In Loveland’s historic brick homes, some chimney checks can be done yourself, but most should be left to pros. You can scrub creosote off the outside of the flue with a brush, look for cracks in the brickwork, and test your damper for wear. Never try sweeping inside the chimney, fixing a liner, or repairing broken masonry. If you spot soot on walls, a damaged damper, or a damp, smoky odor, stop DIYing and call a licensed sweep. anchor
4 Hands-On Chimney Checks Loveland Homeowners Can Do Themselves (And How to Avoid Mistakes)
Loveland’s historic brick homes often have chimneys built to last, but even sturdy masonry needs regular checks. Here’s what you can do safely:
1. Exterior Masonry Inspection Walk around your chimney and look for: - Cracks wider than 1/8 inch (use a ruler to check). - Missing mortar between bricks (tap gently, if bricks rattle, they’re loose). - Vegetation growing from the crown (the top cap). Fix small cracks by scraping out loose mortar, wetting the area, and applying fresh mortar mix. For larger damage, call us. DIY repairs can trap moisture and worsen cracks over time.
2. Damper Maintenance Your damper (the metal flap inside the fireplace) should open and close smoothly. If it’s rusted shut or stuck: - Spray it with WD-40 or a similar lubricant. - Wiggle it gently to loosen corrosion (never force it). A rusted damper can’t seal properly, letting cold air in and creosote out, both fire hazards.
3. Creosote Scraping (Outside Only) If you see thick black or tarry buildup on the outside of the chimney (not inside the flue), use a stiff wire brush to scrape it off. This won’t replace a professional sweep but removes some surface gunk. Never climb on your roof or use a pressure washer, both are dangerous and can damage brickwork.
Pro tip: If your chimney is made of older, softer brick (common in Loveland’s 1920s–1950s homes), avoid scrubbing too hard, you might erode the surface. Learn more about brick chimney care.
Warning Signs You’ve Gone Too Far: Stop DIY and Call a Pro
Loveland’s dry climate hides chimney dangers until it’s too late. If you see any of these during your DIY checks, stop and call a licensed chimney sweep:
- Soot or creosote inside the fireplace opening (not just on the outside). This means buildup deeper in the flue, only a professional can remove it safely. - A sharp, chemical-like stink when the fireplace is empty. This could mean creosote breakdown (a fire risk) or gas leaks if you have a gas insert. - White, powdery residue on the fireplace hearth. This isn’t just ash, it’s often lime from deteriorating mortar, a sign your chimney’s structural integrity is failing. - Wildlife taking up residence (scratching sounds or droppings in the flue). Raccoons, birds, or squirrels can block the flue and cause carbon monoxide buildup. - Your damper won’t stay closed or you feel drafts when the fireplace isn’t in use. This means gaps in the liner or masonry, letting toxic gases into your home.
Why this matters: Loveland’s older homes often have single-wall metal liners (installed in the 1970s–1990s) that corrode faster than brick. A DIY mistake here can void warranties or, worse, lead to a chimney fire. See how inspections differ from sweeps.
Chimney Jobs That Will Backfire in Loveland (And When to Walk Away)
Some chimney tasks sound simple but are deadly if done wrong. Here’s what to avoid:
1. Sweeping the Chimney Flue - Why not? Creosote is flammable, and dislodging it can create a fireball in the flue. Professional sweeps use rotating brushes, rods, and vacuum systems to remove buildup safely. DIY tools (like a shop vac) can push creosote deeper or spark a fire. - Exception: If you’re only removing loose debris (no thick creosote), you can use a long-handled brush to reach the bottom of the flue, but stop if you hit resistance. Learn the risks of neglected creosote.
2. Repairing or Replacing Liners - Why not? Chimney liners (especially older clay or single-wall metal) must be installed by a pro to meet code. A poorly fitted liner can let gases into your home or collapse under heat. Loveland’s brick chimneys often need relining when the original liner fails, this requires a licensed sweep to assess first. - Sign it’s needed: Rust stains inside the flue, a musty smell when the fireplace is off, or cracks in the liner visible through the fireplace opening.
3. Cleaning Inside the Smoke Chamber - Why not? The smoke chamber (the area just above the fireplace) collects creosote and soot in hard-to-reach spots. Scrubbing it with a broom or vacuum can send particles into your home’s air supply. Professionals use specialized tools to clean this area without spreading contaminants.
4. Removing the Chimney Crown - Why not? The crown (the top cap) protects your chimney from water damage. Removing it exposes the masonry to Loveland’s freeze-thaw cycles, which crack brick over time. If your crown is damaged, a pro can repair or replace it without compromising your chimney’s structure. See common Loveland chimney mistakes.
