Chimney Doctors of Colorado: Expert Chimney Inspections for Lakewood, CO Homeowners
Lakewood, CO is a vibrant community known for its scenic views of the Rockies, beautiful parks, and mix of modern homes and older, character-filled properties. At Chimney Doctors of Colorado, we’re proud to help Lakewood homeowners keep their chimneys performing as safely and efficiently as possible through detailed, NFPA 211-compliant chimney inspections. Whether your home is nestled near Green Mountain or closer to Belmar, our certified technicians are trained to identify early signs of wear, moisture intrusion, or damage before they turn into costly repairs.
What Happens During a Chimney Inspection?
At Chimney Doctors of Colorado, we follow the NFPA 211 inspection standards, the industry’s gold standard, to make sure your entire chimney system is running safer, more efficient, and up to code. Every home and fireplace setup is different, so we offer three levels of inspections depending on your situation.
Level 1 Inspection
A Level 1 inspection is the standard annual check-up for chimneys that are regularly used and haven’t undergone any major changes. This inspection helps catch early signs of wear and tear before they turn into costly repairs or safety concerns. Our technicians will:
- Examine all readily accessible areas of the chimney, fireplace, or stove, inside and out.
- Check for cracks, leaks, blockages, and buildup that could affect performance.
- Inspect components like the chimney cap, crown, damper, and flue liner to ensure everything is in working order.
Level 2 Inspection
This inspection includes everything from Level 1, plus a video scan of the chimney’s interior flue. Using specialized cameras, we can detect hidden cracks, blockages, or structural issues that aren’t visible during a basic inspection. It provides peace of mind, especially during real estate transactions or after a major storm. A Level 2 inspection is more in-depth and is required when:
- You’ve made changes to your heating system or chimney (such as relining or switching fuel types).
- You’re buying or selling a home.
- The chimney has been exposed to severe weather or an external event, like a lightning strike, earthquake, or chimney fire.
Level 3 Inspection
A Level 3 inspection is the most comprehensive and is recommended only when serious damage is suspected. While this level is more invasive, it’s sometimes the only way to ensure your chimney system is fully safe and structurally sound. If we find evidence of a chimney fire, structural failure, or other severe issues, this level may involve accessing concealed areas of the chimney or surrounding walls or removing portions of the structure to check for internal damage and compromised materials.
Why Schedule a Chimney Inspection in Lakewood, CO?
Chimneys in the Denver metro area experience unique stress from the region’s freeze/thaw cycles, dry air, and occasional heavy snow. Annual inspections ensure your system remains sound and ready for use each winter. During our inspections, we check every accessible component of your system, including the cap, crown, flashing, flue liner, and masonry structure, for signs of deterioration.
Common issues we uncover include:
Cracks in the liner or mortar joints caused by temperature fluctuations
- Moisture damage from melting snow and ice
- Creosote accumulation from burning wood in colder months
- Rust or corrosion on metal components
- Animal or debris blockages reducing airflow
By catching these problems early, we help homeowners avoid chimney fires, smoke backup, and carbon monoxide hazards.
About Lakewood, CO: A City That Blends Nature & Urban Energy
Lakewood offers a little bit of everything, from modern-day conveniences to mountain serenity. Residents love exploring Bear Creek Lake Park and William Frederick Hayden Park on Green Mountain, both popular for hiking, biking, and stunning sunset views. For shopping and dining, Belmar is the go-to spot, while the Lakewood Cultural Center brings art and performance to the community. It’s a city where comfort and safety at home matter – and that’s where we come in with quality chimney sweep services near you.
Can Earthquakes or Soil Shifting Affect Chimneys in Lakewood?
While Colorado isn’t known for major earthquakes, even minor tremors or shifting soil can impact chimney stability. Mortar joints can loosen over time, creating gaps that allow moisture or gases to escape. When we inspect your chimney, we look for subtle leaning, cracking near the foundation, or separation between the chimney and siding – all early warning signs that the structure may be shifting.
We also check how the chimney aligns with the roofline. If there’s a gap forming or visible tilt, repairs should be made before the next heating season to prevent further deterioration.
How Does Freeze/Thaw Weathering Affect Chimney Masonry?
Lakewood winters bring freezing nights and sunny days – a perfect recipe for freeze/thaw damage. When moisture seeps into small cracks and freezes, it expands, gradually widening those gaps. Over time, this process can cause spalling (brick flaking), crumbling mortar, or leaks into the chimney interior.
Our inspections include moisture checks and masonry assessments to spot early deterioration. We may recommend waterproofing treatments or repointing (repairing mortar joints) to extend your chimney’s lifespan and protect it from future damage.
What Should You Do Before Using Your Fireplace After a Storm?
Heavy storms can cause damage that isn’t always visible from the ground. If Lakewood experiences hail, strong winds, or heavy snow, we recommend a post-storm inspection before lighting another fire.
Our technicians look for:
- Missing or damaged chimney caps and flashing
- Water intrusion around the crown or masonry
- Debris or nesting materials blocking the flue
- Structural movement caused by wind stress
Taking these precautions ensures your system vents properly and prevents smoke, odor, or moisture problems once you start using it again.
How Often Should Lakewood Homeowners Schedule Inspections?
The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends at least one inspection per year, even if you don’t use your fireplace often. Lakewood’s variable weather can cause masonry deterioration or flashing leaks even in unused systems. Regular inspections give you peace of mind and help prevent major repairs or safety risks.
Schedule Your Chimney Inspection With Chimney Doctors of Colorado
Our certified team is proud to serve the Lakewood community with professional, reliable chimney services designed to protect your home and family. Whether you’re due for an annual checkup, buying a new home, or suspect storm damage, we’re here to help.
Call Chimney Doctors of Colorado today to schedule your chimney inspection and experience the difference that local expertise and genuine care can make.