checklist
1. Clear debris: Remove leaves, twigs, or animal nests from the cap and crown (top of the chimney). Use a broom or leaf blower, never climb on the roof to clear debris. 2. Seal gaps: Apply high-temperature chimney sealant to small cracks in the crown or mortar joints (available at hardware stores). 3. Store firewood properly: Keep it dry and elevated, at least 20 feet from the house. Wet wood creates more creosote. 4. Burn hot fires: Use seasoned hardwood and let fires burn fully. Short, cool fires trap creosote faster. anchor
Signs Your Chimney Needs a Pro (Stop DIYing Now)
If you see rust on the damper or smoke back into the room, your chimney has structural damage, don’t use it. Cracked or spalling masonry (flaking bricks) means water intrusion, which weakens the flue. Strong odors of gas or rot signal a gas leak or dry rot, both dangerous. Animals nesting (birds, squirrels) block airflow and damage the flue lining. Creosote chunks (glossy black tar) mean it’s time for a deep clean. DIY tools won’t remove it safely. anchor
DIY Chimney Mistakes in Lakewood Homes (And Why They’re Dangerous)
Never climb on the roof to inspect or clean the chimney, falls are the #1 cause of chimney-related injuries. Don’t use a shop vac or leaf blower to remove creosote; it spreads flammable dust. Avoid chemical cleaners, they corrode metal and void warranties. Don’t ignore a cracked flue liner, it’s a fire hazard and requires a professional reline. Never burn trash, treated wood, or green logs, they create dangerous fumes and speed up creosote buildup. anchor
When to Call Bobcat Chimney LLC (Lakewood’s Local Pros)
We handle everything from routine sweeps to emergency repairs. Schedule a sweep if it’s been over a year since your last cleaning, or if you’ve burned a lot of wood. Book an inspection before buying a home or after storms (Lakewood’s hail can damage flue caps). Call for repairs if you see damage, poor draft, or animal activity. Our crews use CSIA-certified tools and follow local building codes. Get a free estimate by calling or booking online. anchor
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hiring a pro for your chimney sweep actually saving you money in Lakewood?
A standard sweep in Lakewood costs $120–$250, depending on chimney height and creosote level. It’s worth it because creosote buildup can cause chimney fires, which cost $5,000+ to repair. Older homes in Lakewood (like those in anchor) often need bi-annual sweeps. anchor
How long after a sweep can you light a fire in your fireplace?
You can use it immediately after a clean sweep if the chimney passes inspection. However, if the sweep finds damage or heavy creosote, we’ll recommend repairs first. Lakewood’s dry air means creosote builds fast, wait until the flue is cool before lighting a fire. anchor
My Lakewood home has a wood-burning stove, does it need the same care as a fireplace?
Yes, but more often. Wood stoves produce twice the creosote of fireplaces, so they need annual sweeps (or more if used daily). Check for proper clearance, stoves in Lakewood must follow CO codes, and improper spacing can void insurance. anchor