Summer Chimney Maintenance Tips for Homeowners in Bow Mar, CO

By Justin T Chimney LLC Team · Updated August 24, 2026

Summer is the ideal time to inspect and maintain your Bow Mar chimney before fall heating season. Older masonry homes in this area face unique risks like cracked mortar from freeze-thaw cycles and creosote buildup from infrequent use. Addressing these issues now prevents costly repairs and fire hazards later.

Why Bow Mar’s older brick chimneys need summer attention

A chimney inspection is a visual and instrumental examination of your flue, liner, masonry, and flashing to identify damage or hazards before they escalate. In Bow Mar, where many homes were built in the 1950s–1970s with solid masonry chimneys, summer heat and sudden thunderstorms create the perfect storm for deterioration. Older brickwork absorbs moisture during spring rains, then expands when temperatures spike in July and August. This cycle can crack mortar joints, loosen bricks, and even dislodge chimney caps. Without intervention, these small issues become major structural problems by October. If your chimney hasn’t been serviced since last fall, now is the time to act. Schedule your inspection before Labor Day to avoid the fall rush and ensure your system is ready for winter. ((the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)|https://www.csia.org/)) recommends an annual inspection for all chimneys, especially those in older homes.

Check your chimney cap and crown first — Bow Mar’s silent protectors

A chimney crown is the concrete or mortar slab that caps the top of your chimney, shielding the flue and masonry from rain, snow, and debris. In Bow Mar, where hail and sudden downpours are common in summer, a cracked or missing crown is a ticking time bomb. Walk your roof (safely, or hire a pro) and look for gaps, spalling, or uneven edges. If you see daylight through the crown or chunks missing, moisture is already seeping into your brickwork, accelerating freeze-thaw damage. Replace or repair the crown before summer ends to prevent interior water damage to your flue liner and walls. Masonry repair and waterproofing services can restore your crown and apply a breathable sealant to protect against future storms. Don’t confuse a crown with a chimney cap — the cap sits on top of the crown and keeps animals, leaves, and embers out of the flue. A missing or damaged cap can lead to blockages that cause dangerous carbon monoxide backdrafts.

Inspect mortar joints for Bow Mar’s signature ‘spiderweb’ cracks

Older masonry chimneys in Bow Mar often develop fine, web-like cracks in the mortar joints, especially around the roofline and at the crown. These aren’t just cosmetic — they’re entry points for water, pests, and even wind-driven rain during summer storms. To check, use a flashlight and a putty knife to gently probe suspect joints. If the knife sinks in or the mortar crumbles, the joint is compromised. Repointing (replacing damaged mortar) is a cost-effective repair that can be done in a single day by a licensed mason. Ignoring these cracks risks water infiltration that can rot wooden framing inside your walls or corrode metal components like flue liners. Masonry repair services in Bow Mar typically cost between $300 and $800 depending on the extent of damage and accessibility. Pro tip: After repointing, apply a breathable waterproofing sealant to extend the life of your brickwork by years.

Test your chimney’s draft before fall — Bow Mar’s high-altitude quirks matter

A chimney’s draft pulls smoke and gases safely out of your home, but altitude and wind patterns in Bow Mar can disrupt this flow. If your fireplace smells like campfire even when not in use, or you see smoke lingering in the room when burning, your draft is weak. A simple test: Light a small piece of newspaper in the fireplace and watch the smoke. If it curls back into the room or barely rises, your flue may be partially blocked or improperly sized. Older homes in Bow Mar often have oversized flues that cool too quickly, reducing draft efficiency. A professional chimney sweep Bow Mar, CO can assess whether your liner is the right size or recommend a stainless steel liner to improve performance. Fireplace & flue relining is a common upgrade for homes built before modern building codes. Don’t assume your chimney is fine just because you haven’t used it recently — draft issues can develop silently and become dangerous when you need heat the most.

Clear debris and check for animal nests — Bow Mar’s wildlife loves chimneys too

Squirrels, raccoons, and even skunks find chimneys cozy in summer, especially if the cap is missing or damaged. Before you light your first fire in fall, shine a flashlight down the flue to check for nests, leaves, or animal droppings. If you see signs of wildlife, do not use the fireplace until the flue is professionally cleaned and inspected. Animal nests can block airflow, trap gases, and even ignite if they come into contact with embers. In Bow Mar, where open spaces like Chatfield State Park are nearby, wildlife activity near homes increases in late summer. If you hear scratching or see paw prints near your chimney, call a sweep immediately. Our team uses humane exclusion methods to safely remove animals and seal entry points, ensuring your chimney is ready for winter. Never attempt to remove a nest yourself — disturbing wildlife can lead to bites or injuries.

Schedule a Level 2 chimney inspection if your Bow Mar home has had recent renovations

A Level 2 chimney inspection includes a video scan of the flue and a thorough examination of accessible portions of the chimney system. This is not a surface-level check — it’s a diagnostic tool that reveals hidden cracks, gaps, or deterioration in the liner or masonry. If your Bow Mar home has undergone renovations, added a new furnace, or changed fuel types (e.g., from wood to gas), a Level 2 inspection is essential. Older homes in neighborhoods like Idlewild or Bow Mar Estates often have unlined masonry chimneys that are unsafe for modern appliances. A video inspection can identify whether your chimney needs a stainless steel liner or other upgrades to meet current safety standards. Chimney inspection and repair services in Bow Mar typically cost $150–$300 for a Level 2 inspection, but the cost is negligible compared to the risk of a chimney fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Don’t gamble with your family’s safety — if your chimney has been altered or neglected, insist on a Level 2 inspection.

What Bow Mar homeowners can DIY this summer — and what to leave to pros

There’s plenty Bow Mar homeowners can do to maintain their chimneys in summer, but some tasks require a licensed professional. Safe DIY steps include clearing leaves and debris from the chimney base, checking the chimney cap for damage, and inspecting mortar joints from the ground with binoculars. You can also test your fireplace’s damper operation and clean the firebox of ash and soot. However, tasks like repointing mortar, installing a chimney cap, or performing a Level 2 inspection should always be handled by a pro. Older masonry chimneys in Bow Mar often have hidden weaknesses that aren’t visible to the untrained eye. What chimney work you can safely DIY in Littleton — and what you should never touch offers a detailed breakdown of DIY limits and red flags. If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution — a small investment in a professional inspection now can save thousands in repairs later.

When to call a Bow Mar chimney sweep — and what to expect

If your chimney hasn’t been serviced in over a year, shows signs of water damage, or has a weak draft, it’s time to call a professional chimney sweep Bow Mar, CO. Other warning signs include white staining (efflorescence) on bricks, rust on the damper, or a musty smell in your fireplace. When you book an appointment, expect a thorough inspection of the flue, liner, masonry, and flashing, followed by a detailed report with photos and recommendations. A professional sweep will also clean the flue if needed, removing creosote buildup that’s invisible but highly flammable. In Bow Mar, summer appointments are easier to schedule than fall, so act now to avoid the winter rush. Get a free estimate from our licensed team — we serve Bow Mar and nearby areas like Columbine Valley and Littleton with same-day availability for urgent issues. Our sweeps are CSIA-certified and fully insured, so you can trust the work. Pricing for a full sweep and inspection in Bow Mar typically ranges from $120 to $250, depending on the chimney’s height and condition.

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