Before calling a chimney sweep in Colorado Springs, check for loose damper parts, blockages, or smoke leaks, simple tasks you can do safely. But if you spot cracks in brickwork, rusted liners, or creosote buildup, stop DIY and call Pelican Chimney LLC. Older homes here need extra care: brick chimneys settle, and liners degrade faster in our dry climate. Never ignore smoke in the house or a cold fireplace, those mean serious trouble.
Step 1: Check the Damper and Smoke Chamber (Safe DIY)
Start by inspecting the damper, it’s the most common culprit for poor draft. Open it fully and look for bent hinges, rust, or debris blocking the opening. In Colorado Springs’ older brick homes, dampers often corrode faster due to our dry winters and wet springs. If the damper moves stiffly, spray it with WD-40 (from a safe distance) and test again. Never force it open if it’s stuck; that’s a sign of structural damage. While you’re at it, peek into the smoke chamber (the space just above the damper) with a flashlight. If you see thick black or tarry buildup, that’s creosote, a fire hazard that requires professional cleaning. Learn more about chimney sweep safety in our DIY guide.
Step 2: Test for Blockages (What You Can Safely Probe)
If smoke backs into your home or flames flicker weakly, there might be a blockage. Use a chimney brush (available at hardware stores) to gently probe the flue from the top down, only if you’re on a stable ladder and wearing gloves. Stop immediately if you hit resistance or feel debris shift; that’s a job for a chimney sweep. In older Colorado Springs homes, blockages often hide behind deteriorated brickwork or collapsed mortar. If you’re unsure whether your chimney has a liner (many pre-1980s homes don’t), don’t probe at all, you could damage the masonry. See how liners affect safety.
Step 3: Look for Leaks and Cracks (Brickwork Warning Signs)
Walk around your chimney’s exterior and check for cracks wider than 1/8 inch, especially near the crown (the top cap). In Colorado Springs’ freeze-thaw cycles, brickwork cracks faster without proper sealing. If you see water stains on your ceiling or walls, that’s a sure sign of a leak, water damage weakens mortar and accelerates liner corrosion. Never patch cracks yourself; old brickwork needs a mason’s expertise. Also, inspect the flashing (the metal seal between the chimney and roof). If it’s rusted or pulled away, rainwater will pour down the flue. Older homes need special attention, here’s why.
When Your anchor Brick Fireplace anchor Refuses to Play Nice: DIY Limits and When to Call in the Old-House Pros
Stop troubleshooting and call Pelican Chimney LLC if you see any of these: flames burning orange (not blue) with excessive smoke, a strong rotten-egg smell (gas leak), or rust-colored streaks on the flue (corroded liner). If your chimney is cold when the fireplace is lit, that’s a blocked or collapsed liner, common in unlined chimneys here. Never light a fire if you suspect a blockage; creosote fires can ignite inside the flue. Our licensed team handles these risks safely, get a free estimate. Colorado Springs’ high altitude and dry air also mean chimneys degrade faster; annual inspections catch problems before they become emergencies. See our service areas for local response times.
Your anchor 1920s Bungalow’s Chimney anchor Won’t Cooperate: Here’s When to Hand the Liner Work to the Real Experts
You should call us for: annual inspections (especially before winter), liner repairs or replacements, brickwork repointing, or if your chimney fails a DIY check. We specialize in older homes’ brick chimneys and gas/wood hybrid systems, common in Colorado Springs’ historic neighborhoods. Our crews use video inspections to spot hidden damage, and we’ll explain repairs in plain terms. Compare DIY risks vs. professional work, safety isn’t worth the gamble. Book your inspection today and let us handle the rest. Serving Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, and beyond with licensed, insured service.
Frequently Asked Questions
After Six Months of Sitting Idle, Your anchor South Broad Street Home’s Fireplace anchor Puffs Smoke Like a anchor Clogged Masonry Nightmare. What’s Really Wrong?
No, that’s not normal. Smoke backing into your home means poor draft, likely from creosote buildup or a blocked flue. If the chimney was unused all summer, creosote could have hardened into a tarry layer. Try burning a small, hot fire for 10 minutes to loosen debris, but if smoke persists, call Pelican Chimney LLC. Our fall prep guide covers this. Never burn trash or unseasoned wood, those worsen buildup.
I noticed rust stains around my chimney’s base in Monument, could this be from the new gas line I had installed?
Rust stains near the base usually mean water leakage, not the gas line. Check the flashing and crown for gaps. Colorado Springs’ heavy rains in spring can seep through cracks. If the rust is near the gas pipe, that’s a separate issue requiring a plumber. For chimney rust, call us to inspect the liner and masonry. Older homes like yours need extra checks.
My Woodland Park chimney has a liner, but it’s 20 years old, should I be worried about cracks or leaks?
Yes, liners degrade over time, especially in Woodland Park’s high-altitude climate. Cracks or leaks can go unnoticed until you smell gas or see water damage. Schedule an inspection if your liner is that old, we’ll use a camera to check for corrosion or gaps. Learn about liner safety. Never ignore a musty smell in the fireplace; that’s a red flag for liner failure.