Your chimney is a critical (and often overlooked) part of your Longmont home’s safety. You can do a few simple checks yourself, but never attempt repairs or deep cleaning. Start with these basics: inspect the crown for cracks, check for creosote buildup, and test your damper. If you see soot stains, strange smells, or hear odd noises, stop DIYing and call a pro like Michael Johnson Chimney Inc services, some issues hide dangerous risks like carbon monoxide leaks or structural damage.
Step 1: The 3 Safe Things You Can Do Yourself (Longmont Edition)
Longmont’s dry summers and cold winters mean your chimney works hard year-round. Here’s what you can safely check without tools or ladders:
1. Inspect the chimney crown (the top brick layer) from the ground or roof. Look for cracks, missing mortar, or rusted flashing, these let water seep in, weakening bricks over time. See our visual guide for what to spot.
2. Check for creosote stains inside the fireplace. Light a fire, then wipe the glass with a damp cloth. If you see thick, tarry residue (like black goo or shiny flakes), that’s creosote, a fire hazard. Learn more about creosote and why it’s dangerous.
3. Test your damper (the flap that opens/closes at the top of your fireplace). Open it fully, then close it. If it sticks or doesn’t seal tightly, moisture and critters can enter. Never force it, this requires professional adjustment.
Pro tip for Longmont homeowners: If your chimney is over 20 years old (common in older neighborhoods near downtown), it’s extra vulnerable to wear. Read why older chimneys need more attention.
Step 2: Warning Signs That Mean ‘Stop DIYing: Call a Pro’
Some chimney issues look minor but hide serious risks. If you notice any of these in your Longmont home, stop using your fireplace immediately and call Michael Johnson Chimney Inc for a free estimate:
- Smoke or strong odors when the fireplace is closed, this could mean a blocked flue, creosote fire risk, or even a gas leak (if you have a gas insert). Smoke in a closed fireplace is never normal.
- Cracks in the chimney breast (the wall surrounding your fireplace). These aren’t just cosmetic, they can let carbon monoxide (CO) seep into your home. CO is odorless and deadly. Learn how CO leaks happen.
- Animals nesting (birds, squirrels, or raccoons). Their debris blocks airflow, and their nests can ignite. If you hear scratching or see droppings, do not try to remove them yourself, this risks injury and damage. See how to safely deter critters.
- Rust on the damper or smoke chamber. Rust means moisture damage, which weakens metal parts and can lead to leaks. This requires professional repair to avoid structural failure.
Longmont-specific note: If your home is near the foothills (like in areas around Niwot or Boulder), humidity and temperature swings accelerate rust and mortar erosion. Schedule an inspection before winter.
Step 3: What You Should Never DIY (And Why)
Some chimney tasks seem simple but carry hidden dangers, never attempt these yourself in Longmont or anywhere:
1. Removing creosote buildup with a wire brush or vacuum. Creosote is flammable and can ignite if disturbed improperly. Professional chimney sweeps use rotating brushes and high-powered vacuums to remove it safely. See why DIY creosote removal is risky.
2. Repairing cracks in the chimney crown or flue liner. Masonry repairs require specialized mortar, tools, and knowledge of load-bearing structures. A poorly repaired crown can lead to water damage, which voids your homeowner’s insurance. Learn how pros fix crowns correctly.
3. Installing or repairing a chimney cap. A loose or improperly fitted cap can worsen draft issues or fail to keep out rain/snow. Longmont’s winter storms test caps harshly, only licensed chimney sweeps should install or repair them. See common cap mistakes homeowners make.
4. Ignoring a blocked flue. If your fireplace smokes excessively or won’t draw, the flue may be clogged with debris or collapsed. This is a fire hazard and requires professional clearing. Troubleshoot safely, but call a pro if it’s blocked.
Why? Chimneys are structural components of your home. Mistakes can void warranties, increase fire risks, or even cause chimney collapse.
Step 4: When to Call Michael Johnson Chimney Inc (Longmont’s Trusted Pros)
You don’t need to wait for a crisis to call us, but these scenarios mean it’s time for professional help:
- Before your first winter in Longmont: Schedule a chimney sweep and inspection to ensure your system is ready for cold snaps. Fall is the ideal time to prep.
- After buying a home: Older Longmont homes (especially those near Lafayette or Berthoud) often have hidden chimney issues. A Level 2 inspection (which examines inside the flue) is worth the investment. Compare inspection levels.
- If you’ve had a fire: Even a small fire can leave behind undetectable damage. A sweep and inspection will check for cracks, creosote buildup, or weakened masonry. See why post-fire inspections are critical.
- When you’re selling your home: A clean, inspected chimney adds value and reassures buyers. We offer transparent pricing and can provide documentation for your realtor.
Longmont-specific perk: We serve nearby towns like Dacono and Erie, so whether you’re in downtown Longmont or the outskirts, we’re local. Request a free estimate, we’ll explain exactly what your chimney needs, with no upselling.
Step 5: Longmont-Specific Chimney Care Tips for Year-Round Safety
Longmont’s elevation (5,000+ feet) and microclimates (from downtown’s urban heat to foothills’ chill) affect your chimney differently than flatter areas. Follow these local tips:
- Spring check: After winter, inspect for ice dams in your chimney crown (common in Longmont’s freeze-thaw cycles). Ice can crack mortar over time. Learn how to prevent ice damage.
- Summer prep: Longmont’s dry summers mean creosote builds up faster. If you’ve used your fireplace a lot, schedule a sweep before Labor Day. See why fall prep starts in summer.
- Fireplace use: If you’re burning wood, use seasoned, locally sourced firewood (like from Johnstown suppliers) to reduce creosote. Avoid burning trash, cardboard, or treated wood, these create toxic byproducts. Get more fireplace tips.
- Ventilation: Ensure your fireplace has proper airflow. Longmont’s high altitude can reduce draft strength, if your fire smolders instead of roars, it’s a sign of poor ventilation. See how to optimize your fireplace setup.
- Critter watch: Longmont’s rural-urban mix means squirrels and birds often nest in chimneys. If you spot them, don’t use traps or DIY removal, call us. See humane removal methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
My chimney looks fine from the outside, but I smell smoke when the fireplace is closed. What’s wrong?
That’s a blocked flue or creosote buildup, both are fire hazards. Smoke in a closed fireplace means airflow is restricted, often from creosote gunk or debris. Never ignore this. Call Michael Johnson Chimney Inc immediately for a sweep and inspection. In Longmont’s dry climate, creosote builds up faster than you’d think, even with light use. See why this smell is an emergency.
I found small cracks in the mortar between my chimney bricks. Is this normal, or should I call a pro?
Small hairline cracks are normal due to Longmont’s temperature swings, but active cracks (growing wider or leaking water) mean you need a masonry repair. Water seeping into cracks freezes in winter, expanding and weakening bricks over time. Don’t wait, schedule a repair before winter. Learn how pros fix this. If the cracks are near the crown, call us now, this is a moisture entry point.
My damper sticks when I try to close it. Can I fix this myself, or should I call someone?
You should not force a stuck damper, this can bend the metal or damage the hinge. A stuck damper usually means rust, debris, or warping from moisture (common in Longmont’s humid summers). Call a pro to adjust or replace it safely. Our team can fix dampers in one visit, and we’ll check for underlying issues like water leaks. Never leave a damper stuck open or closed for long periods.