With Colorado Springs’ first frost just weeks away, now’s the time to inspect your chimney, especially if your home’s brickwork or masonry liner shows signs of wear. Creosote buildup, cracked mortar, or a sagging crown can turn cozy evenings into fire hazards. Our licensed team specializes in older homes and can spot issues DIY checks miss. Book a free estimate here before the holiday rush, we serve Colorado Springs and nearby historic neighborhoods like Manitou Springs and Black Forest.
Step 1: Check Your Chimney’s Brickwork and Mortar: Before the First Fire
Colorado Springs’ dry summers and freeze-thaw cycles take a toll on masonry chimneys. Start by inspecting your brick chimney from the outside: look for cracked mortar joints, crumbling bricks, or efflorescence (white mineral deposits). If your home’s over 30 years old, the original clay flue liner may have deteriorated, exposing your home to carbon monoxide risks. Our chimney sweep Colorado Springs team uses infrared cameras to detect hidden cracks in liners before they become dangerous. Need a pro to assess your brickwork? See our service areas, we cover Fort Carson, Cimarron Hills, and beyond.
Step 2: Schedule a Sweep Before Creosote Hardens: Here’s Why
A chimney sweep isn’t just about removing soot, it’s about catching stage 2 or 3 creosote, which is flammable and can ignite at 1,100°F. In older homes with wood-burning fireplaces, creosote builds up faster in unlined or partially lined chimneys. Pro tip: If your chimney’s darker than usual or you smell a tarry odor when lighting up, it’s time. We offer same-day service in Colorado Springs and neighboring towns like Woodland Park and Palmer Lake. See our pricing for older-home inspections, and remember, a clean chimney saves you money on repairs down the line.
Step 3: Test Your Draft and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Local Safety First
Colorado Springs’ high elevation means fireplaces draft differently than at sea level. Before lighting your first fire, test your chimney’s draft by holding a lit match near the damper, if the flame bends into the chimney, your draft is weak (a sign of blockages or liner damage). Pair this with a carbon monoxide detector near your fireplace, older homes with masonry chimneys are at higher risk. Our team can inspect your draft flow during your sweep and recommend fixes like chimney caps or relining if needed. Curious about DIY vs. pro inspections? Compare here, especially if your home’s chimney has quirks from its 1920s construction.