When Your Old-Home Chimney Needs a Pro: Let Spruce Chimney Co Handle the Fixes
If your chimney has any of these issues, or if you’re unsure, call us for a thorough inspection. We specialize in Loveland’s older brick homes and know the quirks of local chimneys:
- Before your first fire of the season. Loveland’s dry air dries out creosote, making it more flammable. A sweep before winter ensures safe burning. - After a chimney fire, even a small one. DIY repairs can’t fix the hidden damage to liners or masonry. We’ll assess smoke damage and recommend fixes. - If your chimney is over 20 years old. Older chimneys (especially those with single-wall liners) degrade faster. We check for corrosion, cracks, and liner separation. - When selling or buying a home. A Level 2 inspection (which checks the flue and smoke chamber) is often required by lenders. See our service areas, we cover Loveland, Fort Collins, and surrounding towns. - For gas fireplace maintenance. Even gas fireplaces need annual inspections to check for carbon monoxide leaks and vent blockages.
Why choose us? We’re licensed, insured, and trained to work on Loveland’s historic masonry. Our inspections include: - Creosote level grading (1–3, with 3 being a fire hazard). - Liner condition checks (metal, clay, or cast-in-place). - Masonry stability assessments (critical for older brick). - Carbon monoxide testing for gas fireplaces.
Get a written estimate, we’ll explain exactly what needs work and why. See our pricing for transparent costs, or compare our services to other chimney companies in Northern Colorado.
Loveland-Specific Chimney Tips: Brick and Climate Considerations
Loveland’s unique mix of older brick homes and dry mountain air means your chimney faces extra challenges:
- Brick chimneys need extra protection. Loveland’s historic homes often have soft, porous brick that absorbs moisture. If your chimney has dark stains or moss growth, it’s trapping water, leading to cracks and liner failure. We recommend a waterproofing sealant for exterior brickwork (but only applied by a pro to avoid trapping moisture inside).
- Wood-burning fireplaces create more creosote. Loveland’s dry winters mean wood burns hotter, producing stickier creosote faster. If you burn mostly softwoods (pine, fir), schedule a sweep every 4–6 months. See wood vs. gas fireplace differences.
- Wind and wildlife are year-round threats. Loveland’s open spaces mean chimneys get more wind exposure, which can loosen mortar. And squirrels love nesting in flues, we’ve removed dozens of nests from Loveland chimneys in the last year alone. If you hear scratching, call us before it becomes a fire hazard.
- Older homes may have hidden dangers. If your home was built before 1980, your chimney might have: - Asbestos in the mortar (common in Loveland’s 1920s–1950s homes). - Unlined flues (a major fire risk). - Lead flashing (toxic if disturbed). Never attempt repairs on these, we’ll inspect safely and handle disposal.
How to Spot a Chimney Sweep Scam in Loveland (And Why It Matters)
Not all chimney companies are equal, and Loveland’s older homes attract fly-by-night operators. Here’s how to avoid scams:
- Pressure to upsell. Reputable sweeps explain why work is needed. If someone says ‘your chimney needs a $3,000 reline today,’ walk away. - No written estimate. We provide itemized quotes upfront, see our pricing for transparency. - Using unapproved tools. Some companies use shop vacs or leaf blowers to ‘sweep’ chimneys, this spreads creosote and can cause fires. We use CSIA-approved equipment.
Why this matters: Loveland’s dry climate turns creosote into a fire hazard faster than in wetter areas. A cheap, unsafe sweep can cost you your home. See how to choose the right chimney sweep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I DIY my chimney sweep if I’ve never done it before, even if my fireplace looks clean?
No, even if your fireplace looks clean, creosote builds up inside the flue where you can’t see it. Loveland’s dry air makes creosote harder and more flammable over time. A DIY sweep with the wrong tools can push creosote deeper into the chimney, creating a fire risk. Call us for a safe inspection, we’ll check for hidden buildup and assess your chimney’s condition.
Is it worth the cost to reline my chimney if my Loveland home is older than 30 years?
Yes, if your chimney has no liner or a damaged one. Older Loveland homes often have unlined or single-wall metal liners that corrode quickly. A reline protects your home from chimney fires, carbon monoxide leaks, and costly masonry repairs. The average cost is $1,500–$3,500, but it’s cheaper than a chimney fire or relining a collapsed flue. See our relining process.
Do I really need a chimney inspection if I’ve never had a fire in my fireplace, or is that just a sales pitch?
Yes, even unused chimneys need inspections. Loveland’s dry climate and older brick homes mean hidden issues like cracked liners, mortar deterioration, or animal nests can go unnoticed until it’s too late. An inspection catches problems before they become dangerous. Learn the difference between sweeps and inspections.