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Evergreen is an unincorporated community in the Jefferson County foothills, about 19 miles west of Denver. Downtown sits at about 7,160 feet along Bear Creek, below Evergreen Lake, which was created when the creek was dammed in 1927. The 2020 census counted 9,307 people in the Evergreen census-designated place, and the surrounding mountain area (Bergen Park, Kittredge, Brook Forest, the roads toward Conifer and Indian Hills) adds thousands of forested lots.
Chimney care here differs from any Denver suburb. Many homes heat partly or fully with wood stoves and inserts, sit on steep lots in pine forest, and are old enough to have had several appliances swapped in and out. The rules are unusual too: Evergreen is inside the seven-county Denver-metro burn program, but homes above 7,000 feet are exempt from the state's no-burn Action Days. All worked examples below are illustrative scenarios, not real customers. For statewide rules, see our Colorado chimney guide.
Evergreen chimney conditions at a glance
Evergreen's climate and what it does to chimneys
Read the Evergreen sectionHousing stock and common chimney types in Evergreen
Read the Evergreen sectionLocal rules for chimneys and wood burning in Evergreen
Read the Evergreen sectionWhat chimney work costs in Evergreen (2026 estimates)
Read the Evergreen sectionChimney sweeps in Evergreen
2 chimney companies based in Evergreen, plus 2 nearby companies; confirm their service area directly. Order considers recorded verification and profile evidence before paid tier. Placement is not an endorsement.
Evergreen, CO
Services and credentials are recorded profile information. Confirm current details with the provider and credential issuer.
View company profile and service detailsEvergreen, CO
Services and credentials are recorded profile information. Confirm current details with the provider and credential issuer.
View company profile and service detailsAlso serving Evergreen
Denver, CO
Services and credentials are recorded profile information. Confirm current details with the provider and credential issuer.
View company profile and service detailsEnglewood, CO
Services and credentials are recorded profile information. Confirm current details with the provider and credential issuer.
View company profile and service detailsEvergreen's climate and what it does to chimneys
| Measure | Evergreen figure | Chimney effect |
|---|---|---|
| Elevation (downtown) | about 7,160 ft | Air pressure about 78% of sea level; weaker draft than Denver |
| Average annual snowfall | 80.8 inches | Snow load on caps; ice dams against the uphill side of chimneys |
| Average annual precipitation | 18.62 inches | Enough water to drive freeze-thaw damage in crowns and brick |
| Mean annual temperature | 44.7 °F | Wood stoves often run from October into May |
| Record low | −38 °F | Cold exterior chimneys cool smoke fast, which condenses creosote |
Long burn seasons build creosote. Creosote is the tar-like residue that condenses when smoke cools in the flue. A stove burning daily for seven or eight months can reach the 1/8-inch depth that CSIA-trained sweeps treat as a cleaning trigger by midwinter. See our creosote guide.
Cold air pools in the drainages. On calm winter nights, cold air settles along Bear Creek and in other low spots. Smoke lingers, and a cold exterior chimney on the north side of a house can refuse to draft until the flue is warmed with a small, hot kindling fire.
Snow slides off steep roofs. Eighty inches of snow a year piles against the uphill face of chimneys, melts in afternoon sun and refreezes at night, forcing water under the flashing (the metal seal between chimney and roof). A cricket, a small peaked roof section behind the chimney, is the standard fix on wider chimneys.
Forest on every side. Pine needles pack into roof valleys behind chimneys and branches overhang flue tops, so a chimney fire or a missing spark arrestor carries far more risk than in town.
Altitude. Draft depends on the weight difference between hot flue gas and cold outside air, and that difference shrinks as air pressure drops. Large open fireplaces with short chimneys are the most likely to spill smoke, and stove manuals often call for taller chimneys at elevation. See chimney smoke and draft problems.
