If your Englewood brick chimney shows soot buildup, cracks, or a musty smell, you need a professional sweep. Older homes with masonry chimneys require deeper inspection than modern liners, don’t risk a chimney fire or costly repairs by skipping it. Book a certified sweep before winter hits.
1. A chimney inspection is NOT the same as a sweep, here’s why Englewood’s older brick chimneys need both
Most homeowners confuse inspections and sweeps, but they’re different. A sweep cleans creosote and debris, while an inspection checks for structural damage, liner cracks, or blockages. In Englewood, where many homes have original brick chimneys (built before the 1980s), mortar deterioration and rusted flue tiles are common. A sweep alone won’t catch these. The Chimney Safety Institute of America the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)|https://www.csia.org/)) recommends annual inspections for homes with brick chimneys, especially if you burn wood. Schedule an inspection with our Englewood team to avoid hidden risks.
2. You’re seeing black soot stains on your fireplace glass or walls, this isn’t normal ‘dirt’
Thick, glossy black streaks on your fireplace glass or walls mean creosote, a flammable tar that builds up from burning wood. Englewood’s dry climate and older homes with unlined chimneys make creosote worse. Stage 2 creosote (tar-like) or Stage 3 (hard, rock-like) requires professional removal. DIY tools like brushes won’t reach deep into brick joints or rusted flue tiles. If you’ve noticed this after a few fires, book a sweep before creosote ignites. Learn how creosote forms in Englewood chimneys and why some sweeps miss it.
3. Your chimney smells like smoke even when the fireplace is off, this means trapped gases
A lingering smoke odor after a fire signals poor draft or a blocked chimney. In Englewood, where homes sit near the foothills, wind patterns can reverse drafts, pushing smoke back into your home. Cracks in brickwork or a collapsed liner (common in older homes) also trap gases. If you smell smoke when no fire is burning, your chimney may need a liner repair or a full rebuild. Never ignore this, carbon monoxide poisoning is a real risk. Check our guide on chimney draft issues in Englewood for next steps.
4. Birds, squirrels, or debris are nesting in your chimney, this is a fire hazard
Englewood’s urban-wildland interface means critters love nesting in chimneys. A dead bird, twigs, or animal droppings in your fireplace are clear signs of an obstruction. Even small nests can block airflow, causing smoke to back up into your home. Some sweeps use cheap tools that don’t reach deep into brick chimneys. We use rotary brushes and cameras to clear nests without damaging masonry. If you’ve spotted wildlife, call us before they become a fire risk, some nests require special removal techniques.
5. Your chimney has visible cracks, missing mortar, or rusted flue tiles, this isn’t just ‘wear and tear’
Brick chimneys in Englewood often develop hairline cracks from freeze-thaw cycles (our winters drop below freezing, then thaw rapidly). Missing mortar or rusted flue tiles mean your chimney is losing its ability to contain heat and gases. If you see these signs, a sweep alone won’t fix it, you’ll need repairs. The National Fire Protection Association the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)|https://www.nfpa.org/)) warns that cracked masonry can lead to chimney fires. Get a free estimate for repairs before small issues become expensive emergencies.
6. You’ve had a chimney fire, or your neighbors have reported smoke coming from your roof
A chimney fire leaves behind a distinct smell (like burnt plastic or sulfur) and may leave soot marks on the ceiling or walls. If you’ve had one, your chimney needs an emergency inspection. Older brick chimneys in Englewood, especially those without liners, are far more likely to develop hidden problems. The NFPA states that most chimney fires begin because of creosote buildup left unchecked. If you’ve seen smoke pouring from your roof, turn off the fireplace immediately and contact us for emergency service. We’ll assess damage and prevent another fire.
7. Your chimney sweep near me won’t show up, give a vague estimate, or uses ‘cheap’ tools, here’s how to spot a bad sweep
Not all chimney sweeps are equal. In Englewood, some companies cut corners by using push brooms (which only clean the top) or skipping inspections. Red flags include: - No license or insurance (Colorado requires CSIA certification for chimney sweeps). - Refusing to inspect your chimney before cleaning. - Charging by the hour instead of per chimney. - Using a basic brush instead of rotary tools for brick chimneys. Always ask for credentials and a written estimate. See our team’s certifications and how we handle older brick chimneys differently.
| Chimney Type | Average Cost | When to Book |
|---|---|---|
| Brick chimney (no liner) | $150–$250 | Before winter or after heavy use |
| Brick chimney with liner | $120–$200 | Annually if burning wood |
| Masonry repair needed | $300–$800+ | If cracks or rust are found |
| Emergency service (fire damage) | $200–$500+ | Immediately after a fire |
Frequently Asked Questions
My Englewood brick chimney has never been lined, is it safe to use?
No, unlined brick chimneys are a fire risk. The EPA the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency warns that unlined chimneys can’t contain heat, increasing creosote buildup and fire hazards. If your chimney is original to your home (likely pre-1980s), it needs a stainless steel liner. Learn about lining options for Englewood homes before it’s too late.
Why does my chimney smell like wet dog after a fire?
This is mold or mildew growing inside your chimney. Englewood’s humidity in summer and moisture from wood smoke create the perfect conditions. Mold can cause respiratory issues and damage brickwork over time. A professional sweep will remove it, but you may need a chimney cap to prevent future moisture. See our tips for preventing mold in Englewood chimneys.
Can I sweep my own chimney if it’s just a quick clean?
No, not safely. DIY tools like brushes on a pole miss creosote in joints and rusted flue tiles. The CSIA the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)|https://www.csia.org/)) warns that improper cleaning can damage masonry. If your chimney is older than 30 years, leave it to the pros. Read our DIY risks guide before attempting it.
What’s a fair price for sweeping a brick chimney in Englewood’s historic homes?
For a standard brick chimney in Englewood, expect $120–$250. Older homes with rusted flue tiles or complex masonry may cost more. Some sweeps charge extra for inspections or camera use, always ask upfront. Get a transparent estimate to avoid surprises.