Aurora’s dry winters and older homes mean chimneys hide problems until they’re costly or dangerous. You can spot 80% of issues yourself, just know when to stop. Start outside with a flashlight, check for cracks or rust, then peek inside for creosote buildup. If you see soot on walls or smell gas, call Coyote Chimney LLC immediately. Never climb on roofs or poke at blockages, those are pro jobs only.
Step 1: The Outside Check (Aurora’s Roofs & Chimney Caps)
Start with your eyes and a flashlight. Walk around your home and look for rust streaks on the chimney cap or brick discoloration, both mean moisture damage from Aurora’s seasonal freeze-thaw cycles. Check the mortar joints between bricks: if they’re crumbling or missing, water’s getting in. Look for animal nests (birds, squirrels) or vegetation growth, common in Aurora’s older neighborhoods. Finally, confirm your chimney cap is secure and not bent. If it’s missing or damaged, that’s a fire hazard. Read more about chimney caps in Aurora here.
Step 2: The Smoke Test (Before You Light a Fire)
If you haven’t used your fireplace in a while, do this before lighting a fire: Crumple a sheet of newspaper and hold it near the damper. Gently blow smoke upward. If it puffs out horizontally or back into the room, your chimney has a blockage or poor draft, common in Aurora’s older masonry chimneys. If smoke disappears entirely, the flue may be clogged with creosote or debris. Never use a vacuum or stick to clear it. That’s a fire risk. Instead, note the issue and call Coyote Chimney LLC for a Level 2 inspection see our service levels.
Step 3: The Creosote Check (Aurora’s Fireplace Warning)
Creosote is the black, tar-like buildup inside your chimney, it’s highly flammable and the #1 cause of chimney fires in Aurora. Use a chimney mirror (available online) or a flashlight with a long handle to peek down the flue. If you see glossy black goo (Stage 2 creosote) or hard, brick-like crust (Stage 3), stop using the fireplace immediately. Stage 3 creosote can ignite with just a spark. Aurora’s dry air and frequent fireplace use speed up soot and creosote buildup. If you’re unsure, schedule a sweep, we’ll remove it safely and check for hidden damage.
WARNING SIGNS: When to stop DIY fixes and call a pro
These five signs mean you must call Coyote Chimney LLC right away, never DIY: 1. Smoke or gas in your home after lighting a fire (sign of a cracked heat exchanger or blocked flue). 2. Orange flames or loud popping/cracking, creosote fires or structural stress. 3. Water stains or mold on your ceiling or walls near the fireplace (leaking chimney). 4. Animals inside the chimney (droppings, nests, or smells). 5. Crumbling bricks or leaning chimney. Aurora’s soil shifts can weaken foundations. Why? These issues often mean hidden structural damage, carbon monoxide risks, or voided warranties. See common Aurora chimney mistakes here to avoid them.
Chimney repairs you should skip, and the risks of doing them yourself
Some chimney work is hazardous, against code, or voids your warranty. Avoid: - Climbing on roofs to inspect or repair. Aurora’s hail and ice make roofs slippery, and falls are common. - Using wire brushes or vacuums to clear creosote, you’ll push it deeper or spark a fire. - Ignoring code violations (e.g., missing chimney caps, improper clearances). Aurora’s building codes are strict. - Attempting masonry repairs without training, poor fixes trap moisture and worsen damage. Pro tip: If your chimney’s over 20 years old (common in Aurora’s historic areas), it may need a full inspection, not just a sweep. Compare DIY vs. pro cleaning here to see why pros use specialized tools and training.
When to reach out to Coyote Chimney LLC (your trusted Aurora chimney team)
We’re here for everything from quick sweeps to full repairs. Reach out if: - You notice any of the warning signs listed above. - It’s been over a year since your last sweep (Aurora’s dry climate speeds up creosote buildup). - You’re buying/selling a home, lenders require inspections. - Your chimney’s older than your house (many Aurora homes have original chimneys). - You hear strange noises (roaring, whistling) or smell gas when the fireplace is off. Why us? We’re CSIA-certified, insured, and specialize in Aurora’s unique chimneys, from modern gas fireplaces to historic masonry. Get a free estimate today or see our service areas to confirm we cover your neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
My chimney looks fine outside, but smoke keeps getting into my living room. What’s wrong?
This usually means a blocked or improperly sized flue, or a damper that doesn’t seal. Aurora’s older homes often have undersized chimneys that can’t handle modern fireplaces. Never force more air, it can push smoke back. Instead, call us for a draft test and flue inspection. We’ll check for creosote, bird nests, or structural issues that might be restricting airflow. See our chimney repair guide for next steps.
Why your fireplace near Peoria Blvd still smells like gas when it’s not burning
Gas smells mean carbon monoxide risk, this is an emergency. It could be a cracked heat exchanger, improper venting, or gas leaks from an older furnace connected to the chimney. Do not use the fireplace or furnace until a pro checks it. Aurora’s high altitude can worsen gas flow issues. We’ll perform a Level 2 inspection with CO detectors to pinpoint the leak. Learn more about chimney safety in Aurora.
I found a small crack in my chimney bricks. Should I fix it myself?
No. DIY masonry repairs often make cracks worse. Aurora’s freeze-thaw cycles will expand the crack if you use the wrong mortar. Small cracks can lead to water damage, rusted flue liners, or even chimney collapse. Instead, call us for a mortar repointing or chimney tuckpointing, we’ll use weather-resistant materials that last. See our pricing for repairs or check if your chimney needs a full rebuild.