Housing stock and common chimney types in Evergreen
Evergreen was settled in 1859, got its post office in 1876, and spent decades as a summer retreat for Denver families before growing into a year-round commuter community. The result is a wide mix of chimney types on a single road.
| Housing type | Where you find it | Typical chimney setup | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old cabins and early homes | Near downtown, along Bear Creek, older roads toward Kittredge | Stone or brick chimneys, sometimes unlined or early clay tile | Missing liners, mortar loss, no cap, chimneys too short for later roof changes |
| 1960s–1980s mountain homes and A-frames | Hillside subdivisions around Bergen Park, Hiwan and Brook Forest | Masonry fireplaces with clay-tile flues, many later fitted with wood inserts | Inserts without a full-length liner, cracked crowns, rusted dampers |
| 1980s–2000s custom homes | Larger lots across the Evergreen and Conifer area | Factory-built (prefab) wood fireplaces in framed chases with stone veneer; freestanding stoves | Rusted chase covers, cracked refractory panels, stovepipe clearances |
| Homes without natural gas | Scattered rural roads | Propane furnace plus a wood stove as main or backup heat | Heavy creosote, propane appliance vents, carbon monoxide risk |
| Recent builds and remodels | Infill lots and rebuilds | Gas fireplaces or EPA-certified stoves | Gas units set up for altitude; Wildfire Resiliency Code for new WUI work |
Many Evergreen homes have two or more flues (a lower-level stove plus an upstairs fireplace, or a fireplace plus a furnace flue), and each is priced separately. The most common problem in older houses is a wood insert slid into a masonry fireplace and vented into an oversized clay flue with no stainless liner. It drafts poorly, builds creosote fast and is hard to sweep. See fireplace inserts and chimney liners.
Local rules for chimneys and wood burning in Evergreen
Evergreen has no town government, so Jefferson County, the state health department and Evergreen Fire/Rescue each handle part of the picture.
Jefferson County building permits
The Jefferson County Building Safety Division (100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden; 303-271-8260) issues permits for unincorporated areas including Evergreen. The county requires a mechanical permit for wood-burning fireplaces and stoves, submitted in person or by email, and reviews each system for EPA Phase II compliance against EPA's certified wood stove database. Gas fireplace installs also need a permit, with the gas line run by a properly licensed contractor. Ask the division whether a reline or rebuild above the roofline counts as a permitted alteration. Sweeping, inspection, caps and waterproofing normally need no permit. Permitted fuel-appliance work also triggers Colorado's CO alarm law (C.R.S. 38-45): working alarms within 15 feet of each sleeping room entrance.
Denver-metro Action Days and the 7,000-foot exemption
Jefferson County is one of the seven counties in the Denver-Boulder high-pollution program under Regulation No. 4. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) issues a forecast daily at 4 p.m. from October 31 through March 31. On an Action Day, open wood fireplaces and uncertified stoves may not be used in the program area, but CDPHE exempts homes above 7,000 feet.
Downtown Evergreen is just above that line and most hillside homes are higher, but some lower sections along Bear Creek east of downtown sit close to it. If your home is near 7,000 feet, confirm its elevation from a topographic map or survey before relying on the exemption.
| Your situation | Open fireplace or uncertified stove | EPA-certified stove, insert or pellet stove | Gas fireplace |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home above 7,000 ft | Allowed under the state rule | Allowed | Allowed |
| Home below 7,000 ft | Not allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
| Below 7,000 ft, wood is primary heat | Only with an approved primary-heat exemption | Allowed | Allowed |
The exemption covers only the Action Day restriction. It does not override the statewide rule that new stoves must be EPA-certified, your HOA covenants or county fire restrictions. Check status on CDPHE's air quality advisory page or at 303-758-4848.
Evergreen Fire/Rescue and wildfire rules
The Evergreen Fire Protection District (Evergreen Fire/Rescue), 1802 Bergen Parkway (303-674-3145), runs eight stations and offers free defensible-space home assessments, a chipping program for slash, and burn permits and fire-pit rules for outdoor fires. Ask the assessor to note branches over your chimney and needles on the roof around it. County fire restrictions mostly target outdoor fires, but keep ashes in a lidded metal can on a noncombustible surface at all times.
