5 Common Chimney Repair Mistakes Lakewood Homeowners Make (And How to Avoid Them)

By Brandon Lin Chimney Inc Team · Updated November 11, 2026

Lakewood homeowners often delay chimney repairs until damage is severe, costing thousands. The top mistakes, ignoring creosote buildup, skipping annual sweeps, and DIY fixes, can lead to chimney fires or structural failure. A professional chimney sweep catches these issues early, saving you money and keeping your home safe. Schedule yours before winter hits.

A chimney inspection is a non-invasive visual and instrumental check of your chimney’s structure, flue, and connections to identify hidden damage or hazards before they become costly repairs.

Lakewood’s older brick homes and dry mountain air create perfect conditions for chimney problems. Many homeowners skip inspections until they see smoke stains or smell gas, but by then, damage may already require expensive repairs. A Level 1 inspection (the most common) costs $100–$150 and takes 30–45 minutes. It checks for creosote buildup, cracks in the flue, and rusted damper issues. The Chimney Safety Institute of America the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)|https://www.csia.org/)) recommends this annual check, especially before winter when Lakewood families rely on fireplaces. If your inspection reveals minor cracks or loose mortar, addressing them early costs far less than waiting for water damage to weaken your chimney’s foundation. Pro tip: Schedule your inspection before your first Lakewood winter fire, creosote buildup from summer use can turn dangerous by December. Learn more about inspection levels and costs here.

Waiting until your chimney shows visible damage is like ignoring a slow leak in your roof, by the time you notice, the repair bill is 10x higher.

Lakewood’s high elevation and freeze-thaw cycles accelerate chimney deterioration. Homeowners often wait until they see smoke stains on the ceiling or smell gas before acting, but by then, creosote may have hardened into a flammable glaze, or mortar joints could be crumbling. A small crack in the flue liner might cost $200–$400 to repair if caught early, but if water damage spreads to the masonry, you’re looking at $3,000–$6,000. The National Fire Protection Association the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)|https://www.nfpa.org/)) reports that 25,000 chimney fires occur annually, many due to neglected maintenance. In Lakewood, where many homes have brick chimneys built in the 1970s or earlier, proactive care is critical. If your chimney cap is missing or rusted, that’s a red flag, water intrusion starts there. See our guide on chimney cap installation for Lakewood homes.

DIY chimney repairs, like patching cracks with mortar or cleaning creosote yourself, often make problems worse and void warranties.

Lakewood’s do-it-yourself culture is great for projects like painting, but chimney repairs require specialized knowledge. Using the wrong mortar mix for your brick chimney can trap moisture, leading to faster deterioration. Scrubbing creosote with a wire brush might seem like a cost-saving hack, but you’ll likely miss deposits deeper in the flue, leaving a fire hazard. The EPA’s Burn Wise guidelines highlight that scrubbing creosote improperly can harm your chimney’s flue lining. A professional chimney sweep uses rotating brushes and high-powered vacuums to remove all stages of creosote safely. In Lakewood’s older neighborhoods, where many homes lack flue liners, proper creosote removal is critical. Need a sweep? Book a certified technician before your next fire. Our Lakewood chimney sweep team handles creosote removal at all stages, from Stage 1 (dust-like) to Stage 3 (hard, tar-like). Learn more about creosote stages and costs

Ignoring water damage, like efflorescence (white mineral deposits) or damp spots on the ceiling, lets small leaks become major structural issues.

Lakewood’s dry summers and snowy winters create the perfect storm for chimney water damage. If you see white, chalky residue (efflorescence) on your chimney bricks, it’s a sign of moisture seeping through cracks. Damp spots on your ceiling or walls near the chimney mean water is already traveling into your home’s structure. Left unchecked, this can lead to mold growth, rotting wood framing, and even chimney collapse. The solution? A waterproof chimney cap and repointing mortar joints. In Lakewood, where many homes have clay tile roofs, proper flashing is also critical to redirect water away from the chimney. A chimney cap installation in Lakewood typically costs $150–$300, but it prevents $1,000+ in water damage repairs. See our Lakewood chimney repair services for waterproofing solutions

Skipping annual chimney sweeps, especially after heavy use, lets creosote buildup turn into a fire hazard.

Creosote appears as a sticky, black residue that forms inside chimneys after wood combustion. In Lakewood, where many homeowners use fireplaces daily during winter, creosote builds up faster than in drier climates. Stage 1 creosote (dust-like) is manageable, but if ignored, it turns into Stage 2 (glossy, tar-like) or Stage 3 (hard, rock-like), which requires professional removal. According to the NFPA the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)|https://www.nfpa.org/)), creosote buildup is the top cause of chimney fires nationwide. A chimney sweep removes all creosote and checks for soot buildup, which can also indicate incomplete combustion, a sign your fireplace isn’t venting properly. In Lakewood, where many homes burn pine or oak wood, creosote accumulates quickly. Our Lakewood chimney sweep team recommends sweeping at least twice a year, once before winter and once after. Learn how often you should schedule a sweep for your Lakewood home

Using the wrong fuel, like wet wood or trash, corrodes your chimney faster and creates toxic gases.

Burning unseasoned wood, trash, or treated lumber in your fireplace doesn’t just create more creosote, it releases toxic chemicals like carbon monoxide and accelerates chimney corrosion. Wet wood burns inefficiently, leaving behind more soot and moisture, which speeds up rust in metal components and mortar deterioration. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency the U.S. The EPA Environmental Protection Agency advises burning only properly dried hardwoods with moisture under 20% to reduce creosote buildup. In Lakewood, where many homeowners store firewood outside, proper seasoning is key. A stack of split oak or maple should be covered and allowed to dry for at least 6–12 months before burning. Need firewood tips for Lakewood winters? Our team can also inspect your chimney’s draft to ensure proper ventilation. See our Lakewood fireplace maintenance tips

Hiring unlicensed or uninsured chimney sweeps, especially after a problem arises, can leave you liable for accidents or shoddy work.

Lakewood has seen an uptick in fly-by-night chimney services offering cheap repairs, but many lack proper licensing or insurance. A licensed chimney sweep in Colorado must pass the CSIA certification exam and carry liability insurance. Unlicensed workers might use subpar materials or miss critical issues, leading to safety hazards or voided homeowners’ insurance claims. Before hiring a chimney service, always verify their certification and insurance credentials. In Lakewood, where many homes are in older neighborhoods like Belmar or Montclair, proper chimney work is non-negotiable. Brandon Lin Chimney Inc is fully licensed and insured, we provide free estimates and warranties on our work. Learn how to choose a trusted Lakewood chimney sweep

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