Ault’s dry winters and high-elevation winds take a toll on chimneys, but simple habits, like checking for cracks after storms or keeping the cap tight, can add years to your chimney’s life. Focus on what’s safe to DIY, and call a pro when you see warning signs like rust stains or smoke backing up. Indigo Chimney LLC’s team handles the rest with precision and guarantees.
3 Monthly DIY Checks for Ault Fireplace Owners
Start with a quick visual inspection from the ground. Look for rust streaks on the brickwork, common in Ault’s humid spring mornings, or loose mortar near the cap. Use a flashlight to spot debris in the throat (the opening at the top of the chimney). If you see more than a handful of leaves or twigs, schedule a sweep. Next, check the damper: it should close tightly when not in use. If it sticks or rattles, that’s a sign of corrosion from Ault’s moisture swings. Finally, clear snow or ice buildup from the cap after storms, never climb up yourself. Use a long-handled broom from the ground instead. Learn more about safe chimney troubleshooting in Ault here.
When to Skip DIY and Call a Pro
If you notice smoke filling your home instead of going up the chimney, or if you hear loud cracking or popping during a fire, that’s a blockage or structural issue, not a DIY fix. Yellow flames (instead of blue) or strong odors like rot or gas mean creosote buildup or a failing liner. Water stains on your ceiling or walls after rain are a red flag for a cracked flue or missing cap. Animals nesting (like squirrels or birds) in your chimney? That’s a job for Indigo Chimney LLC’s licensed animal removal team, who use humane traps and sealing methods tailored to Ault’s wildlife. See our guide on animal exclusion in Ault chimneys to understand why this isn’t a weekend project.
Chimney Tasks Ault Homeowners Should Never Attempt
Never attempt to remove creosote yourself. The sticky, flammable tar coats your flue and requires specialized tools and ventilation. Indigo Chimney LLC uses rotary brushes and high-efficiency vacuums to avoid spreading soot into your home. Never use a pressure washer on your chimney brickwork; Ault’s freeze-thaw cycles already weaken mortar, and high pressure can dislodge bricks or damage flashing. If your chimney has no liner, don’t ignore it, unlined chimneys are a fire hazard and often need stainless steel or cast-in-place liners, which must be installed by a pro. Compare wood vs. gas fireplaces to see how fuel type affects your chimney’s needs.
Prepping Your Chimney for Ault’s Extreme Weather
Before winter, test your chimney’s draft by lighting a small fire and watching the smoke. If it lingers, there’s a blockage. Seal gaps around the chimney base with high-temperature caulk to keep drafts out. After summer storms, recheck the cap. Ault’s hail can bend or loosen it. If your chimney is older than 20 years, consider a full inspection before heavy use; older masonry cracks under Weld County’s temperature swings. Our fall prep guide for Ault homes covers seasonal checks, including how to spot early signs of wear before they become emergencies.
Your Chimney’s Last Cleaning Before Winter Storms Hits Ault
If you’ve spotted any of the warning signs above, or if it’s been more than a year since your last professional sweep, call us. Our team handles creosote removal, liner repairs, and structural assessments with guaranteed workmanship, no shortcuts. We also offer priority scheduling for Ault homeowners before winter storms hit. Request a free estimate today or browse our service areas, which include Eaton, Greeley, and La Salle, to see if we cover your neighborhood. Check our pricing guide to understand what’s included in a full inspection vs. a sweep. For a side-by-side comparison of sweeping vs. inspection services, visit our comparison page.
Frequently Asked Questions
My chimney smells like rot even when it’s not in use, what’s causing it and can I fix it?
That rot smell means moisture trapped in your flue or masonry, likely from a cracked liner or missing cap. Ault’s humidity and spring rains worsen this. Don’t DIY repairs, moisture can lead to mold growth or structural damage. Call Indigo Chimney LLC for a full inspection and sealing to prevent further deterioration. See our guide on chimney repair in Ault for common causes.
Why does my Ault fireplace smoke more on cold mornings, and is it safe to keep using it?
Cold mornings create poor draft conditions, especially if your chimney hasn’t been used in a while. Light a small fire for 10–15 minutes to warm the flue before building a full fire. If smoke still backs up, you may have a blockage or weak draft. Never force a fire, this can push creosote into your home. Schedule a sweep and inspection with us to check for obstructions or a damaged flue. Our seasonal sweep guide for Ault explains timing.
I found a small hole in my chimney cap, can I patch it myself, or should I call a pro?
A small hole in the cap can be patched with high-temperature sealant, but only if the rest of the cap is intact. Ault’s winds and hail can enlarge the hole quickly, leading to water damage or animal entry. If the cap is rusted, bent, or missing sections, replace it entirely. DIY patches rarely last. Indigo Chimney LLC installs durable stainless steel caps with proper sealing to match your chimney’s height and slope. See our animal exclusion tips to understand why a secure cap is critical.