Your chimney isn’t just a feature, it’s a safety line. You can spot creosote buildup, surface cracks, or a loose cap on your own. But if you see smoke pouring into the room, rust on the liner, or obvious structural damage, walk away and call a certified sweep. DIY fixes on chimneys? That’s how carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires start. Do a quick check before the first cold snap hits.
What You Can Actually Inspect in Your Chimney Without Getting Hurt
Before calling a chimney sweep, grab a flashlight and inspect these areas from a safe distance. Start by looking at the chimney cap, it should be intact, not bent or missing. Use a mirror on a pole to check the masonry for cracks or crumbling bricks, especially near the base where moisture damage is common in Lakewood’s wet winters. If you have a glass door fireplace, wipe the glass and look inside for thick black or tarry creosote buildup on the walls. For gas fireplaces, check the vent pipe for rust or soot stains. If everything looks clean and intact, you’re on the right track. Read our DIY safety tips here for what to avoid.
Red Flags That Mean ‘Drop the Tool and Call a Pro’
If you notice smoke backing into your home when the fireplace is lit, that’s a red flag, your flue may be blocked or damaged. Rust stains on the chimney breast or ceiling indicate water leaks, which can weaken masonry over time. Odd smells (like gas or rotten eggs) mean carbon monoxide or gas leaks, which require immediate attention. Crumbling bricks or large cracks (over 3/8 inch) are structural hazards. If your chimney cap is missing, animals could be nesting inside, or debris could block the flue. Lakewood’s high humidity makes these issues worse, so don’t wait. Learn more about masonry repairs before they escalate.
Step-by-Step: How to Do a Quick Chimney Self-Inspection
1. Check the cap: Stand back and look up. Is it secure? Missing caps let rain and critters in. 2. Inspect the masonry: Walk around the chimney and look for dark streaks (soot) or white powder (efflorescence, a sign of moisture). 3. Check the draft: Hold a lit newspaper near the fireplace, does it pull in or blow out? If smoke rises straight up, the draft is good. If it lingers or backs into the room, call a pro. 4. Look inside the flue: If you have a glass door, shine a light inside. Heavy creosote (glossy black or tar-like) means it’s time for a sweep. See our seasonal checklist to stay ahead of problems.
Chimney Jobs That Will Get You Fined (or Worse): And How to Spot Them
Never climb on your roof to inspect or repair the chimney, falls are a leading cause of chimney-related injuries. Don’t use a wire brush or vacuum to clean creosote; you’ll push debris deeper into the flue, creating a fire hazard. Avoid DIY chimney caps unless you’re a masonry pro, poor installation can worsen draft issues. Never ignore a blocked flue; carbon monoxide poisoning is silent and deadly. Lakewood’s building codes require licensed inspections for major repairs, and many warranties void if you DIY critical work. Compare DIY risks vs. professional help before taking chances.
When to Call Cardinal Chimney Before Your Westlake Home’s Fireplace Becomes a Hazard
If you’re guessing about your chimney’s condition, guess wrong, call us instead. We serve Lakewood and nearby areas like Wheat Ridge and Golden, and our team is trained to spot hidden dangers. Need an emergency inspection? We offer same-day service for blocked flues or gas leaks. Our level 2 inspections (for resale or major repairs) include a thorough check of the flue, damper, and masonry. See our service areas to confirm we cover your neighborhood. Pro tip: Schedule your fall sweep before Lakewood’s first freeze, creosote buildup is worse in cold weather. Check our pricing for transparent, upfront costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
My chimney smells like gas when I light the fireplace. What should I do?
Shut off the fireplace and crack windows if you smell gas. That’s not just a bad draft, it’s a venting or appliance leak that could pump carbon monoxide into your home. Don’t risk it. Lakewood’s older homes (especially on 6th Ave) have dodgy gas lines, get the flue and connections checked before you light another fire. Get an emergency inspection now
Why Your Fireplace on Cold Nights Keeps Pushing Smoke Back Into the Living Room
Smoke spillage usually means a blocked flue, weak draft, or cracked chimney. If it’s a cold day, the flue might not be warm enough to create proper draft. Check for obstructions (like bird nests) from outside, but don’t climb to remove them. A chimney sweep can test the draft and clean creosote buildup, which often causes this problem. Learn about flue liner issues if you suspect deeper problems.
I found a small crack in my chimney’s masonry near the base. Is this an emergency?
Not necessarily an emergency, but it needs professional repair. Small cracks can let in moisture, leading to brick deterioration over time. In Lakewood’s wet climate, this can worsen quickly. Seal minor cracks with chimney-safe sealant, but if it’s larger than 3/8 inch or crumbling, call a masonry expert. See our guide on masonry repairs to avoid costly structural damage.