If you suspect animals are nesting in your Colorado Springs brick chimney, do not attempt removal yourself. Wildlife like birds, raccoons, or squirrels can damage masonry, block flues, and create fire hazards. A licensed chimney sweep will safely remove animals, repair structural damage, and inspect for creosote buildup, critical steps before your next fire season. Never use traps or smoke; call a professional instead.
What Is Chimney Animal Removal and Why Does It Matter in Colorado Springs?
A chimney animal removal is the process of safely extracting wildlife from your chimney while minimizing damage to brickwork, liners, or mortar. In Colorado Springs, older brick homes, especially those built before the 1980s, are prime targets for animals like birds, raccoons, or squirrels. These creatures seek shelter in chimneys during winter, but their nests block airflow, damage masonry with acid waste, and create fire risks from creosote buildup. Unlike modern homes with sealed chimneys, many Colorado Springs properties have open crowns or cracked mortar, making them easy entry points. The Chimney Safety Institute of America the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)|https://www.csia.org/)) warns that DIY removal often worsens damage, so professional intervention is key. For details, see the full list of services.
How to Tell If Animals Are in Your Chimney (Colorado Springs-Specific Signs)
Look for these red flags in your Colorado Springs brick chimney: - Nesting materials (twigs, leaves, or shredded paper) at the chimney top or fireplace opening. - Animal droppings or urine stains on the hearth or surrounding masonry, common with raccoons or birds. - Unusual noises (scratching, chirping, or scurrying) when the fireplace is unused, especially at dawn or dusk. - Visible creatures peering out of the flue when you light a fire (a sure sign of obstruction). - Damaged mortar or bricks around the chimney crown, where animals claw in and out. If you spot any of these, avoid using the fireplace immediately. Smoking out animals can force them deeper into the chimney, causing more damage. Instead, contact a chimney sweep experienced with older brick homes in Colorado Springs like Cedar Chimney Inc to assess the situation.
Why DIY Chimney Animal Removal Is Riskier Than You Think (And What Happens Next)
Many homeowners try DIY methods like smoke, loud noises, or traps, but these often backfire. Smoke can push animals deeper into the chimney, where they may die and decompose, releasing foul odors and attracting pests. Traps may fail to capture the animal or leave it injured inside. Worse, DIY attempts can damage your chimney’s liner or brickwork, leading to costly repairs. A professional chimney sweep in Colorado Springs uses humane, non-toxic methods to remove animals, then inspects for: - Structural damage to mortar or bricks (common in older homes near Garden of the Gods or Manitou Springs). - Creosote buildup from interrupted airflow, which increases fire risk. - Blocked flues that prevent proper ventilation. After removal, we repair any damage and install preventive measures like chimney caps or screens. For homes with historic brick chimneys, we also check for cracks that need repointing, a critical step in Colorado Springs’ dry climate, where freeze-thaw cycles worsen existing damage as we’ve seen in older neighborhoods.
Behind the Scenes: How We Clear Creature Clogs in a 1920s Brick Chimney on Tejon Street
A professional chimney sweep follows this process for safe animal removal: 1. Inspection: We use a camera to locate the animal(s), assess damage, and check for creosote or soot buildup. This is especially important in older brick chimneys, where liners may be missing or deteriorated. 2. Humane Extraction: We use one-way doors or live traps designed for chimneys, avoiding harm to the animal. Birds, for example, are often released outside the home, while raccoons or squirrels may be relocated by wildlife professionals. 3. Cleaning: The chimney is thoroughly cleaned to remove nests, droppings, and debris. This includes brushing the flue and scrubbing the fireplace interior. 4. Repairs: Any damaged mortar, bricks, or liners are repaired. In Colorado Springs’ climate, we pay special attention to sealing cracks that could let in moisture or pests. 5. Prevention: We install chimney caps or screens to block future intrusions. For homes near open spaces like Red Rock Canyon, we recommend stainless steel caps to withstand wind and wildlife. The entire process takes 2–4 hours, depending on the severity. Costs vary based on chimney height and damage, but expect to pay between $150 and $350 for removal and basic repairs in Colorado Springs , see our full pricing guide for older brick homes.
When to Call a Chimney Sweep for Animal Removal (Don’t Wait for These Signs)
Delaying professional help can turn a minor infestation into a major repair job. Contact a chimney sweep in Colorado Springs if you notice: - Strong odors from the chimney, even when unused (a sign of decaying nests or waste). - Visible damage to the chimney crown or bricks, which can weaken the structure. - Failed attempts to light a fire due to blocked flues (a fire hazard). - Animals appearing at the fireplace opening when you try to use the chimney. The National Fire Protection Association the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)|https://www.nfpa.org/)) states that blocked chimneys are a leading cause of house fires. In Colorado Springs, where wood-burning fireplaces are common, this risk is heightened. If you’ve already tried DIY methods without success, it’s time to call a professional for a free estimate, especially if your home has a historic brick chimney that may require specialized masonry work.
