Colorado Springs’ older homes hide creosote buildup and masonry cracks, don’t risk DIY mistakes. Clear debris, check for smoke stains, and move flammables before your sweep. If you see rust, sagging bricks, or a musty smell, call a pro immediately. Armadillo Chimney Inc’s team handles the rest safely and efficiently.
5 Safe Prep Steps Before Your Colorado Springs Chimney Sweep
Older Colorado Springs homes often have brick chimneys with hidden crevices where soot and debris collect. Do these first to speed up your appointment and avoid extra charges:
1. Clear the fireplace area: Remove firewood, decorations, and flammable items (like holiday wreaths) within 3 feet of the hearth. Store them in a dry, covered area, moisture worsens brick erosion. Check for loose bricks or mortar while you’re at it.
2. Cover nearby furniture: Use drop cloths or old towels to protect upholstery from falling soot. Chimney sweeps use powerful vacuums, but dust still escapes.
3. Check for obvious blockages: Look up the chimney (from a ladder or binoculars) for large debris like bird nests or fallen branches. Do NOT reach in, this can dislodge creosote or damage liners. Pro tip: If you see a nest, snap a photo for your technician.
4. Check your damper’s hinge: Lift and lower it, stiff movement means rust or mortar failure. Stiff dampers slow down sweeps and may signal rusted hinges, a repair job for Armadillo’s team.
5. Note recent fireplace use: If you’ve burned wood since your last sweep, mention it. Colorado Springs’ dry air accelerates creosote buildup, so frequent users need more frequent sweeps. See our recommended schedule for your home’s age and fuel type.
Brick Cracks, Rust Stains & Drafts: When Your Prep Work Needs a Chimney Pro’s Touch
Colorado Springs’ high altitude and dry climate create unique chimney hazards. Stop DIYing and call Armadillo Chimney Inc if you see:
- Rust or corrosion: Orange streaks on the damper or liner mean moisture damage. Older homes in Castle Rock or Manitou Springs often have hidden leaks behind brick facades. This could require liner replacement or repointing, not a DIY fix.
- Sagging or bulging bricks: If mortar joints are crumbling or bricks look like they’re bowing outward, your chimney’s structural integrity is at risk. Colorado Springs’ freeze-thaw cycles worsen this over time. Expert repointing or tuckpointing is critical to prevent collapse.
- Strong, musty smells or smoke in the house: This isn’t just “dust”, it’s a sign of poor draft or a cracked liner. Gas fireplaces in newer Parker or Highlands Ranch homes can also leak carbon monoxide if the chimney’s compromised. Never ignore this, schedule an inspection immediately.
- Animals inside: Bird nests, raccoon droppings, or even squirrel chew marks mean your chimney cap is failing. DIY caps often shift in high winds, creating gaps. Our team installs durable, weatherproof caps that last through Colorado’s storms.
What You Should NEVER DIY (And Why Colorado Springs Chimneys Are Riskier)
Colorado Springs’ older masonry chimneys have quirks that make DIY repairs dangerous. Avoid these at all costs:
- Scraping creosote: The black, tar-like buildup is flammable and often hides behind liners. Scraping can ignite it or damage stainless steel liners, common in 1980s+ homes. Even “safe” DIY tools can’t reach deep crevices where creosote hardens into a brick-like crust.
- Using chemical cleaners: These can corrode liners or leave toxic residue. Colorado Springs’ dry air means any moisture from cleaners will accelerate rust in metal components.
- Removing or modifying the chimney cap: A poorly installed cap can worsen draft issues. Our team uses locally tested designs that account for Colorado’s wind patterns and snow loads. Woodland Park homes, for example, need caps that handle heavy snowfall.
- Ignoring code violations: Colorado’s chimney codes (like those in Castle Rock) require specific clearances and materials. A DIY “fix” could void your home insurance or fail an inspection. Our licensed team ensures compliance with all local regulations.
