What Causes Chimney Odors?

Do you ever experience a bad smell that you believe is coming from your fireplace? When it rains or is humid outside, you may smell it even more. There are a number of reasons that you may be getting odors from your fireplace. Professional chimney sweeps suggest getting an annual chimney sweep and inspection to prevent any odors that may arise.

What’s That Smell? 

• Creosote buildup. After a season of burning, there may be a buildup of creosote. Creosote is an oily liquid produced from the burning of wood. It has uses that are productive, such as a wood preservative, particularly in outdoor applications such as railroad ties, fences, and utility poles. But not in your chimney. Once the creosote starts to build up in your chimney, it can be dangerous and pose a fire hazard. The deposit of creosote creates smells that are unpleasant.
• Debris. Leaves and branches collect in your chimney. Once this debris gets into the chimney, it will start to decompose, causing odors. Wind sends leaves, twigs, and dust around, often collecting on the top of your chimney. Once there is a collection of debris, a blockage will create smells from rotting leaves. This, also, is a danger to potential fires. A chimney cap or crown will help to protect from debris getting in and causing rotting leaves and protect from smells.
• Critters Need Homes Too. But not in your chimney. Small birds, mice, and bugs may find a way into your chimney. They bring their collection of outdoor debris: hay, leaves, feathers, and whatever else they can find to make nests. They deposit waste. All this can cause smells to drift into your home. Once rain gets into your chimney, it promotes mold and mildew to grow, causing odors. 
• Moisture. Once water gets into your chimney, the odor will overpower your home. Mixed with the creosote that has built up can create a very unpleasant smell. Making sure that you have no cracks in your chimney cap or chimney crown is important to keep your chimney dry. There are many ways to keep your chimney dry. The flashing is a primary component, along with the cap that protects your chimney from water. 

Cleaning Up the Smell

Chimney odors are common, but unpleasant when they are in your home. A professional chimney sweep is what you need. Call our team at Chimney Solutions. We are professionally trained and certified to bring you a fresh, new chimney. Let us help get rid of that odor.

Now is a great time to tackle this task and check it off your list. Call Chimney Solutions today.

Chimney Solutions strives to bring the highest level of professional and technical expertise to our service area. The rewards of protection of property and life, health and safety, as well as the education of ourselves, our customers, and others, fuel our quest for excellence. Though we offer premium brand-name chimney supplies, we also have our very own metal shop for custom-made caps and shrouds.