Small, regular steps like monthly inspections and seasonal cleaning can add years to your Longmont chimney’s life. These habits prevent costly repairs and keep your fireplace safe all winter long.
Check your chimney cap every spring in Longmont
After Longmont’s windy spring storms, climb on the roof (or use binoculars) to inspect your chimney cap. Look for dents, rust, or gaps where birds or debris can enter. A damaged cap lets water and critters inside, causing cracks and blockages. Replace it if you spot damage—it’s a quick, low-cost fix that protects your chimney’s masonry and liner. blog/longmont-chimney-cap-installation-repair Learn more about our full list of services.
Sweep out debris from the smoke shelf monthly in Longmont
Longmont’s summer monsoons and fall winds drop leaves, pine needles, and soot onto your chimney’s smoke shelf. Once a month, use a flashlight and a fireplace poker to clear debris from this flat ledge above the firebox. A clogged smoke shelf forces smoke back into your home and can hide dangerous creosote buildup. Never reach inside the flue—leave that to the pros. tips/diy-chimney-work-longmont-safety-guide See request a free estimate / contact us.
Inspect your chimney’s exterior for cracks after Longmont winters
Longmont’s freeze-thaw cycles can crack masonry, especially on north-facing walls. Walk around your home after winter and look for horizontal cracks, crumbling mortar, or white efflorescence (salt stains). Small cracks can widen with moisture, letting water seep into the flue liner. Fill hairline cracks with high-temperature masonry caulk, but call a pro for anything deeper or wider than a credit card. blog/longmont-masonry-repair-waterproofing-guide Explore about our team and credentials.
Burn only seasoned hardwood in your Longmont fireplace
Longmont’s high-altitude air dries wood unevenly, so always burn firewood that’s been split and stacked for at least 6 months. Avoid softwoods like pine—they create more creosote and sap, clogging your flue faster. Burn hardwoods like oak or maple instead; they produce less smoke and creosote. Never burn trash, treated wood, or driftwood in your Longmont fireplace. These materials release toxic chemicals and coat your chimney with hazardous deposits. blog/longmont-fireplace-stove-insert-installation For details, see the areas we serve.
Watch for these warning signs that mean call a pro in Longmont
Stop DIY work immediately if you notice these red flags: a strong, acrid odor coming from the fireplace (sign of hidden creosote), soot or debris falling into the firebox, or smoke billowing into the room when the damper is open. Also call a pro if you see daylight through cracks in the flue liner or hear a roaring sound in the chimney during a fire. These signs point to dangerous blockages, cracks, or structural issues that require expert tools and training to fix safely. tips/longmont-homeowners-guide-chimney-warning-signs
When to Call Michael Johnson Chimney Inc
If your Longmont chimney shows cracks wider than a credit card, a damaged flue liner, or signs of water leaks inside your home, it’s time for a professional inspection. Our licensed team uses specialized cameras to spot hidden damage and clean flues safely. We also handle cap repairs, masonry tuckpointing, and liner replacements—all with warranties and local Longmont expertise. contact for a free estimate or pricing before winter arrives. We serve Longmont and nearby towns like Niwot, Erie, and Boulder. areas
Frequently Asked Questions
My Longmont chimney smells like a campfire even when I’m not using it. Why does this happen and what should I do?
That campfire smell is creosote—sticky, tar-like residue that builds up inside your flue. Longmont’s cool nights and humid air trap odors in your chimney. The fix? Schedule a professional cleaning to remove the buildup. In the meantime, crack a window near the fireplace to vent the smell. Never ignore persistent odors—they can signal dangerous creosote levels.
Why does my Longmont chimney have white stains on the bricks after winter? Is this normal?
Those white stains are efflorescence—salt deposits left behind when water evaporates from your chimney’s masonry. Longmont’s freeze-thaw cycles pull moisture through the bricks, then it evaporates, leaving the salt behind. While not an emergency, it means your chimney is absorbing water. Apply a breathable waterproofing sealant to protect the bricks, but call a pro if the stains spread or bricks crumble.
Can I use a shop vac to clean my Longmont chimney’s smoke shelf after a windy storm?
No—shop vacs can’t safely remove soot or debris from your chimney’s smoke shelf. The suction can stir up fine particles, sending them into your lungs or clogging your vacuum’s filter. Instead, wear a dust mask and use a fireplace brush or shop vac with a HEPA filter placed outside the home. For stubborn buildup, call a pro to avoid pushing debris deeper into the flue.