Chimney Sweep & Cleaning in Colorado Springs, CO

Full sweep of a wood-burning fireplace flue — we brush and vacuum creosote and soot from the firebox to the cap, then check the damper and smoke chamber for buildup and blockages. Creosote is the sticky, flammable residue wood smoke leaves on flue walls, and it is the single biggest cause of chimney fires. This is the annual service most Colorado Springs wood-burners need to prevent chimney fires and restore a clean, strong draft. We lay down drop cloths, run a HEPA vacuum at the firebox, and sweep so the room stays clean while we work.

Freestanding wood stoves and fireplace inserts burn hotter and build glazed creosote faster than an open fireplace. We clean the stove pipe, connector, and liner, clear the baffle, and confirm the insert is drafting right. Glazed creosote is a hardened, tar-like layer that a standard brush alone won't remove, so we check for it every visit — common in Rockrimmon and Peregrine homes running high-efficiency stoves all winter. A stove that's slow to light or backs smoke into the room usually needs this cleaning first.

Gas fireplaces still need annual attention even though they burn clean. We clean the burner, logs, glass, and venting, check the pilot and igniter, and clear the flue of debris and cobwebs that block the vent. A gas unit that won't light, cycles off, or smells off gets a full service check before winter. Dust and pet hair collect on the burner ports over a season and cause weak or uneven flames, so a yearly service keeps the fire lighting on the first try.

The standard annual inspection: we visually check the readily accessible interior and exterior of the chimney and flue for soundness, blockages, and creosote. A Level 1 is right for a fireplace in continuous use with no known changes or problems. It confirms the flue is clear, the cap and crown look sound, and there's no obvious deterioration before you burn again. We walk you through what we see and point out anything worth watching.

A camera-scoped inspection that records the full flue on video — required for real estate sales, after a chimney fire, and after any system change like a new stove or liner. This is the inspection to book when buying a home in Colorado Springs so hidden liner cracks and past fire damage show up before closing. The camera reaches every joint and offset a flashlight can't, and you get to see the footage yourself so nothing is taken on faith.

We replace missing or rusted chimney caps and repair or replace damaged dampers. A proper cap keeps out rain, snow, birds, and squirrels — a real issue near Palmer Park and Cheyenne Cañon where wildlife nest in open flues. A working damper seals the chimney when the fireplace is idle so you're not heating the outdoors all winter. Rusted, stuck, or missing hardware is one of the most common things we find on an annual sweep, and it's usually an easy same-visit fix.

Cracked or deteriorated flue liners let heat and combustion gases reach nearby framing, which is a genuine fire and carbon-monoxide risk. We assess clay-tile and metal liners with a camera and repair or reline as needed so the chimney meets code and vents safely. Older Colorado Springs homes often have original clay-tile liners that crack over decades of freeze-thaw and hard burning. Reline cost depends heavily on the chimney's height and how many offsets it has, so we scope it first and give you the number before any work begins.

Colorado Springs freeze-thaw cycles crack chimney crowns and spall brick faster than in milder climates. The crown is the concrete slab at the top of the chimney that sheds water away from the flue; when it cracks, water gets into the masonry and the freeze-thaw pulls it apart. We repair crowns, repoint mortar joints, and seal masonry to stop water intrusion before it reaches the flue and firebox. Fixing water at the top first protects everything below it, including a new liner.

Converting a wood-burning fireplace to gas logs takes the cleaning, ash, and wood-hauling out of your winter. We walk you through venting requirements, gas line access, and whether your existing firebox and flue suit a conversion before quoting anything. A conversion suits homeowners who love the look of a fire but are tired of the maintenance and mess. We'll tell you honestly on-site whether your setup is a straightforward conversion or needs more work first.