Skip the Guesswork: When to Book Armadillo Chimney (And How to Speed Up the Inspection)
You’ve prepped your chimney, now decide if it’s time for a professional. Call us if:
- It’s been over a year since your last sweep (or less if you burn wood frequently). Colorado Springs’ dry air turns creosote into a hard, glass-like layer faster than in humid climates. See our guide for your specific fuel type.
- You’re selling or buying a home: Lenders often require a Level 2 chimney inspection (which checks masonry and structure). We offer pre-listing inspections that highlight issues buyers’ agents miss.
- You’re upgrading your fireplace: Switching from wood to gas? Installing a new insert? Our team ensures your chimney’s properly sized and lined for safety. Gas fireplaces need different venting than wood-burning models.
- You’ve noticed drafts, smoke spillage, or cold air blowing back: This isn’t normal, it’s a sign of a cracked liner or blocked flue. Lone Tree homes with older brick chimneys are especially prone to this due to shifting foundations.
Pro tip: Book your appointment before your first fire of the season. Fall is our busiest time in Colorado Springs, schedule early to avoid delays. Use our online form or call us directly for same-day availability in most areas.
Post-Appointment Checklist: What to Do After Your Chimney Sweep
Your technician has left, now take these steps to extend the life of your chimney:
1. Re-light your fire (safely): Wait 30 minutes after the sweep to let dust settle. Burn a small, hot fire for 15 minutes to “season” the chimney and reduce future creosote buildup. Check for lingering smoke stains, if they’re heavy, you may need a second sweep.
2. Inspect your liner: Shine a flashlight up the chimney. If you see glowing embers or orange sparks, your fire’s too hot, adjust your wood size and burn rate. Stainless steel liners (common in newer homes) should look clean and unscorched.
3. Schedule seasonal maintenance: Mark your calendar for spring and fall sweeps if you use your fireplace year-round. Colorado Springs’ spring rains can wash creosote into your flue, and fall’s first fires create the most buildup. Our seasonal packages include inspections and discounts for repeat customers.
4. Check your cap: After heavy winds or snow, climb safely onto your roof (or use binoculars) to ensure the cap is still secure. Manitou Springs’ high winds can loosen DIY caps, ours are designed to stay put.
5. Document your chimney’s condition: Take photos of your liner, bricks, and cap after the sweep. This helps track changes over time and provides proof for insurance claims if damage occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I sweep my chimney myself in Colorado Springs if I’ve never done it before?
No. Colorado Springs’ older brick chimneys often have hidden creosote layers behind liners or in mortar joints that DIY tools miss. Even ‘safe’ brushes can dislodge soot into your home, and improper technique can damage stainless steel liners (common in homes built after 1980). Our team uses rotary tools and high-powered vacuums that reach every inch, including the tricky spots in masonry chimneys. Start with a professional sweep, then follow our self-inspection guide for early warning signs.
Is it worth repairing my chimney crown instead of replacing it in an older Colorado Springs home?
Yes, if the damage is limited to spalling (surface cracks) or minor erosion. Colorado Springs’ freeze-thaw cycles worsen crown cracks over time, but a properly repaired crown (with hydraulic cement and repointing) can last 10+ years. Full replacement is only needed if the crown is crumbling or the masonry beneath is compromised. Our team assesses structural integrity. DIY cement jobs often fail because they don’t account for Colorado’s moisture and temperature swings. For homes in Castle Pines, we recommend sloped crowns to shed snow and rain more effectively.
Do I really need a chimney inspection if my sweep came out clean in Colorado Springs?
Absolutely, a clean sweep doesn’t mean your chimney is safe. Inspections check for hidden issues like cracked liners, deteriorating mortar, or water damage that creosote can’t hide. In Colorado Springs, Level 2 inspections (which include masonry checks) are critical for homes over 20 years old. We’ve found rusted dampers, shifted flues, and even foundation cracks during inspections where homeowners assumed their chimney was fine. Schedule one annually, especially if you hear unusual noises (like rattling bricks) or see water stains near the fireplace.