On this page · 13 sections
- Chimney sweeps in Littleton
- Littleton's climate and what it does to chimneys
- Littleton housing stock and common chimney types
- Local rules in Littleton
- Estimated chimney costs in Littleton (2026)
- Worked examples from Littleton
- When to book in Littleton
- How to find and vet a sweep in Littleton
- Littleton-specific tips
- Nearby areas served
- Littleton chimney FAQ
- More Colorado city guides
- Sources
Littleton is a suburban city of about 45,650 people (2020 census) at 5,397 feet, nine miles south of downtown Denver and the county seat of Arapahoe County. Its chimneys come mostly from one long building run. Census ACS estimates put the city's median year built at 1982: 14.1% of homes date from the 1950s, 9.5% from the 1960s, 16.2% from the 1970s and a peak 21.3% from the 1980s, while only 3.3% predate 1940. That means a large stock of brick fireplaces in ranch, split-level and two-story homes that are now 40 to 70 years old, with original clay-tile liners, original dampers and mortar crowns that have been through decades of Front Range freeze-thaw.
Littleton grew from Richard Little's 1860s settlement and the Rough and Ready Flour Mill (1867), was incorporated on March 13, 1890 with about 245 residents, and boomed after World War II thanks to its proximity to Denver and the Martin Marietta aerospace plant. About 61% of homes are owner-occupied and the median owner-occupied value is about $630,600, so most chimney decisions are made by long-term owners weighing repair against conversion to gas.
One practical point first: many homes with a "Littleton" mailing address are not in the City of Littleton. Columbine, Ken Caryl and other unincorporated areas use Littleton addresses but fall under Jefferson County, and some southern addresses fall under Douglas County. Permits, contractor licensing and even fire service depend on which side of the line you are on. For statewide background, see our Colorado chimney guide.
Chimney sweeps in Littleton
7 chimney companies based in Littleton, plus 4 nearby that serve the area. Order reflects listing tier, verification and profile completeness (credentials, reviews, independent sources) — not an endorsement.
Also serving Littleton
Wheat Ridge, CO
Denver, CO
Littleton's climate and what it does to chimneys
Littleton's January averages are a 43.8 °F high and 15.3 °F low, with about 8.9 inches of snow in January alone. Nights run a few degrees colder than central Denver's, so sunny afternoons followed by hard frosts drive frequent freeze-thaw cycles in crowns and brick.
| Factor | Littleton figure | Effect on chimneys |
|---|---|---|
| Elevation | 5,397 ft | Air pressure about 83% of sea level; weaker draft in short ranch chimneys and large fireplace openings |
| January high / low | 43.8 °F / 15.3 °F | Frequent freeze-thaw; crown cracks and spalled brick faces on 1950s–1980s chimneys |
| January snowfall | about 8.9 inches | Wet snow sits behind wide chimneys; flashing and cricket leaks |
| Hail | Front Range "Hail Alley," season mid-April to mid-September | Dented caps and chase covers, torn spark-arrestor mesh, cracked crowns |
| Winter inversions | Inside the Denver-metro Action Day area | Open fireplaces and uncertified stoves restricted on high pollution days |
| Dry, sunny air | Strong high-altitude UV | Caulk, sealant and rubber boots on flashing break down faster |
Littleton shares the metro's hail exposure. The Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association counts three to four catastrophic hailstorms a year along the Front Range, and the costliest on record, on May 8, 2017, struck the Denver metro. Littleton's 1980s and 1990s two-story homes often have factory-built fireplaces in sided chases with flat sheet-metal chase covers, which dent into water-holding bowls after hail.