Preventing Future Chimney Animal Infestations in Colorado Springs Homes
Once animals are removed, take these steps to keep them out: - Install a chimney cap: A stainless steel cap blocks animals while allowing smoke to escape. For older brick chimneys, choose a cap with a tight seal to prevent wind damage, a common issue in Colorado Springs’ high winds. - Seal cracks in mortar: Use a masonry sealant to close gaps where animals enter. This also protects against moisture, which can erode bricks over time. - Clean regularly: Schedule annual chimney sweeps to remove creosote and debris that attract wildlife. The EPA’s Burn Wise guidelines the EPA's Burn Wise program call for annual sweeps if you heat with wood, especially in older homes where soot builds up faster in cast-iron liners. - Check for gaps: Inspect the damper and chimney crown for openings. In older homes, rusted dampers or deteriorated crowns are common entry points. For homes in areas like Manitou Springs or Woodland Park, where wildlife is abundant, consider a mesh screen over the chimney top as an extra layer of protection. If your chimney has no liner, a professional can install one to deter animals while improving safety , see our liner installation services.
What to Do If You Find a Dead Animal in Your Chimney (Colorado Springs Safety Guide)
Finding a dead animal in your chimney is an emergency. Do not attempt to remove it yourself, decomposing carcasses release toxic gases and foul odors. Instead: 1. Ventilate the area: Open windows and doors to improve airflow while avoiding the fireplace. 2. Call a professional: A chimney sweep will safely remove the remains and clean the chimney to prevent mold or fire hazards. In Colorado Springs, where homes often have tall brick chimneys, this requires specialized equipment. 3. Inspect for damage: Dead animals can corrode liners or bricks over time. We’ll check for structural issues and repair them before you use the fireplace again. The cost for dead animal removal in Colorado Springs typically ranges from $200 to $400, depending on the size of the creature and the extent of damage. If your chimney has a history of animal intrusions, consider installing a permanent cap or screen to prevent future incidents , learn more about long-term prevention.
| Service | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Animal Removal (no damage) | $150–$300 | Includes extraction, cleaning, and minor debris removal. |
| Animal Removal + Mortar Repairs | $300–$500 | For cracked or damaged brickwork common in older homes. |
| Animal Removal + Chimney Cap Installation | $250–$450 | Recommended for homes near wildlife areas like Garden of the Gods. |
| Dead Animal Removal + Full Cleaning | $200–$400 | Includes odor treatment and structural checks. |
| Animal Removal + Liner Inspection/Repair | $400–$800+ | Critical for unlined brick chimneys in Colorado Springs. |
Frequently Asked Questions
My chimney smells like urine even after cleaning. Could it be from animals?
Yes, animal urine, especially from raccoons or birds, leaves a strong ammonia smell that lingers even after surface cleaning. The odor often comes from dried urine in crevices or nests stuck in the flue. A professional chimney sweep in Colorado Springs will use specialized tools to scrub these areas thoroughly. If the smell persists, the animal may have died inside, requiring immediate removal to avoid toxic fumes. Never ignore this; it’s a fire and health hazard.
Why does my older brick chimney keep getting animals, even with a cap?
Older brick chimneys in Colorado Springs often have cracks in the mortar or crown that let animals slip through caps. Over time, freeze-thaw cycles and wind can widen these gaps. If your cap is loose or the chimney crown is damaged, animals will find a way in. A chimney sweep can repoint the mortar, seal cracks, and ensure the cap fits snugly. For homes near open spaces like Cheyenne Mountain, we also recommend stainless steel caps with tighter seals to withstand wind and wildlife.
Is it safe to use my fireplace after animal removal but before repairs?
No, you should not use your fireplace until a professional confirms the chimney is fully clear of animals, nests, and debris. Even after removal, hidden nests or blockages can create carbon monoxide risks or fires. In Colorado Springs, where wood-burning is common, waiting for a full inspection and cleaning is critical. The Chimney Safety Institute of America the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)|https://www.csia.org/)) advises against using the fireplace until all obstructions are removed and the flue is tested for proper airflow.
How much does chimney animal removal cost in Colorado Springs for a tall brick chimney?
For a tall brick chimney in Colorado Springs, expect to pay between $250 and $500 for animal removal, depending on the height, damage, and whether repairs like repointing or liner installation are needed. Basic removal (no major damage) typically costs $150–$300, while extensive repairs can reach $600 or more. If your chimney has no liner or severe mortar damage, the cost may increase. Always get a free estimate from a licensed sweep , we serve Colorado Springs and nearby areas like Manitou Springs and Woodland Park to avoid surprises.