Colorado's 2025 Wildfire Resiliency Code (8 CCR 1507-39) applies in mapped wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas to new homes, additions of 500 square feet or more, and replacement of 25% or more of a roof or exterior wall. It focuses on roofs, walls and vents, not chimneys, but fire officials and many insurers expect a spark-arrestor cap on every wood-burning flue in the forest.
What chimney work costs in Evergreen (2026 estimates)
Evergreen falls in the foothills tier of our Colorado pricing, roughly 10–25% above national averages because of canyon drive time, steep roofs, multi-flue chimneys and heavy wood use. Ranges are estimates based on published national estimates (HomeGuide and Angi) adjusted for foothill labor and access.
| Service | National range | Evergreen estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard sweep, wood fireplace (1 flue) | $130–$380 | $200–$425 | Steep-roof setup adds time |
| Wood stove or insert sweep | $130–$300 | $200–$375 | Unlined inserts may need pulling |
| Gas fireplace service | $80–$150 | $125–$225 | Check altitude setup and vent |
| Pellet stove service | $130–$200 | $160–$275 | Vent and stove internals |
| Level 2 inspection (camera) | $250–$600 | $300–$650 | At home sale or after a chimney fire |
| Cap with spark arrestor | $75–$850 | $175–$900 | Stainless multi-flue caps cost most |
| Chase cover (prefab) | not in national anchors | $350–$1,300 | Stainless with a cross-break |
| Crown repair / rebuild | $150–$700 / $1,000–$3,000 | $250–$900 / $1,300–$3,500 | Best done June–September |
| Flashing repair or replacement | $300–$1,800 | $450–$2,200 | Add a cricket on wide chimneys |
| Stainless steel liner | $1,500–$5,000 (to ~$7,000) | $2,000–$6,000+ | Insulated liners cost more |
| Full chimney rebuild | $4,000–$15,000 | $5,000–$17,000+ | Stone chimneys at the high end |
Tall stone chimneys cost more to repoint or rebuild than brick, and a second flue pushes a sweep toward the national two-flue range of $250–$400 before the foothill premium.
Worked examples from Evergreen
Illustrative scenarios based on common Evergreen situations; costs are estimates from Table 4.
When to book a chimney sweep in Evergreen
| Months | What is happening | What to book |
|---|---|---|
| April–June | Burn season ending; wildfire season approaching | Main sweep; cap and spark-arrestor check; needle cleanup |
| June–September | Driest roofs, easiest access | Crown, flashing, reline and stove installs (allow for permit time) |
| September–October | Peak demand as nights turn cold | Book early; waits of several weeks are common |
| November–March | Heavy burning; Action Day season below 7,000 ft | Mid-season sweep for daily burners; urgent calls after a chimney fire or CO alarm |
How to find and vet a chimney sweep in Evergreen
Colorado has no state chimney sweep license, and Jefferson County does not license sweeps for cleaning, so vetting is up to you:
- Search the CSIA "Find a Pro" tool and the National Chimney Sweep Guild directory; check reviews and the BBB.
- Ask how often they work above 7,000 feet, on steep roofs and on stoves used as primary heat.
- Verify CSIA or NFI certification numbers with the issuing body.
- For installs, get it in writing that the installer pulls the Jefferson County permit.
- Ask for photos or camera footage before approving a liner or rebuild, and for liability and workers' comp certificates.
Complaints go to the Colorado Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section (1-800-222-4444). See how to hire a chimney sweep and chimney sweep scams.
Evergreen-specific tips
- Keep branches at least 10 feet from the chimney outlet and clear the roof valley behind the chimney each spring and fall.
- Stack firewood away from the house, and buy it locally; the state advises against moving firewood because of emerald ash borer. See our firewood guide.
- Have propane appliance vents checked with the annual sweep.
