Denver’s dry, windy climate means your chimney works harder than most, so knowing what to DIY (and what to avoid) saves money and prevents fires. We’ll show you the safe, simple tasks and the red flags that mean ‘call a pro now.’
What LoHi homeowners can (and can’t) DIY, and how to do it without wrecking your chimney
Your chimney’s exterior and firebox are the only parts you can safely clean or inspect yourself, if you follow these steps. Start with the firebox: After each burn, use a stiff chimney brush (available at hardware stores) to scrub the glass doors and interior walls. For creosote buildup (the black, tarry residue), a creosote brush or wire brush works, but never use abrasive pads that damage the liner. Next, the chimney cap: Remove debris with a shop vacuum or gloved hand (wear gloves, always). If your cap is loose, tighten it with a wrench (but don’t force it, rusted bolts break easily). Pro tip for Denver homes: After heavy winds, check for loose bricks or mortar near your roofline. Tap them gently with a hammer, if they crumble, that’s a warning sign (see below). Read our full creosote removal guide here to avoid mistakes.
Step-by-Step: How to Perform a Basic Chimney Self-Inspection in Denver
Before lighting your fireplace, do this 5-minute check from the fireplace floor (never climb on the roof!). 1. Look up the flue: Use a flashlight with a mirror attachment (or a phone flashlight) to inspect the smoke chamber. If you see soot beyond the first few inches, schedule a chimney sweep. 2. Check for cracks: Run your fingers along the firebox walls, if you feel rough edges or gaps, that’s spalling brick, a sign of moisture damage. 3. Test the draft: Light a small piece of newspaper and hold it near the damper. If smoke blows back into the room, your damper is stuck or the flue is blocked. 4. Denver-specific tip: If your home is near I-70 or downtown, soot buildup happens faster due to urban pollution. Inspect monthly during winter. Need a deeper inspection? Our Level 2 chimney inspection catches hidden issues like cracked liners or masonry decay, book one today if you spot anything suspicious.
Red flags: When your chimney in Capitol Hill needs an emergency pro, now
These five red flags mean stop using your fireplace and call Ruby Chimney Inc before they become emergencies. 1. Rust on the damper or smoke shelf: Means moisture damage, common in Denver’s humid spring/summer, and can lead to structural failure. 2. A strong, sweet-smelling odor (like rotten eggs) when the fireplace is off: Signals gas leaks or sewer gas intrusion, never ignore this. 3. White, powdery residue on the fireplace hearth: Could be lime buildup from hard water, which erodes masonry over time. 4. Birds or animals nesting in your chimney: Denver’s migratory birds (like sparrows) love chimneys. A blocked flue is a fire hazard. 5. Cracked or missing mortar between bricks: If you see gap wider than a pencil, that’s active deterioration. Denver’s freeze-thaw cycles make this worse. Pro move: Download our free chimney inspection checklist to spot these early.
What Cherry Creek homeowners should never attempt themselves (and why it’s a fire hazard)
These tasks require a licensed chimney sweep, attempting them risks fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, or property damage. 1. Removing creosote from the flue: The top 1/3 of your chimney (where creosote is thickest) is deadly to climb. Denver roofs are steep, and one wrong step means a fall. 2. Installing or repairing a chimney liner: A misaligned liner causes smoke backflow or gas leaks. Our stainless steel liners are custom-fit to Denver’s building codes. 3. Fixing a cracked chimney crown: The concrete cap at the top of your chimney is structural. A DIY patch job won’t hold in Denver’s rain/snow cycles. 4. Unblocking a chimney with a wire hanger: Never. You’ll damage the liner or ignite creosote (which burns at 2,100°F). 5. Ignoring a failed chimney inspection: If a pro marks your chimney as ‘unsafe’, using it is illegal in Colorado and a liability risk. Bottom line: If it involves height, fire, or hidden damage, let us handle it.
When to call Ruby Chimney Inc, and how we cut the hassle
We’re not here to alarm you, we’re here to cut your risks. Call us if: • You’ve tried DIY but still see soot/smoke issues. • Your chimney is older than 20 years (Denver’s historic homes need extra attention). • You’re selling your home, a certified chimney inspection is required in Colorado. • You hear strange noises (like rumbling or popping), could be creosote explosions or loose bricks. • Your insurance company requests a chimney inspection (many do after claims). How to get started: Request a free estimate online or call us, we serve Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, Arvada, and Golden (and beyond). Pro tip: Book your fall chimney sweep by September. Denver’s first cold snap hits fast, and waiting lists fill up. See our service areas here to check if we cover your neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fix a wobbly chimney cap in Five Points yourself? Think twice.
No, even a ‘simple’ cap replacement requires proper sealing to prevent water leaks (Denver’s summer storms test this fast). A loose cap can also let debris fall into your flue, blocking airflow. Ruby Chimney Inc installs stainless steel caps with weather-resistant sealant, we’ll do it right the first time.
Is it worth trying to remove creosote from my chimney myself in Arvada before calling a pro?
Only if it’s Stage 1 (glazed) creosote, scrub it with a creosote brush gently. But if it’s Stage 2 (tar-like) or Stage 3 (hardened), you’ll need chemical treatment or a sweep. Arvada’s dry climate speeds up creosote buildup, don’t gamble with it.
Does your Denver Highlands fireplace look ‘fine’? Don’t assume, here’s why inspections matter
Yes, even ‘fine’ chimneys hide dangers. A Level 1 inspection (visual check) costs $120–$150 but catches hidden cracks, gas leaks, or animal nests before they become $5,000+ repairs. Denver’s older homes (pre-1980s) often have unlined flues, get certified before winter.