If you smell gas or burning tar from your Arvada chimney, act fast: shut off the fireplace, ventilate the area, and evacuate if strong. Then call a licensed local sweep for an emergency inspection to prevent fire or carbon monoxide risks. Avoid DIY fixes—hire a pro with transparent pricing and free estimates.
1. Shut off the fireplace and close the damper immediately
A chimney inspection is a visual and instrumental check of your chimney’s interior and exterior to spot cracks, blockages, or dangerous creosote buildup. If you smell gas or burning tar in your Arvada home, the first move is to shut off the fireplace and close the damper. This stops the flow of smoke and fumes into your living space. Many Arvada homeowners overlook this simple step while panicking, but it’s critical to prevent further exposure. After closing the damper, open windows on the opposite side of the house to create cross-ventilation. If the smell persists or worsens, evacuate the area and call 911. Once safe, reach out to a licensed emergency sweep & inspection Arvada for a prompt assessment. Avoid using the fireplace again until a professional confirms it’s safe.
2. Ventilate the area and evacuate if the odor is strong or chemical-like
A strong gas or chemical odor from your chimney usually signals a serious issue like a cracked flue, blocked vent, or even a gas leak. If the smell is sharp or persistent, evacuate everyone and pets immediately. Ventilate by opening doors and windows on the main floor and upper levels to clear fumes. Do not use fans near the fireplace, as they can spread contaminants. If you suspect a gas leak (rotten egg smell), leave the house and call your gas company or 911 from a safe distance. In Arvada, where homes often use natural gas for heating, this reaction time can prevent poisoning or explosion. After evacuation, contact a certified emergency sweep & inspection Arvada with CSIA credentials and ask about same-day service. Always verify they carry liability insurance and offer a free estimate before booking.
3. Do NOT use fans, HVAC, or appliances that could spread fumes
When you smell gas or tar in your Arvada home, resist the urge to turn on the furnace, ceiling fans, or bathroom exhaust fans. These systems can pull contaminated air through the chimney and distribute it throughout your house. Even small movements of air can worsen exposure. Instead, use natural ventilation by opening windows on opposite sides of the room to create a cross-breeze. If you have a whole-house fan, keep it off. In older Arvada homes near Ralston Creek or along Wadsworth, poor sealing around windows can make fume spread faster—so prioritize airflow control. Once the area is ventilated, step outside and call a local emergency sweep & inspection Arvada that serves Jefferson County. Ask if they offer emergency pricing or discounts for same-day calls to avoid surprise costs.
4. Check for visible smoke, soot, or white powder around the fireplace or chimney
A chimney inspection includes checking for visible signs of trouble like smoke seeping into the room, black soot around the fireplace, or white powder (efflorescence) on the masonry. In Arvada, where many homes were built in the 1970s and 1980s, older chimneys are prone to cracks that allow smoke and carbon monoxide to leak into living spaces. If you see any of these signs, do not light another fire. Instead, take photos and note the location of the issue. These visual clues help your sweep diagnose the problem faster and avoid unnecessary charges. For a quick second opinion, compare your findings to the 7 Essential Arvada Masonry Repairs, Tuckpointing, and Brick Restoration Steps Every Homeowner Should Know. Always choose a sweep who documents findings with photos and provides a written report—this transparency protects you from overpaying.
5. Call a licensed Arvada chimney sweep with emergency availability and free estimates
Not all chimney sweeps in Arvada offer emergency services or transparent pricing. When you smell gas or tar, call a company that guarantees same-day availability and provides a free estimate before work begins. Ask if they are CSIA-certified and carry general liability insurance. Many Arvada homeowners get lowballed over the phone only to face hidden fees later—so insist on a written estimate that includes labor, inspection, and any repairs. A reputable sweep will explain why the issue happened (e.g., creosote buildup, flue damage, or improper installation) and offer budget-friendly solutions. Avoid companies that pressure you into full relining without diagnostics. For a trusted local option, visit our services page and look for the emergency inspection badge. Always verify licensing through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) before hiring.