Littleton housing stock and common chimney types
Each Littleton building era has a signature chimney problem.
| Era and area | Share of homes | Typical houses | Typical chimney | Most common findings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-1940: Downtown Littleton Historic District and Louthan Heights | about 3.3% + 2.4% (1940s) | Brick and frame homes near Main Street | Small brick chimneys, some unlined, many serving only a furnace | Unlined flues, soft mortar, abandoned flues without caps |
| 1950s–1960s: mid-century tracts, including the Arapaho Hills Historic District | about 23.6% | Brick ranches and mid-century modern homes | Low, wide masonry chimneys; brick or stone fireplaces | Short-chimney draft problems, flat crowns, rusted dampers, orphaned furnace flues |
| 1970s–1980s: the city's biggest building period | about 37.5% | Split-levels, bi-levels, two-story tract homes | Masonry fireplaces with clay-tile liners; early factory-built fireplaces | Cracked tiles, failing mortar crowns, worn dampers, orphaned water heater flues |
| 1990s–2000s | about 23.2% | Two-story homes, townhomes | Factory-built wood and gas fireplaces in sided chases | Hail-dented chase covers, rust, cracked refractory panels |
| 2010 and later | about 10.1% | Infill townhomes, apartments near light rail | Direct-vent gas fireplaces | Blocked vent terminations, dirty burners, rarely serviced units |
Arapaho Hills was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2012 as part of the "Residential Subdivisions of Metropolitan Denver, 1940–1965" submission. Mid-century modern homes like these often have low, broad chimneys that are part of the design, so sweeps and masons should repair them without changing their profile.
The orphaned flue is the most common expensive surprise in Littleton's 1960s–1980s homes. Many had a gas furnace and water heater sharing a clay-tile flue beside the fireplace flue. When the furnace is replaced with a high-efficiency model vented through PVC out a side wall, the water heater alone cannot keep the oversized flue warm. Exhaust moisture condenses, dissolves mortar and flakes the tiles. The fix is a correctly sized liner; see our chimney liners guide.
Local rules in Littleton
Wood burning and Action Days
Littleton lies in Arapahoe County west of Kiowa Creek, inside the seven-county area where Colorado's Regulation No. 4 restricts wood burning on high pollution days. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) issues a forecast every day at 4 p.m. from October 31 through March 31; restrictions apply November through March. On an Action Day you may not use an open wood fireplace or an uncertified stove or insert. You may use an EPA Phase II–certified wood stove or insert, a certified pellet stove, a Colorado-approved masonry heater, or any gas appliance. At about 5,400 feet, no part of Littleton qualifies for the 7,000-foot exemption. Check the forecast on CDPHE's air quality site or the advisory line (303-758-4848); questions and complaints go to the indoor burning line (303-692-3280).
Regulation No. 4 also requires new fireplaces in the program area to be gas, electric or fitted with a certified insert or device, and bars the sale of used uncertified stoves in the seven-county metro. If you want to burn wood regularly, an EPA-certified insert is the upgrade path.
Building permits and contractor licensing
The City of Littleton's building division requires a permit to "construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish" a structure or to install, alter, convert or replace any gas, mechanical or plumbing system. That language covers stove and insert installation, gas fireplace installation, wood-to-gas conversions, most relining and chimney rebuilds. The city also requires that every contractor working in Littleton be licensed with the city. Homeowners may do single-trade work on their own home, but multi-trade projects need a Littleton-licensed general contractor or a homeowner who passes ICC testing. Permits are applied for through the city's eTRAKiT online system.
If your "Littleton" address is actually in unincorporated Jefferson County (Columbine, Ken Caryl) or Douglas County, the county building department issues permits instead; Douglas County's Building Division is at 100 Third Street in Castle Rock (303-660-7497).