Nearby areas served
Sweeps working Evergreen typically also serve Bergen Park, Kittredge, Idledale, Indian Hills, Morrison, Genesee, Conifer, Aspen Park, Pine, Bailey and Idaho Springs. See the Colorado chimney guide and the city pages for Denver, Littleton and Boulder.
Evergreen chimney FAQ
13 answersCosts
How much does a chimney sweep cost in Evergreen, CO?
Expect an estimated $200–$425 for a single-flue wood fireplace sweep with a Level 1 inspection, and $200–$375 for a wood stove or insert. That is about 10–25% above the national range of $130–$380, reflecting drive time into the foothills, steep roofs and heavier creosote from long burn seasons. A second flue, common in Evergreen homes, adds cost. Ask whether the quote includes a written report with photos.
How much does a chimney liner cost in Evergreen?
A stainless steel liner typically runs an estimated $2,000–$6,000 or more, depending on flue height, diameter and whether the liner must be insulated. Tall exterior stone chimneys and inserts that need a full-length liner sit at the upper end. An EPA-certified insert with a liner usually totals $5,500–$7,500 installed. Stove and insert installs need a Jefferson County mechanical permit, so confirm the installer's quote includes it.
Is a Level 2 chimney inspection worth it when buying a home in Evergreen?
Yes. NFPA 211 recommends a Level 2 inspection when a property changes hands, and it costs an estimated $300–$650 here. The camera scan finds cracked tiles, missing liners behind inserts and creosote damage that a home inspector cannot see. It also tells you whether the fireplace is legal to use on Action Days, which depends on the appliance type and on whether the home sits above 7,000 feet.
Local rules
Can I use my fireplace in Evergreen on a no-burn day?
It depends on your elevation. Jefferson County is in the Denver-metro Action Day program, but CDPHE exempts homes above 7,000 feet from the use restrictions. Downtown Evergreen sits at about 7,160 feet and most hillside homes are higher, but some lower areas are close to the line. Below 7,000 feet, open fireplaces and uncertified stoves cannot be used on Action Days; EPA-certified stoves, pellet stoves and gas units can.
Do I need a permit to install a wood stove in Evergreen?
Yes. Evergreen is unincorporated, so permits come from the Jefferson County Building Safety Division in Golden (303-271-8260). The county requires a mechanical permit for wood-burning fireplaces and stoves and reviews them for EPA Phase II compliance. Statewide, Regulation No. 4 requires any new wood stove sold or installed in Colorado to be EPA-certified. The permitted work also triggers the state CO alarm requirement near sleeping rooms.
Do county fire bans stop me from using my wood stove?
Usually not. Jefferson County fire restrictions mainly target open burning, campfires, fire pits and outdoor equipment, not indoor appliances vented through a proper chimney. Read the specific order, because wording varies. Ash disposal matters most: during any restriction, and at all times, put ashes in a lidded metal can on a noncombustible surface away from the house and wait several days until they are fully cold.
Does the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code affect my chimney?
Only if you build new, add 500 square feet or more, or replace 25% or more of your roof or exterior walls in a mapped wildland-urban interface area, which covers much of Evergreen. The code focuses on roofing, siding, vents and defensible space rather than chimneys. Even so, fire officials expect a spark-arrestor cap on wood-burning chimneys in the forest. Ask Jefferson County Building Safety how the code applies to your project.
Safety and maintenance
How often should I sweep my wood stove chimney in Evergreen?
If you burn daily from October into spring, plan two sweeps a season: one before or at the start of the season and one around January or February. Long, cold nights, weaker draft at altitude and slow overnight burns all build creosote faster. Sweep whenever deposits reach about 1/8 inch. Occasional fireplace users can sweep once a year, ideally in spring so the visit also covers wildfire prep.
What kind of chimney cap do I need in Evergreen?
Choose a stainless steel cap with a noncombustible spark-arrestor mesh sized to your flue, which stops embers leaving the chimney and keeps birds and animals out. Galvanized caps rust quickly in foothill snow. Have the mesh checked yearly, since creosote can clog it and choke draft. For multi-flue masonry chimneys, a single cap covering all flues is common. Expect an estimated $175–$900 installed.
