A chimney sweep in Arvada does more than clean, it stops fires, blocks carbon monoxide, and keeps your chimney from collapsing. You can spot some problems yourself, but some fixes are dangerous if you try them alone. Here’s how to stay safe and know when to call the experts.
The 3 Things Arvada Homeowners Can (and Should) Check Themselves
Before calling a chimney sweep, do these safe checks every 30 days if you burn wood or gas: 1. Smoke smell in the house? Light a small fire and watch the flue. If smoke backs into the room, your damper may be stuck or the chimney blocked. Check our troubleshooting guide for next steps. 2. Creosote buildup? Shine a flashlight up the flue. If you see black, sticky streaks on the chimney walls, it’s time for a sweep, creosote is highly flammable. Learn how often to schedule a sweep based on your usage. 3. Physical damage? Look for cracks in the masonry or rust on the cap. If you see mortar crumbling near the roofline, moisture is getting in, this weakens the structure over time. Arvada’s wet winters make this especially risky for older homes. Never climb on the roof or use tools inside the flue. These checks are visual only.
Signs Your Fireplace Is a Fire Hazard: Call a Pro Now
If you see any of these, extinguish the fire immediately and call Bronze Chimney Inc: - Orange or flickering flames (not the steady blue of a clean burn). This means incomplete combustion, likely due to a blocked flue or poor draft. See our gas vs. wood fireplace comparison to diagnose the issue. - Excessive soot on the fireplace walls or ceiling after a fire. This isn’t normal wear; it signals a dangerous buildup in the chimney. - Drafts blowing cold air into the room when the fireplace isn’t in use. This means your chimney isn’t drawing properly, often due to a collapsed liner or animal nest. - Rust or water stains inside the fireplace. Arvada’s humidity and occasional hail can crack masonry, letting water pool, this corrodes metal parts and weakens the structure. Older homes in Arvada? Watch for these signs.
Arvada’s Ranch-Style Homes: 5 Chimney Jobs That Need a Pro’s Touch (And the Risks of Skipping It)
Some ‘quick fixes’ void warranties, create hazards, or even kill you. Avoid these at all costs: - Removing creosote yourself. Scraping or brushing it out sends flammable dust into the air, it’s a fire risk and can clog your lungs. Professional tools and ventilation are required. - Repairing a cracked flue liner. These are under extreme heat and pressure; a bad patch job can cause a chimney fire. See why DIY repairs fail. - Ignoring a blocked chimney. Animals, debris, or collapsed mortar can fully obstruct airflow. If you suspect this, do not light a fire, carbon monoxide buildup can be deadly. - Skipping a Level 2 inspection. If your chimney has a liner or you’ve had repairs, a visual-only check isn’t enough. Learn what Level 2 inspections cover.
Your Chimney’s Acting Up? Here’s When to Call Bronze Chimney Inc. And Exactly How We Handle It
We’re not just here for emergencies, preventive visits save lives and money. Call us if: - You’ve had no sweep in over a year (or never). Arvada’s dry winters mean creosote builds fast in wood-burning chimneys. See our pricing for seasonal sweeps. - Your fireplace smells like gas even when off. This could mean a cracked heat exchanger or blocked vent, not a DIY fix. - You’re selling your home. A clean chimney and inspection report add value and reassure buyers. We serve Arvada and nearby towns. - You’ve had recent repairs and want a post-service inspection. We’ll check for proper installation and seal. Pro tip: If your chimney’s over 20 years old, schedule a Level 2 inspection, many hidden issues go unnoticed until it’s too late. See our service areas to confirm we cover your neighborhood.
Chimney Risks Unique to Arvada Homes You Might Be Overlooking
Arvada’s elevation (5,431 ft) and microclimates create unique chimney challenges: - Higher altitude = faster creosote buildup. Wood burns hotter at elevation, accelerating tar formation. If you burn pine or oak, schedule sweeps twice a year. - Wind-driven rain from the west (common near I-70) erodes masonry faster. Check your chimney cap after storms, missing or damaged caps let water in, rusting metal and cracking mortar. - Older homes (pre-1980s) often have unlined chimneys, which are more prone to fires. If yours predates 1990, we recommend a stainless steel liner, it’s the only legal upgrade in Arvada for safety compliance. See our repair guide for options.
Frequently Asked Questions
My Arvada chimney worked fine last winter, but now smoke is backing into the house. What’s the first thing I should do?
First, close the damper and don’t use the fireplace until it’s inspected. Smoke backup usually means a blocked flue, collapsed liner, or animal nest. If you see soot on the ceiling fan or walls, that’s a red flag for creosote buildup. Call a pro immediately, this isn’t a quick fix. See our troubleshooting checklist for temporary steps, but don’t delay a professional sweep.
I live near Arvada Reservoir, does the humidity affect my chimney differently than other neighborhoods?
Yes. The higher humidity near the reservoir accelerates rust on metal components and softens mortar joints. Check your chimney cap and crown annually for cracks, even small ones let moisture seep in, weakening the structure. If your chimney’s over 15 years old, consider a waterproof sealant or repointing. See our maintenance tips for Golden, similar risks apply in nearby areas.
My landlord says I can ‘just sweep the chimney myself’ to save money. Is that safe in Arvada’s climate?
No, it’s not safe, and it’s illegal in many cases. DIY sweeps often miss upper flue buildup or damage liners with improper tools. Arvada’s building codes require certified inspections for rentals, and many insurance policies won’t cover fires caused by improper cleaning. See why pros matter. If your landlord pushes back, ask for a written inspection report, that’s your proof of compliance.