| Job | Permit in the City of Littleton? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sweep, Level 1 or Level 2 inspection | No | Keep the report for resale and insurance |
| Cap or chase cover replacement | Usually no | Historic landmarks may need review for visible changes |
| Stainless liner | Likely, as an alteration or mechanical work | Confirm with the building division before work |
| Wood, pellet or gas insert or stove | Yes | Contractor must be licensed with the city |
| Wood-to-gas conversion | Yes | Gas line and venting inspected |
| Rebuild above the roofline | Yes | Historic properties need preservation approval |
Historic landmarks and districts
Littleton has two local historic districts, the Downtown Littleton Historic District (approved October 26, 2021) and Louthan Heights, plus more than 30 individually designated landmarks. The city's preservation code regulates exterior alteration of designated properties. Minor changes are approved administratively; major changes go to the Historical Preservation Board. Rebuilding, shortening or removing a visible chimney on a landmark is likely a major change. Contact the planning division (303-734-8076) first. Owners of designated landmarks may qualify for Colorado State Historical Fund grants, and downtown district owners for the city's Downtown Historic District grants, which can help with masonry costs.
Fire service and CO alarms
Since January 1, 2019, South Metro Fire Rescue has served the City of Littleton and the former Littleton Fire Protection District. For a chimney fire (a roaring flue, sparks or flames from the top), get out and call 911. Colorado law requires CO alarms within 15 feet of each sleeping room in homes with a fuel-fired appliance, fireplace or attached garage at sale, during permitted appliance work and at each change of tenancy in rentals.
Estimated chimney costs in Littleton (2026)
These are estimated ranges based on 2026 national surveys (HomeGuide, Angi) adjusted to the Front Range figures on our state page. Littleton prices track the Denver metro. Split-level and two-story chimneys, second flues for furnaces and water heaters, and city license and permit requirements push quotes toward the middle or upper end.
| Service | National range | Littleton estimate | Littleton notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood fireplace sweep with Level 1 | $130–$380 | $175–$400 | Two-story chimneys at the upper end |
| Gas fireplace service | $80–$150 | $100–$200 | Includes burner, glass and vent check |
| Prefab fireplace sweep | $90–$175 | $125–$250 | Common in 1990s–2000s homes |
| Wood stove or insert sweep | $130–$300 | $175–$350 | Inserts may need to be pulled out |
| Level 2 camera inspection | $250–$600 | $275–$600 | Recommended at sale or after a chimney fire |
| Chimney cap | $75–$850 | $150–$850 | Multi-flue caps cost more |
| Chase cover (prefab) | — | $300–$1,200 | Stainless with a cross-break sheds water |
| Crown repair / rebuild | $150–$700 / $1,000–$3,000 | $200–$800 / $1,100–$3,200 | Many 1970s crowns are a thin mortar wash |
| Water heater liner (orphaned flue) | — | about $1,000–$1,800 | Common after furnace upgrades |
| Stainless fireplace liner | $1,500–$5,000+ | $1,800–$5,500 | Insulated liners for exterior chimneys cost more |
| Damper repair / replacement | $100–$250 / $160–$520 | $125–$275 / $200–$575 | Top-sealing dampers reduce heat loss |
| EPA-certified wood or gas insert installed | — | about $4,500–$7,500 | Includes liner; permit and licensed contractor required |
See chimney sweep cost and chimney repair cost for what drives price.
Worked examples from Littleton
These are illustrative scenarios based on common Littleton situations, not real customers. Costs are estimates.
When to book in Littleton
- April–June: best time for wood fireplace sweeps; creosote is fresh and schedules are open. Check chimney tops after spring hail.
- June–September: crown, masonry and liner work while mortar can cure.
- September–October: busiest season; book early. Combine gas fireplace service with the furnace tune-up.
- November–March: Action Day season; call immediately after smoke spillage, a CO alarm or a chimney fire.
How to find and vet a sweep in Littleton
- Search the CSIA "Find a Pro" tool and the National Chimney Sweep Guild directory; read recent reviews and check the BBB.
- Verify CSIA or NFI certification numbers.
- For installs, relining and masonry inside city limits, confirm the contractor is licensed with the City of Littleton. In unincorporated areas, check Jefferson, Arapahoe or Douglas County registration.
- Get liability and workers' compensation certificates.
- Require a written report with photos of every flue, including furnace and water heater flues.
- Confirm in writing who pulls the permit and books the inspection.
