Lakewood homeowners trust Falcon Chimney Co. because we combine Denver’s toughest safety standards with hands-on experience fixing chimneys in older homes near the South Platte River corridor. Our team prioritizes carbon monoxide testing, creosote removal, and code compliance, before you light another fire. No shortcuts, just proven protection for your family and home.
1. We’re the only Lakewood chimney sweep licensed to perform Level 2 inspections, required after a chimney fire or before selling a home
A Level 2 chimney inspection is the deepest check of your flue, liner, and connections, mandatory in Denver after a fire or when listing a home the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Unlike basic sweeps, we use cameras to spot hidden cracks, rust, or blockages that could trap deadly carbon monoxide. Lakewood’s older homes, especially those near the foothills, often have masonry chimneys built with thinner mortar. We’ve seen too many cases where homeowners assumed a ‘quick sweep’ was enough, only to discover a failing liner during a Level 2. Book a Level 2 inspection before your Lakewood home sale, it’s the only way to avoid surprises.
2. We test for carbon monoxide leaks, even if your CO detector hasn’t gone off
Denver’s high altitude and older heating systems make carbon monoxide (CO) a silent threat. Our crew brings portable CO monitors to every Lakewood job, testing for leaks before and after cleaning. Last winter, we found a gas fireplace in a South Lakewood home leaking CO at 30 ppm, well below the alarm threshold but dangerous over time. The homeowner had no idea until we tested. Learn how CO testing fits into your chimney safety plan. If your CO detector is battery-powered, change the batteries before you fire up the stove, dead batteries are the #1 reason detectors fail.
3. We specialize in fixing Lakewood’s most common chimney failures, rusted dampers, cracked crowns, and failed waterproofing
Lakewood’s climate, hot, dry summers followed by rapid freeze-thaw cycles, accelerates chimney damage. We’ve repaired dozens of crowns cracked by ice dams on Lakewood’s flat roofs, and we’ve relined rusted dampers in homes near the South Platte where moisture seeps in from the ground. A cracked crown lets water pour into your flue, corroding the liner and creating a creosote bomb. Our waterproofing system, with a 10-year warranty, seals these gaps better than tar-based products. See how waterproofing prevents costly repairs. Pro tip: If your damper sticks or your fireplace smokes when it’s dry outside, your chimney’s not sealing properly, call us before you light another fire.
4. We charge by the job, not the hour, no surprises on your Lakewood bill
Too many ‘chimney sweeps’ in Denver quote hourly rates, then hit you with extra charges for ‘unexpected’ creosote or minor repairs. We don’t. Our Lakewood chimney sweep pricing is transparent: a basic sweep starts at $120, Level 2 inspections at $180, and repairs are quoted upfront. Last month, a homeowner in the Belmar neighborhood scheduled a sweep and walked away with a free damper adjustment, we caught it during the inspection. No upsells, just honest work. Get a free estimate for your Lakewood chimney before the holidays hit, when demand spikes.
5. We’ve cleaned chimneys in Lakewood’s tightest spaces, including historic homes and modern condos
Not all chimneys are the same. We’ve swept the narrow flues in Lakewood’s 1920s bungalows, the tall masonry stacks in the foothills, and even the compact gas vents in new condos near the Ridge Road corridor. Our crew uses flexible rods for tight turns and high-efficiency vacuums to contain creosote dust, critical in Lakewood’s older homes where drywall is often just inches from the chimney. Need a sweep for a unique chimney? See our service areas. And if your chimney’s too tall or your roof’s too steep, we bring the right equipment, no ‘I’ll figure it out’ excuses.
6. We train our crew on Denver’s strictest chimney codes, including the NFPA 211 requirements you’ve never heard of
Denver enforces the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) chimney codes more strictly than most cities. For example, NFPA 211 requires a chimney to be relined if the liner shows more than 50% corrosion, but many inspectors miss this. We do not. Our team is certified in NFPA 211 and Denver’s local amendments, which add extra rules for homes near wildfire zones. Last year, we caught a failing liner in a Lakewood home that had passed a city inspection elsewhere. Understand Denver’s chimney codes before your next sweep. If your inspector didn’t mention ‘corrosion thresholds,’ ask for a second opinion.
7. We offer emergency chimney repairs, even on weekends, because Lakewood’s chimney fires don’t wait for business hours
Creosote fires start fast. We’ve responded to Lakewood chimney fires on Saturday nights when homeowners tried to burn wet wood after a long day. Our emergency crew is on call for blocked flues, smoking fireplaces, or even chimney fires, we’ll show up, assess the damage, and get your system safe. Last November, we put out a smoldering creosote fire in a home near the Belmar Shopping Center while the family evacuated. No one was hurt, but the damage could’ve been worse. Need an emergency chimney repair? Call us first. And if your CO detector alarms, do not ignore it, get outside and call us immediately.
| Service | Basic Cost | When It’s Needed | Denver Code Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Chimney Sweep | $120–$180 | Annually for wood stoves; twice/year for heavy use | NFPA 211 (annual for gas, bi-annual for wood) |
| Level 2 Chimney Inspection | $180–$250 | After a fire, before selling, or if you suspect hidden damage | CSIA & Denver Municipal Code |
| Creosote Removal (Stage 2+) | $200–$350 | If you see black tar or glassy residue | NFPA 211 (mandatory before relighting) |
| Damper Repair/Replacement | $150–$300 | If your damper sticks or rusts shut | Required for safe operation |
| Chimney Relining | $1,200–$3,000 | If your liner is cracked or corroded >50% | NFPA 211 (safety hazard) |
| Crown Repair/Waterproofing | $300–$600 | If your crown is cracked or missing | Denver’s high-altitude freeze-thaw cycles accelerate damage |
Frequently Asked Questions
My Lakewood fireplace smokes when I burn wood, is this normal, or should I call the best chimney sweep Lakewood?
Smoke pouring into your room means your chimney isn’t drawing properly. In Lakewood, this often happens when creosote clogs the flue or the damper sticks shut. A quick fix might be adjusting the damper, but if the problem persists, you need a sweep to clear blockages. We’ll diagnose the cause during your inspection. Pro tip: Burn only seasoned wood with 20% moisture or less, green wood is the #1 reason Lakewood chimneys smoke.
How often should I schedule a chimney sweep in Lakewood, especially with Denver’s dry winters?
The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends sweeping at least once a year for gas fireplaces and twice a year for wood-burning systems. In Lakewood, where winters are dry and creosote builds up faster, we suggest sweeps every 45–60 days if you burn wood daily. See our seasonal chimney maintenance tips. And if you’ve had a chimney fire, schedule a Level 2 inspection immediately, creosote can reignite.
I found black, tar-like residue on my fireplace glass, is this creosote, and why is it dangerous?
That’s creosote, a flammable byproduct of burning wood. In Lakewood’s older homes, thick creosote buildup is a fire hazard, it’s like kindling for your chimney walls. Stage 2 creosote (the tar-like goo) can ignite at 1,100°F, while Stage 3 (hard, glassy glaze) can cause chimney fires at 2,000°F. We remove all stages safely, no risk of sparks. If you see this, stop using the fireplace until we clean it.
Your gas fireplace in Lakewood needs a safety check, here’s why
Absolutely. Even gas fireplaces require yearly checks to spot carbon monoxide risks, corroded venting, or clogged chimney paths. In Lakewood homes, we’ve seen gas lines deteriorate from water damage in cracked chimney tops. Book your gas fireplace safety inspection. If the pilot light flickers or you smell gas, shut it down and contact us right away.