Before calling a chimney sweep in Colorado Springs, check for loose bricks, creosote buildup, or draft issues, but stop immediately if you smell gas, see sparks, or find animal nests. Older brick chimneys hide dangers; know when DIY ends and a pro like Cedar Chimney Inc begins.
Step 1: The 3 Safe Checks Every Colorado Springs Homeowner Can Do Themselves
Start outside: Inspect your chimney’s brickwork for cracked mortar or loose bricks, common in Colorado Springs’ freeze-thaw cycles. Tap bricks with a hammer; hollow sounds mean deterioration. Next, check the damper: If it’s stuck open or closed, a quick spray of WD-40 (from below) may free it. Never force it. Finally, look up: A white, powdery residue on bricks signals moisture damage, your chimney’s sweating. Read more about brick chimney maintenance for older Colorado Springs homes>>/tips/colorado-springs-chimney-sweep-guide/ For details, see the full list of services.
Step 2: What’s Inside? Creosote and Draft Problems You Can Spot (Without Climbing)
Creosote, glossy black tar, is your chimney’s silent killer. Shine a flashlight up the flue (from the fireplace) and note its thickness: Thin layers are manageable; thick, hard layers need a chimney sweep. For drafts, light a match near the fireplace opening: If smoke billows inward, your chimney lacks pull. This could mean blockages, a cracked liner, or even a downed bird’s nest. Learn how often Colorado Springs chimneys need sweeping>>/tips/how-often-service-chimney-colorado-springs-schedule/ More on this in request a free estimate / contact us.
WARNING SIGNS: When to STOP DIY and Call Cedar Chimney Inc Right Now
Smoke filling your home? Gas smells (rotten eggs)? Sparks or popping sounds? These mean immediate danger, creosote fires, carbon monoxide, or structural failure. Animal activity (rustling, droppings, or a skunk’s stench) also demands a pro. See our full list of Colorado Springs chimney warning signs>>/tips/colorado-springs-homeowners-guide-chimney-warning-signs/ Never ignore these: DIY fixes here can void warranties, damage your home, or get you hurt. More on this in our background and licensing.
What You Should Never DIY, and Why Colorado Springs Chimneys Are Tricky
Avoid these mistakes: Using a shop vac to clear creosote (it ignites easily), burning trash or unseasoned wood (clogs flues faster), or ‘poking’ nests with sticks (animals fight back, and soot spreads). Older Colorado Springs homes often have hidden issues: cracked flue tiles, deteriorated liners, or mortar that’s crumbled behind the bricks. Compare DIY risks vs. pro chimney cleaning>>/compare/diy-vs-professional-chimney-cleaning/ Full details in the neighborhoods we visit.
When to Call Cedar Chimney Inc: Your Colorado Springs Brick Chimney Experts
We specialize in Colorado Springs’ older brick chimneys, where mortar fails, liners rust, and nests hide. Call us if: Your chimney’s over 20 years old and you’ve never inspected it; you see rust streaks on the fireplace; or your insurance company flags it. Our licensed crews handle creosote removal, liner repairs, and animal evictions safely. Get a free estimate for your Colorado Springs home>>/contact/, we serve Castle Rock, Manitou Springs, and Black Forest too.
Frequently Asked Questions
My Colorado Springs fireplace smokes into the room instead of up the chimney, what’s wrong?
This usually means a blocked flue (creosote, debris, or a collapsed liner) or poor draft. If your chimney’s older than 30 years, the flue may have deteriorated. Never burn anything to ‘clear’ it, this worsens blockages. Call a chimney sweep to inspect for hidden damage before lighting another fire. See our draft troubleshooting guide>>/blog/common-chimney-problems-in-colorado-springs-solutions-and-pr/
Why does my brick chimney in Colorado Springs keep leaking water inside my house?
Freeze-thaw cycles crack mortar and bricks over time. If water’s seeping through the ceiling, your chimney crown (top) may be missing or cracked. A quick fix? Seal cracks with hydraulic cement, but if the damage’s deep, you’ll need a repointing pro. Learn how to prep your chimney for a sweep>>/tips/prepare-for-chimney-sweep-colorado-springs/
Dead bird in your chimney? Why DIY cleanup could turn a small mess into a bigger masonry problem
No. Birds leave feathers, nests, and debris that clog flues and spread soot into your home. Worse, live birds (like swifts) are protected by law, disturbing them risks fines. Use a chimney cap to block entry, then call a licensed sweep to remove debris safely. See our animal removal guide>>/blog/chimney-animal-removal-colorado-springs/