Thinking About Upgrading Your Chimney in Lakewood? Read This First

By Porter Dryer Vent and Chimney Cleaning Corp · Updated October 20, 2026

Upgrading your chimney in Lakewood is a big step, but skipping these checks first could cost you safety, money, or even damage your home. Start by confirming your chimney’s current condition, material, and local building codes. Some upgrades, like relining or resurfacing, require a pro’s touch. Never attempt structural repairs yourself. If you’re unsure, call a licensed chimney sweep to assess first. anchor

What Can You Actually DIY When Upgrading a Lakewood Chimney?

If your chimney is structurally sound but needs cosmetic or minor functional upgrades, here’s what you can handle safely: 1. Cleaning creosote buildup. Use a stiff brush (never wire) to scrub the smoke chamber and flue. Wear a mask and goggles, and work from the top down. anchor 2. Sealing small cracks. For hairline gaps in masonry, apply a high-temperature sealant designed for chimneys. Avoid caulk that isn’t rated for heat exposure. 3. Replacing a damaged chimney cap. If yours is rusted or missing, buy a pre-made cap (stainless steel lasts longest) and secure it with screws or mortar. anchor explains cap types. Skip anything involving mortar removal, flue lining, or structural adjustments, these require a pro.

5 Warning Signs Your Lakewood Chimney Needs a Pro Before Any Upgrade

If you spot these, stop DIYing and call a chimney sweep immediately: 1. Cracks wider than 1/8 inch. Even small gaps let in moisture, which weakens masonry over time. Lakewood’s humid summers make this worse. 2. Rust or corrosion on metal parts. A flue liner or damper covered in rust means it’s failing. Metal upgrades require professional welding or replacement. 3. Soot or smoke in the room. This signals a blocked flue or damaged liner, which can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. anchor 4. A sagging or leaning chimney. This is a structural failure. DIY fixes won’t hold up against wind or freeze-thaw cycles in Lakewood’s climate. 5. Animal nests or debris overflowing. Birds, squirrels, or leaves jammed in the flue mean the chimney’s not draft-right. A sweep can clear it safely.

Step-by-Step: How to Inspect Your Chimney Before Upgrading (Lakewood Homeowners)

Before spending money on upgrades, do this quick check: 1. Turn on the fireplace. Light a small fire and watch the smoke. If it backs up into the room or smells like gas, your flue is blocked. anchor 2. Check the damper. Open and close it. If it sticks or doesn’t seal, it needs replacement, a job for a pro. 3. Look for water stains. Dark streaks on the fireplace or ceiling mean leaks. This often requires repointing mortar or a new liner. 4. Measure the flue size. Use a tape measure. If it’s smaller than your fireplace’s output (check your fireplace manual), you’ll need a reline, not a DIY project. 5. Confirm your chimney type. Brick? Metal? Masonry? Lakewood’s older homes often have brick chimneys that need specialized upgrades. anchor lists what we handle.

When should you call Porter Dryer Vent and Chimney Cleaning Corp, and what’s the reason?

You should call us for: - Any structural repairs. Cracked masonry, leaning chimneys, or foundation issues require licensed work. We follow Lakewood’s building codes and warranty requirements. - Flue lining or relining. If your liner is corroded, cracked, or missing, we install new stainless steel or clay liners that meet NFPA standards. - Gas fireplace conversions. Switching from wood to gas? We inspect for proper venting and clearances to avoid carbon monoxide risks. - Permit assistance. Lakewood’s inspection office requires permits for major chimney work. We handle paperwork and scheduling. anchor for a free estimate, no pressure, just honest advice.

3 Upgrades Lakewood Homeowners Waste Money On (Without a Pro First)

Avoid these common mistakes: 1. Buying a chimney cap without measuring. A cap that’s too small lets in rain; too large reduces draft. We measure and recommend the right fit. 2. DIY mortar repairs. Old mortar crumbles under Lakewood’s freeze-thaw cycles. Repointing requires a trowel, the right mix, and skill, or it’ll fail in a year. 3. Skipping a post-upgrade inspection. Even after a pro installs something, have us verify it meets code. Many insurance claims are denied for improper work. anchor

How Much Does a Chimney Upgrade Cost in Lakewood? (And How to Save)

Prices vary, but here’s a rough range for common upgrades: - Cleaning and inspection: $120–$250 (one-time safety check). - Chimney cap replacement: $150–$400 (stainless steel lasts 10+ years). - Minor masonry repairs: $300–$800 (crack sealing, repointing). - Full reline: $1,500–$3,500 (depends on flue length and material). Tip: Bundle upgrades with your annual anchor cleaning for discounts. anchor breaks down our rates transparently.

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