Why does my Evergreen fireplace smoke into the room?
At about 7,000–8,000 feet, air pressure is roughly 75–80% of sea level, so draft is weaker than the fireplace's design assumed. Large openings, short chimneys, cold exterior flues, a clogged cap screen and running a kitchen exhaust fan all make it worse. Start with a sweep and cap check, then try glass doors, a smoke guard or a flue extension. Warming the flue with a small hot fire first also helps.
Should I have my propane furnace flue checked by a chimney sweep?
Yes, if it vents into a masonry chimney or a metal flue that runs through the house. Many Evergreen homes lack natural gas and use propane furnaces, boilers or water heaters. Nests, fallen tiles or a collapsed liner can block the flue and push carbon monoxide into the home. A sweep can inspect and clear the flue, and should confirm CO alarms are within 15 feet of bedroom doors, as Colorado law requires.
Hiring
How do I find a qualified chimney sweep in Evergreen?
Use the CSIA "Find a Pro" tool and the National Chimney Sweep Guild directory, then check reviews and the BBB. Look for CSIA or NFI certification, proof of liability and workers' comp insurance, and experience with wood stoves and steep foothill roofs. For installations, confirm in writing who pulls the Jefferson County permit. Get a written report with photos before approving any liner or rebuild work.
When is the best time to book a sweep in Evergreen?
Late spring is ideal: the burn season is over, creosote is easiest to remove, snow is off most roofs, and the sweep can check your spark arrestor before wildfire season. Summer is the best window for masonry, flashing and relining work. September and October are the busiest months, and waiting until the first cold snap can mean a wait of several weeks.
Local housing history
Local housing evidence / 2020–2024 ACS
Start with the building’s history.
The Census Bureau estimates 3,893 housing units in Evergreen CDP, Colorado. Within that total, 357 are in structures built before 1940 and 118 are in structures built during 2010–2019. These are survey estimates of housing units, including units in multi-unit buildings—not counts of houses with chimneys.
- All housing units
- 3,893
- Margin of error ±323
- Built before 1940
- 357
- Margin of error ±204
- Built 2010–2019
- 118
- Margin of error ±58
What that changes about a service conversation
For an older structure
Ask what is known about the liner, past appliance changes and previous repairs. The building’s age does not establish the chimney’s age: a liner may have been replaced, a fireplace converted or a passage abandoned. Original construction and current configuration need to be distinguished.
For a newer structure
Find the appliance and venting-system identification before buying replacement parts. A newer home can still have missing records, a changed appliance or a maintenance issue. Do not infer condition or inspection scope from its construction decade.
Can these figures tell me what type of chimney my home has?
No. Table B25034 measures the year the residential structure was built. It does not identify fireplaces, fuel, liners, appliance condition or chimney defects. We use it to encourage a better history-taking conversation, not to predict damage or sell repairs. The geography shown above may differ from a postal address or a contractor’s service area.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020–2024 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, B25034. Margins of error use the ACS 90% confidence level. Estimates describe a five-year period, not a count made today. Names are matched only when unambiguous; unmatched locations receive no substituted housing figures. Read our method.
Regional conditions and property questions
Place matters / Regional context
Planning chimney care in Colorado
Colorado's High Plains, Rocky Mountains and western mesas create large differences over short distances. Its semiarid setting and elevation range mean that statewide averages can poorly describe an individual property's exposure.
Historical climate context: NOAA State Climate Summaries, 2022, checked September 24, 2026. This is regional background, not a current weather alert.
Turn that context into a useful question
How will the technician account for this property's elevation, appliance instructions and roof access when defining the visit?
This question is our editorial interpretation. Climate context alone does not diagnose chimney damage or establish a repair requirement.
What still needs checking for this address?
- The building or fire authority responsible for the exact address, including whether it is within city limits.
- Current local burn restrictions and the appliance types they cover. A weather summary does not establish permission to burn.