6. Ask about carbon monoxide testing and chimney camera inspection before booking
A chimney inspection is not complete without a camera inspection and carbon monoxide (CO) test if gas odors are present. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends a Level 2 inspection—especially after detecting gas or tar smells—because it uses a camera to inspect the entire flue and joints. In Arvada, where many homes use gas furnaces and fireplaces, CO testing is non-negotiable. A professional sweep will use a calibrated CO detector and a chimney camera to spot cracks, blockages, or deterioration in the flue liner. Ask if the inspection includes a CO reading at the fireplace and in living areas. This step costs more upfront but can save thousands in fire damage or medical bills. For budget-conscious homeowners, some sweeps bundle camera inspections with standard sweeps at a discount—just confirm before scheduling.
7. Schedule follow-up repairs only after getting a written estimate and warranty
Once your emergency sweep confirms the issue, request a detailed written estimate that breaks down labor, materials, and any warranties. In Arvada, chimney repairs can range from $200 for minor tuckpointing to $2,500+ for full flue relining—so clarity is key. Reputable sweeps stand behind their work with at least a 1-year labor warranty and manufacturer warranties on parts. Avoid companies that quote over the phone or refuse to provide references. If the cost seems high, ask about financing or payment plans—many local sweeps offer 0% APR for qualified homeowners. Always compare at least two estimates and check reviews on Google or the Better Business Bureau. For a local comparison, see how our pricing stacks up in the Arvada Chimney Sweep Pricing in 2026: What Actually Affects Your Quote. Never pay in full upfront—hold 20–30% until the work is completed and inspected.
| Service | Average Cost Range | Includes | When to Call |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Level 1 Inspection | $120 – $200 | Visual check, CO test, basic report | After minor smoke smells or before first use of the season |
| Emergency Level 2 Inspection | $150 – $350 | Camera flue scan, CO test, detailed report | After gas or tar smells, suspected cracks, or before buying a home |
| Creosote Removal (Heavy Buildup) | $250 – $600 | Hand scraping, vacuuming, disposal | If you see thick black buildup or smell burning tar |
| Flue Liner Repair/Replacement | $1,200 – $2,800 | Stainless steel liner install, sealing, inspection | If camera shows cracks or gaps in the flue |
| Carbon Monoxide Test Only | $50 – $100 | Portable CO detector reading at fireplace and living areas | If you suspect a gas leak or after a strong odor |
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a gas smell and burning tar in my Arvada chimney?
A gas smell (rotten egg odor) usually signals a natural gas leak, often from a faulty pilot or valve, and is an immediate hazard. Burning tar smells like asphalt or creosote and indicate heavy soot or creosote buildup that’s overheating. Both require urgent action: evacuate for gas, ventilate for tar, and call a licensed emergency sweep & inspection Arvada before relighting your fireplace.
How much does an emergency chimney inspection cost in Arvada, and are there hidden fees?
An emergency Level 2 inspection in Arvada typically ranges from $150 to $350, depending on accessibility and time of day. Reputable sweeps like us provide a free estimate upfront and disclose all fees. Hidden fees often appear as ‘disposal fees,’ ‘camera charges,’ or ‘rush fees’—so ask for a written estimate that includes taxes and permits. Avoid companies that quote over the phone without seeing your chimney.
Can I use my fireplace after smelling gas or tar if I open the damper and windows?
No. Opening the damper and windows helps ventilate fumes but does not fix the underlying issue. The National Fire Protection Association warns that gas or tar odors signal a serious hazard like a cracked flue or blockage. Continuing to use the fireplace risks carbon monoxide poisoning or a chimney fire. Always get a professional inspection before relighting.
What should I ask an Arvada chimney sweep before hiring them for an emergency job?
Ask if they offer same-day service, carry CSIA certification, and include CO testing and camera inspection in the price. Verify their liability insurance and ask for customer references. Inquire about warranties on labor and parts, and confirm they provide a written estimate with no hidden fees. Avoid companies that pressure you into full relining without diagnostics.