5 Summer Chimney Maintenance Tips: Stay Prepared All Year Round

Sipping lemonade on the porch, wearing your favorite shorts, and firing up the grill—these are just some of the joys of a Colorado summer. Chimney maintenance? That usually doesn’t make the summer bucket list. After all, with the snow melted and fireplaces on vacation, it’s easy to forget about your chimney. But like sneaking veggies into a kid’s dinner, summer chimney upkeep is a smart move that pays off in the long run.

Here at AR Chimney Pros, we see what can go wrong when chimneys are ignored once the cold weather passes. A bit of attention now means fewer headaches when winter rolls back around. Ready for a handy guide, a chuckle or two, and some stories from the field? Grab a cool drink and settle in.

Why Summer is the Perfect Time for Chimney Care

Chimneys are like the roof’s nose—they stick out in all kinds of weather. When you think about all the snow, ice, and wind they take during the winter, it’s no wonder they’d want a little tender loving care during the summer.

Why now? Simple. Summer brings longer days, dry weather, and far fewer “are we there yet?” interruptions from your fireplace. It’s much easier to get things done when you’re not hurrying to get warm. Plus, chimney sweeps’ schedules are usually clearer, so you won’t be stuck waiting weeks for an appointment.

Spotting Trouble Before It Grows

A small problem with your chimney can snowball into a big, expensive headache down the line. My grandpa liked to say, “A stitch in time saves nine.” He wasn’t talking about socks, either. Let’s walk through some key things to look for while the weather’s still good.

• Inspect the Chimney Cap and Crown

  If a chimney was a knight, the cap would be its helmet. It keeps rain, birds, and squirrels out—trust me, you don’t want to chase a raccoon out of your living room. Over time, harsh weather can crack crowns or knock caps askew.

  Tip: Look for cracked cement or a cap that’s bent or loose. If a crow can lift it off, so can the wind.

• Check for Flashing Leaks

  Have you ever seen those little strips of metal where the chimney meets the roof? That’s called flashing. It’s there to keep water out. If flashing rusts or comes loose, rain can sneak into your attic or walls faster than a dog spots bacon.

  Tip: Rusty, warped, or peeling flashing? Give us a shout before you need buckets inside your house.

• Clear Away Nesting Materials

  Birds and squirrels see chimneys as Airbnb options. One spring, we found an entire family of robins living on a smoke shelf—let’s just say, Momma Robin was not pleased to see us! Nests lead to dangerous clogs and sometimes even chimney fires when you use your fireplace again.

  Tip: If you spot twigs, leaves, or feathers near your chimney, there’s a chance you have uninvited guests.

• Sweep Out Soot and Creosote

  The lazy days of summer are the best time for a sweep. Even if you only burned a few logs last winter, creosote—a sticky, black gunk—can build up. This stuff is like cholesterol for your chimney. Too much, and you risk a chimney fire. It’s also much easier to clean when the weather’s warm and dry.

  Tip: If you smell something like burnt barbecue, it might be time for a sweep—even if you haven’t fired it up since January.

• Check the Damper

  Your damper is kind of like the lungs of your fireplace. It lets air in and out, keeps cold air out in the summer, and saves on energy bills. Make sure it opens and closes easily, without sticking.

  Tip: A rusty or jammed damper can turn lighting a fire into a wrestling match. Don’t let it win!

• Examine the Masonry

  Colorado’s freeze/thaw cycles can turn small cracks into big problems. Water gets in, then freezes and makes cracks bigger. Before you know it, your chimney looks more like a jigsaw puzzle.

  Tip: Take a walk around outside. If you spot cracked bricks, missing mortar, or crumbling stone, mark it down. Tuckpointing and repairs are way easier in summer.

• Clean Out the Firebox and Ash

  Last winter’s ashes belong in the past. Remove old ash and inspect your firebox for cracks or wear. It might seem like small stuff, but a safe firebox keeps heat where it belongs.

  Tip: No one wants a house full of smoke because they skipped this step. Or worse, a fire spreading beyond the fireplace.

5 Seasonal Tips to Keep Your Chimney in Top Shape

• Keep Trees Trimmed Around Your Chimney

  Branches hanging over your chimney aren’t just spooky at night—they drop leaves and branches, can block the chimney, and squirrels use them as bridges. Trim them back and avoid finding a bushy-tailed neighbor in your living room!

• Schedule a Professional Inspection

  There are times for DIY—like assembling IKEA furniture, whether you want it or not. Chimneys can hide problems the untrained eye will miss. A professional can tell if you need cleaning, repairs, or just a pat on the back for a job well done. Colorado winds, snow, and sun hit chimneys hard, so a local pro will know what to look out for.

• Watch for Musty Odors

  If you get a whiff that reminds you of your grandpa’s old fishing boots every time you walk past the fireplace, that’s a warning sign. Moisture, mold, and creosote can combine to make nasty smells in the hot months. If you notice it, it’s time to get help.

• Install a Chimney Cap (if you don’t already have one)

  A quality cap isn’t a flashy upgrade, but stopping rain, critters, and debris saves you money and headaches. Kind of like wearing sunscreen—doesn’t look cool, but you’ll be thankful later.

• Seal Up Drafts

  Feel a breeze coming from your closed fireplace? That’s wasted energy. New dampers or minor sealing fixes can save on energy bills and keep your cool air inside during summer.

Why AR Chimney Pros is the Handy Neighbor You Always Wanted

Spring cleaning might get the spotlight, but summer is the real unsung hero for chimney work. Taking care of small issues now keeps your chimney safe, efficient, and ready when fall hits Colorado. Think of it as getting your car’s oil changed before a big road trip—you might skip it one year, but you’ll pay for it later!

We know Colorado chimneys—from winds that whistle to snow-packed peaks. The AR Chimney Pros team uses time-tested tools, friendly service, and a knack for spotting problems before they explode into big repairs. We handle sweepings, repairs, waterproofing, inspections, and even animal removals (sorry, squirrels).

Don’t let hidden chimney problems catch you off guard when the flakes start flying. Call AR Chimney Pros today at 720-608-7668 or check us out at archimneypros.com. We’ll help keep your chimney clean, safe, and ready for cozy fires—no surprises, just solid service!