- After hail, avoid door-knockers pushing you to sign over an insurance claim. See chimney sweep scams.
Littleton-specific tips
- Replace 1970s mortar-wash crowns with a formed concrete crown that overhangs the brick; patching a thin wash rarely lasts more than a few winters.
- Consider a top-sealing damper on older fireplaces with rusted throat dampers; it seals better and stops animals.
- Mid-century homes: keep repairs faithful to the original chimney profile in Arapaho Hills and similar neighborhoods.
Nearby areas served
Littleton-area sweeps commonly serve Englewood, Sheridan, Centennial, Columbine, Columbine Valley, Bow Mar, Ken Caryl, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Greenwood Village, Cherry Hills Village, Roxborough Park and southwest Denver. See our Colorado chimney guide and nearby city pages for Denver, Castle Rock and Evergreen.
Littleton chimney FAQ
13 answersCosts
How much does a chimney sweep cost in Littleton, CO?
An estimated $175–$400 for a wood-burning fireplace sweep with a Level 1 inspection, based on 2026 national surveys ($130–$380) adjusted for Front Range labor. Gas fireplace service runs about $100–$200 and a prefab fireplace sweep about $125–$250. Many 1960s–1980s Littleton homes have a second flue for the furnace or water heater, which adds cost. Ask for a per-flue price and a written report with photos, and book in spring or summer when schedules are open.
How much does chimney crown repair cost in Littleton?
Sealing or patching a cracked crown runs an estimated $200–$800, and a full rebuild with a formed concrete crown about $1,100–$3,200, depending on chimney size, height and roof pitch. Many 1970s and 1980s Littleton chimneys have a thin mortar wash instead of a true crown, and Littleton's freeze-thaw winters open cracks in those quickly. If bricks below the crown are loose or spalled, expect added rebuild or tuckpointing costs of $550–$2,600 on the Front Range.
What does it cost to put a fireplace insert in a Littleton home?
Plan on an estimated $4,500–$7,500 for an installed EPA-certified wood insert or a gas insert, including a stainless liner, with gas inserts also needing licensed gas-line work. Add a pre-install sweep and Level 2 inspection ($275–$600). Inside city limits the job needs a City of Littleton permit and a city-licensed contractor. Either kind of certified insert can be used on Action Days, which is why inserts are the most common fireplace upgrade in Littleton's older homes.
Rules and permits
Can I burn in my fireplace on a no-burn day in Littleton?
Not in an open wood fireplace or an uncertified stove or insert. Littleton is in the Denver-metro Action Day area, and at about 5,400 feet it does not qualify for the 7,000-foot exemption. On Action Days you may use EPA Phase II–certified wood stoves and inserts, certified pellet stoves, Colorado-approved masonry heaters and gas fireplaces. CDPHE forecasts are posted daily at 4 p.m. from October 31 to March 31. Call 303-758-4848 for the advisory or 303-692-3280 with questions.
Do I need a permit for chimney work in Littleton?
Inside city limits, the City of Littleton requires permits to alter, repair or replace structures and any gas, mechanical or plumbing system, which covers stove and insert installation, gas fireplaces, wood-to-gas conversions and most relining and rebuilds. Sweeping and inspections do not need permits. Apply through the city's eTRAKiT system or have your contractor do it. If your Littleton address is in unincorporated Jefferson, Arapahoe or Douglas County, the county building department issues the permit instead.
Does a chimney contractor need a license in Littleton?
Yes, for work inside city limits. The City of Littleton requires every contractor working in its jurisdiction to be licensed with the city. Colorado has no state chimney sweep or general contractor license, so the city license is what you check for permitted jobs. Homeowners may do single-trade work on their own homes but need a licensed general contractor, or must pass ICC testing, for multi-trade projects. Also look for CSIA or NFI certification as proof of chimney training.
My address says Littleton. Which rules apply to me?
