Denver’s older brick homes need fall chimney checks before winter. You can safely inspect your chimney and liner yourself, but stop if you see cracks, rust, or excessive creosote. Call a pro like Maroon Chimney LLC for anything beyond basic upkeep, especially if your chimney’s over 20 years old or has masonry issues. Never attempt repairs without proper training.
Step 1: Inspect Your Chimney Cap and Crown (Denver’s Windy Fall Weather Test)
Start by checking your chimney cap and crown, they’re the first line of defense against Denver’s dry, windy fall storms. Look for missing or damaged cap pieces, rust on metal caps, or cracks in the crown (the concrete or brick top). A loose cap can let rain and debris into your flue, while a cracked crown lets water seep into your brickwork, causing long-term damage. If you spot rust or cracks wider than 1/8 inch, stop DIYing and call Maroon Chimney LLC. For older brick homes in Lakewood or Wheat Ridge, water damage can weaken mortar joints faster than you’d expect. Use a flashlight to check for mortar crumbling between bricks, this is a sign your chimney needs professional repair. Learn more about Denver’s older home brickwork in our guide on brick chimney maintenance. We cover this in everything we handle.
Step 2: Check for Creosote Buildup (The Silent Fire Hazard)
Creosote is the sticky, black gunk left behind when wood burns, and it’s the top reason chimneys in Denver catch fire, especially in older brick-lined systems. If you’ve used your fireplace this fall, shine a flashlight up the flue and look for: Stage 1 (glossy coating): Safe to clean yourself with a creosote brush. Stage 2 (tar-like): Requires professional scraping, this stuff is sticky and dangerous. Stage 3 (hard, brick-like): Never attempt to remove this yourself. It’s brittle and can crumble into your fireplace, causing sparks. If you see any buildup beyond a light coating, schedule a sweep with Maroon Chimney LLC before winter. Our pricing guide explains what to expect for a professional sweep in Denver. Also, if your chimney smells smoky when lit but not burning hot, that’s a red flag, creosote may be burning inefficiently, increasing fire risk. Explore book a visit or ask a question.
Step 3: Test Your Damper and Flue (Denver’s Dry Air Can Dry-Seal Dampers)
A stuck or leaking damper is a fire hazard. Open and close yours manually, if it doesn’t move smoothly or sticks halfway, it’s time for a pro. For masonry chimneys, check the flue tiles for gaps or missing sections. Denver’s dry fall air can cause older dampers to rust shut, and mortar joints to shrink. If your damper is metal and rusted through, or if you see soot escaping around the damper when the fireplace is off, call Maroon Chimney LLC. For gas fireplaces in Arvada or Broomfield, a blocked flue can also cause carbon monoxide buildup, never ignore this. If your fireplace struggles to stay lit or produces yellow flames instead of blue, your flue may need cleaning or repair. Compare wood vs. gas fireplace maintenance in our guide. Take a look at the background and licensing.
RED FLAGS: When to Quit DIYing and Call a Pro for Your Masonry Chimney
If you see any of these in your Denver home’s chimney, stop all DIY work immediately and call Maroon Chimney LLC: - Cracks in the flue liner (especially if wider than 1/4 inch), this can let carbon monoxide into your home. - Rust or holes in the chimney cap, a damaged cap won’t protect your flue from rain or animals. - Sagging or leaning brickwork, common in older Denver homes with unsecured chimneys. - White, powdery residue on the fireplace hearth, this could mean your flue isn’t drawing properly, a sign of a blocked or damaged liner. - Animals nesting in your chimney (bird feathers, rodent droppings), this creates fire hazards and health risks. For homes in Thornton or Westminster with older brick chimneys, water damage often starts small but can lead to costly repairs if ignored. Read our guide on chimney repair signs in Denver for more details. Learn more about the full service area.
Your Old House’s Chimney Just Told You It’s Time: Here’s When to Listen (And Call Us Before It’s Too Late)
You don’t need to DIY if: - Your chimney is over 20 years old, older brickwork and liners hide problems until it’s too late. - You’re unsure about your chimney’s structure (e.g., no liner, unknown materials). - You’ve never inspected a chimney before, mistakes can void warranties or create hazards. - Your home is in a high-wind area (like near I-70 or the foothills). Denver’s fall storms test chimneys hard. Maroon Chimney LLC specializes in older brick homes and masonry repairs, so we spot issues others miss. Book a visit or ask a question about your chimney’s condition. We also serve Denver, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, Golden, and surrounding areas. See our full service area here. For a side-by-side on DIY vs. pro cleaning, check our comparison guide.
Safe DIY Tools You’ll Need (And What to Avoid)
For basic inspections, grab these: - Flashlight with a long handle (to check the flue). - Creosote brush (only for Stage 1 buildup, never metal brushes on masonry). - Ladder (never lean on the chimney. Denver’s brickwork can be brittle). - Gloves and safety goggles (creosote is toxic). Avoid: Climbing on the roof, using power tools near the flue, or attempting liner repairs. For homes in Northglenn or Centennial with gas fireplaces, even a small mistake can cause gas leaks. If your chimney has a stainless steel liner, never scratch or bend it, this voids warranties and creates weak spots. Learn more about chimney liners in our glossary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a fall chimney sweep cost in Denver, and is it worth skipping if my fireplace isn’t used often?
A professional chimney sweep in Denver costs $120–$250, depending on height and access. Skipping it isn’t worth the risk, even unused chimneys collect debris, and creosote can ignite from heat alone. Older brick homes in Golden or Arvada with high flues often cost more due to labor. Check our pricing guide for exact estimates. If you’ve burned less than 10 cords of wood this year, you’re still at risk, creosote builds up faster than most homeowners realize. A sweep now prevents a $1,000+ repair later.
My Denver home’s chimney has a ‘chimney chase cover’, do I need to clean inside it too, or is that just for rain?
A chimney chase cover (the metal or plastic cap over the chase) only blocks rain and debris, it doesn’t protect the flue. You must inspect and clean the flue itself, especially if your home is in a windy area like Thornton or Westminster. Leaves, pine needles, and even bird nests can get trapped under the cover but still block your flue. If your chase cover is rusted or missing, call Maroon Chimney LLC, water damage from poor coverage is the #1 cause of masonry cracks in Denver. See our fall safety alert for more on chase covers.
I found a small crack in my chimney crown, can I patch it myself, or will that make it worse?
Patching a chimney crown yourself is risky and often ineffective. DIY cement patches rarely bond properly to old brickwork, and if the crack is from structural stress (common in older homes in Lakewood or Wheat Ridge), a quick fix can hide a bigger problem. A professional uses flexible sealants and repointing mortar designed for chimneys. If the crack’s wider than 1/8 inch or you see water stains inside the flue, stop patching and call us. Our guide on chimney repair in Denver explains why quick fixes fail.