Frequently Asked Questions

We lay protective floor coverings, run a rotary brush and vacuum system from the firebox up (or down from the roof, depending on access), then send a camera through the entire flue. You get a photo report and a written condition summary. The whole process takes 60-90 minutes for a standard fireplace flue in Denver.

The NFPA recommends annual inspection; cleaning frequency depends on use. Denver's cold, dry winters and frequent temperature swings stress masonry and accelerate creosote buildup in wood-burning systems. Most active fireplaces need sweeping yearly. Gas systems can often go two years between cleanings, but still need camera inspection to check for debris, moisture damage, or disconnected liners.

Clear the hearth area of decorations, ashes, and furniture within about six feet. We bring everything else - drop cloths, HEPA vacuums, camera gear. If you have a wood stove, let it go cold for 24 hours. For roof access in snowy months, we'll confirm conditions are safe before sending a technician up.

Yes, though we may ask you to avoid the immediate room while the rotary system is running - it's loud. Our vacuums are HEPA-rated and we seal the fireplace opening during work, so soot doesn't enter your living space. Many Denver homeowners use the time to run errands.

We work with DuraFlex and Olympia Chimney for stainless steel relining, and specify based on your appliance type, flue size, and local code requirements. Every liner we install comes with a written warranty and the manufacturer's documentation. We don't source generic or uncertified products.

Yes, HeatShield is our go-to for resurfacing clay tile flues with minor gaps or spalling - common in Denver homes built between 1950 and 1980. It's a cerfractory sealant system that restores the flue's integrity without full relining. We camera-verify the application and include before-and-after footage in your report.

We typically specify Gelco stainless steel caps for Denver's hail, high winds, and freeze-thaw cycles. Galvanized caps rust out in 3-5 years here; stainless lasts decades. The right cap keeps water, animals, and wind-driven debris out of your flue - a $200 part that prevents $2,000 in damage.

Every pro working under our name is required to hold the license and insurance Colorado requires for chimney work. We verify coverage annually, and your technician's license number appears on your written scope. We're also insured for general liability and workers' compensation - ask for a certificate if your HOA requires it.

Most chimney repairs and liner replacements in Denver require a permit from the Community Planning and Development office. We pull permits as part of the job when they're needed, and we schedule the required inspection. You don't need to navigate the city portal yourself.

Level 1 is a visual check with a flashlight - what most companies call an "inspection." Level 2 puts a camera down the flue and examines the interior surfaces, which is what NFPA 211 requires for real estate transactions, chimney fires, or new appliance installations. Our name comes from the standard we actually work to, not the shortcut.

Stop using the fireplace immediately and call us at (720) 674-7312. Signs include a loud roaring sound, dense smoke, or a cracked flue tile you can see from below. Even a small chimney fire compromises the liner and nearby framing; we camera-inspect for hidden damage and document findings for your insurance. Do not use the system until it's been cleared.

We book appointments during our operating hours: Monday through Friday 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM. During peak fall season in Denver, our schedule fills 3-5 days out. For suspected chimney fires or carbon monoxide concerns, we prioritize the next available slot and advise you to stop using the appliance until we arrive.

We're open seven days a week with the hours above, and we extend Saturday and Sunday coverage because that's when homeowners notice problems. September through November is our busiest window in Denver - book before the first cold snap if you want your preferred date. We don't close for lunch or cut hours in winter.

Every job leaves with a written warranty specific to the work performed - sweeps carry a satisfaction guarantee, liners carry the manufacturer's warranty plus our installation warranty, and masonry repairs carry a term we specify in writing. Clause 1 of the Haven Standard means you see the warranty terms before anyone starts, not after.

Call us. We archive every camera inspection, so we can pull your footage and compare it to what you're seeing. If we missed something we should have caught, we make it right. The Haven Standard's Evidence clause - Clause 4 - exists so there's no argument about what the flue looked like when we were there.

We guarantee the work was done correctly and documented. We can't guarantee your chimney won't get dirty again - that's up to how you burn. We do guarantee that if you follow our burning recommendations and still see unusual buildup in under a year, we'll re-inspect at no charge to identify the cause.

The Haven Standard is a five-clause code every Level Two Chimney job follows: Have it in writing - flat price, scope, and warranty before work starts; Arrive on schedule - real window, named tech, text en route; Verified crews - licensed, insured, background-checked; Evidence on every job - photos and readings of what we found; No surprises - no door upsell, no scope creep. It was built from the archive of 38,000+ chimney inspections we've completed since 2009.

NFPA 211 defines three inspection levels. Level 1 is a flashlight look. Level 2 puts a camera down the flue and is what a home sale, chimney fire, or new appliance actually requires. Most sweeps charge for Level 1 and call it done. Our name is the standard we hold ourselves to - every single time.

Written by Corrine Halstead, Owner at Level Two Chimney Denver, serving Denver, Englewood, Greenwood Village, Thornton, Aurora, Wheat Ridge, Centennial, Arvada, Westminster, Lakewood, Littleton, and Brighton since 2009.