- The appliance manual, service history, construction, roof access and any observed symptoms.
- Whether a proposed alteration requires a permit or another licensed trade. Get an answer for the specific work, not a general statewide assumption.
Local company information
Local directory evidence
What our Evergreen records actually tell you
These figures describe this directory, not the size of the local trade or a survey of every contractor. Nearby companies are excluded from these location counts.
- Company profiles
- 2
- Published records based in this location. Service-area coverage may extend beyond it.
- Website recorded
- 2of 2
- A website field is present; this does not establish that the business is currently available.
- Credential information
- 1of 2
- At least one credential is recorded. Check its issuer, holder and current status.
- Services described
- 2of 2
- At least one service category is recorded. Confirm appliance-specific experience.
How should I use missing information when comparing Evergreen companies?
1 profiles do not have credential details recorded. That means the directory lacks that field; it does not establish that those companies have no qualifications. 2 profiles have unknown insurance status. Request current evidence directly before booking. Avoid turning a data gap into a claim about a business.
Calculated 11/6/2026; cached for up to one hour. Read the method and national results.
Plan chimney service in Evergreen
Build a service brief for Evergreen
Choose what you have and what you see. Bring the resulting questions to a local chimney sweep contractor or company.
Schedule a sweep and inspection before the next heavy-use season. Share your appliance type, last service date and any past repair records.
Colorado: altitude can affect draft, and Front Range wood burning can be restricted on Action Days. Check the current advisory before burning.
Ask the chimney company to inspect the fireplace, flue liner and chimney exterior, explain findings with photos, and give a written scope and price before repairs.
Educational planning tool. It cannot diagnose a chimney remotely; a qualified on-site inspection determines the work needed. Location note is a general regional consideration, not a live advisory for evergreen.
A service brief shaped by Evergreen
Use the Evergreen research below to shape the service call. Give the company your exact address and system details; the same city can contain different building ages, access conditions and permit jurisdictions.
Evergreen's climate and what it does to chimneys
Long burn seasons build creosote. Creosote is the tar-like residue that condenses when smoke cools in the flue. A stove burning daily for seven or eight months can reach the 1/8-inch depth that CSIA-trained sweeps treat as a cleaning trigger by midwinter. See our creosote guide.
Housing stock and common chimney types in Evergreen
Evergreen was settled in 1859, got its post office in 1876, and spent decades as a summer retreat for Denver families before growing into a year-round commuter community. The result is a wide mix of chimney types on a single road.
Local rules for chimneys and wood burning in Evergreen
Evergreen has no town government, so Jefferson County, the state health department and Evergreen Fire/Rescue each handle part of the picture.
Turn the local context into a written scope
Local notes are drawn from this guide's existing cited research. Confirm current rules with the named authority; they are not live advisories.
More Colorado city guides
Sources
Facts, figures and rules on this page were checked against these sources. Prices are estimates based on 2026 national surveys adjusted for local costs.
- 1.Wikipedia, Evergreen, Colorado (elevation, 2020 population, history, 1991–2020 climate normals, Evergreen Fire/Rescue)
- 2.Census Reporter, Evergreen CDP profile (ACS 2024 5-year housing units and median value)
- 3.Jefferson County, Building Permits (Building Safety Division, wood-burning fireplace mechanical permits, EPA Phase II review)
- 4.Evergreen Fire/Rescue (Evergreen Fire Protection District)
- 5.CDPHE, Indoor burning restrictions
- 6.CDPHE, Indoor burning frequently requested information
- 7.U.S. EPA Burn Wise, Ordinances and regulations for wood-burning appliances
- 8.Colorado Air Quality Control Commission, Regulation Number 4 (5 CCR 1001-6)
- 9.Colorado DFPC, Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code
- 10.C.R.S. 38-45-102 (carbon monoxide alarms)
- 11.Colorado Department of Agriculture, Emerald ash borer
- 12.HomeGuide, Chimney sweep cost (2026)
- 13.CSIA, Homeowner resources