It depends on your jurisdiction, not your mailing address. The City of Littleton covers about 13.8 square miles, while Columbine, Ken Caryl and other areas with Littleton addresses are unincorporated Jefferson County, and some southern addresses are in Douglas County. Check your property record with the county assessor. The city or county then decides permits and contractor licensing. Action Day rules are the same across all three counties below 7,000 feet, and South Metro Fire Rescue or your local fire district responds to emergencies.
Can I repair the chimney on a historic house in Littleton?
Yes, but if the property is a designated landmark or in the Downtown Littleton or Louthan Heights historic districts, exterior alterations are regulated by the city's preservation code. Minor changes are approved by staff; major changes, such as removing or shortening a visible chimney, go to the Historical Preservation Board. Contact the planning division at 303-734-8076 before hiring. Landmark owners may qualify for Colorado State Historical Fund grants, and downtown district owners for city grants.
Safety and maintenance
How often should I clean my chimney in Littleton?
NFPA 211 calls for an annual inspection of every chimney, fireplace and vent. For most Littleton households that burn occasional weekend fires, one sweep and inspection a year in spring or summer is enough. If you run a wood insert several times a week, check creosote mid-winter and sweep when it reaches about 1/8 inch. Gas fireplaces and furnace or water heater flues also need yearly checks for blockages, corrosion and correct venting.
Why is there water around my fireplace after a storm?
In Littleton's 1990s and 2000s homes the usual cause is a hail-dented chase cover that now holds water and has rusted through; in older masonry chimneys it is a cracked crown, failed flashing or a missing cap. Water can travel inside the chase or down the flue and appear feet away from the entry point. Have a sweep inspect the chimney top promptly, photograph damage for your insurer, and do not wait for winter freeze-thaw to widen the problem.
Is my 1970s clay-tile liner safe?
Many are, but after 50 years Littleton liners commonly show cracked tiles, missing mortar joints and damage from orphaned gas appliances. Only a Level 2 camera inspection ($275–$600) can tell you. Small, isolated defects can sometimes be repaired, but heavily damaged liners are usually replaced with stainless steel ($1,800–$5,500). Never use a fireplace with a known liner crack, since heat and gases can reach the wood framing around the chimney.
Who responds to a chimney fire in Littleton?
South Metro Fire Rescue has served the City of Littleton since January 1, 2019, when it took over areas previously covered by Littleton Fire Rescue. Unincorporated areas with Littleton addresses may be served by South Metro or another district. If you hear a loud roar in the chimney or see flames or sparks from the top, get everyone out and call 911. Afterward, NFPA 211 calls for a Level 2 inspection before the chimney is used again.
What should I do before selling a Littleton home with a fireplace?
Colorado's Seller's Property Disclosure asks for the fireplace type, fuel and the date it was last cleaned. Book a sweep and Level 2 inspection before listing so you can answer accurately and fix issues on your timeline. In Littleton's 1960s–1980s homes, ask the sweep to camera the furnace and water heater flue as well. Repairs made before listing, with receipts, usually cost less than credits negotiated under inspection-period deadlines.
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, Littleton, Colorado (population, elevation, history, climate)
- 2.Point2Homes, Littleton demographics (ACS year built, median year built, tenure)
- 3.Census Reporter, Littleton profile (ACS housing units, median value)
- 4.City of Littleton, Permits, Review Guides and Requirements
- 5.City of Littleton, Historic Preservation
- 6.City of Littleton, Historic Landmarks and Districts
- 7.Wikipedia, South Metro Fire Rescue
- 8.Douglas County, Building Division
- 9.CDPHE, Indoor burning restrictions
- 10.Colorado Air Quality Control Commission, Regulation Number 4 (5 CCR 1001-6)
- 11.Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association, Hail
- 12.C.R.S. 38-45-102 (CO alarms)
- 13.Colorado Real Estate Commission, broker contracts and forms (Seller's Property Disclosure)
- 14.CSIA, Homeowner resources
- 15.HomeGuide, Chimney sweep cost (2026)