When fall arrives in Greenwood Village, fireplace use ramps up, but so do hidden chimney hazards. You can spot obvious issues like soot or cracks yourself, but if you notice them, turn off the fireplace immediately. Never try removing creosote or making repairs alone; these jobs demand professional training to prevent deadly risks. Stallion Chimney Co handles these tasks with local knowledge and code-compliant work.
What Can You Safely Spot in Your Chimney Before Calling a Pro This Fall?
Before lighting your fireplace, perform these three simple checks from outside your home. Start by inspecting the chimney cap for damage, look for warping, missing sections, or rust along the seams. A damaged cap lets rain, debris, and animals inside, clogging your flue. Next, scan the brick or masonry for cracks wider than 1/8 inch or missing mortar. These gaps let carbon monoxide seep into your home. Finally, check the roof flashing around the chimney base for gaps or rusted nails. If you spot any of these issues, mark them and call a professional immediately. Learn more about chimney cap benefits here
Step-by-Step: How to Inspect Your Fireplace and Smoke Chamber Safely
With the fire out and cold, kneel inside the fireplace and shine a flashlight up the flue. If you see glossy black or tarry buildup (creosote), this is a fire hazard, never scrape or burn it off yourself. Instead, note the thickness and color: Stage 1 (black soot) is less dangerous than Stage 2 (tar-like) or Stage 3 (hard, crusty). Next, check the smoke chamber (the area just above the fireplace opening) for soot or debris. If the chamber is clogged, smoke will back up into your home. For gas fireplaces, ensure the vent pipe is clear of obstructions and secured. If you’re unsure about any part of this inspection, stop and call Stallion Chimney Co. See our full Greenwood Village chimney sweep guide for details
Signs Your Greenwood Village Chimney Needs a Pro: Don’t Ignore These Red Flags
These four signs are never safe to ignore or DIY: 1. Rust or corrosion on the chimney crown, liner, or damper, this indicates water damage and structural weakness. 2. A strong, sweet-smelling odor when the fireplace is lit, which signals creosote buildup or gas leaks. 3. Smoke or fumes entering your home instead of venting outside, meaning a blocked or damaged flue. 4. Animals nesting in your chimney (evidence like droppings, nests, or strange smells). If you see any of these, extinguish the fire, open windows, and evacuate before calling Stallion Chimney Co. Our Littleton creosote guide explains the risks in detail
DIY Chimney Fixes That Put Your Home at Risk: And What to Avoid
Avoid these three dangerous tasks at all costs: 1. Creosote removal, scraping or burning creosote can ignite a chimney fire, releasing toxic fumes. 2. Chimney relining or repairs, improper work voids warranties, violates building codes, and risks collapse. 3. Removing large debris or animal nests, disturbing a blocked flue can cause soot to explode into your home. Even seemingly simple tasks like cleaning a blocked vent pipe require specialized tools and training. Greenwood Village’s dry climate accelerates creosote buildup, making professional sweeps critical. Compare repair vs. replacement costs here
When Should You Book Stallion Chimney Co for Your Greenwood Village Fireplace?
Schedule a professional inspection if: 1. It’s been over a year since your last chimney sweep, especially if you’ve used the fireplace regularly. 2. You’re buying or selling a home, a certified inspection is required for most Greenwood Village transactions. 3. You’ve noticed drafts, soot in your home, or unusual noises from the chimney. Stallion Chimney Co offers Level 2 inspections (for homes with fireplaces) and Level 3 inspections (for major repairs or replacements). Our crews are licensed, insured, and trained to handle Greenwood Village’s unique chimney challenges, from high-efficiency gas systems to older masonry structures. Book your inspection today or explore our service areas, including Cherry Hills Village and Highlands Ranch.
Frequently Asked Questions
My Greenwood Village fireplace smells like gas even when it’s off. Could this be a serious issue?
No, this is never normal and indicates a gas leak or venting issue. Immediately turn off the gas supply, open windows, and leave the home. Gas smells are added for safety, but even without the odor, carbon monoxide from improper venting is deadly. Call Stallion Chimney Co for an emergency inspection, we serve Greenwood Village and nearby Aurora with 24/7 availability for critical issues.
The bricks around my chimney are crumbling in Greenwood Village’s dry climate. Can I fix them myself?
No, never attempt masonry repairs yourself. Crumbling bricks signal structural failure, and DIY fixes often worsen the problem by trapping moisture. Greenwood Village’s dry air may hide deeper damage until it’s too late. A licensed chimney sweep can assess whether you need repointing, tuckpointing, or full rebuilding, and ensure the work meets local codes. See our chimney repair guide for Highlands Ranch homes
I found a dead bird in my chimney last winter. Should I be worried about animals now?
Yes, animals are a major fire and health risk. Birds, squirrels, and raccoons can block your flue with nests or debris, and their droppings create toxic fumes. Even if you don’t see signs now, Greenwood Village’s wildlife activity peaks in fall. Never reach inside, disturbing a nest can cause soot to ignite. Stallion Chimney Co uses humane removal methods and inspects for damage during the process. Learn about creosote risks in Cherry Hills Village