Is Your Fireplace Smelly?

Is there a strange smell coming from your fireplace, and are you unsure what the cause is? You probably didn’t expect it, but it’s your fireplace. So, is your fireplace smelly? You may be thinking, “Why would my fireplace smell bad?” It’s because there is an issue inside your chimney that is causing the odor. It’s a problem that you may be able to rectify; in other cases, a professional chimney sweep service will be required to eliminate the odor from your fireplace.

Origins of Bad Chimney Odors

Here’s a list of frequent causes of pungent chimney odors.

Creosote and Bad Fireplace Odors

Creosote is a tacky substance that accumulates in your chimney from burning wood in your fireplace. It has a distinct, burnt odor that can be exacerbated by warm, humid weather or even rain. Not only does creosote produce an awful smell, but it is also one of the primary causes of chimney fires, so it puts your home at risk. Specialized tools and expertise are needed to clean the creosote buildup thoroughly and safely. A skilled chimney sweep service should be contracted to stop chimney fires, eliminate foul odors, and ensure the chimney is properly maintained.

Chimney Leaks Lead to Foul Fireplace Odors

Water running into your chimney can saturate soot and creosote, bringing about musty odors. Water invading your chimney can be caused by absent chimney caps, broken chimney crowns, or improperly installed flashing. Not only is it possible, but it will also create foul smells, and water trapped in the chimney during the freeze-thaw cycles will expand and contract, damaging your chimney. Professional chimney sweeps should handle fixing leaks, particularly those more elevated or involving masonry and flashing, to ensure it’s done accurately and no additional damage is caused.

Animal Nests and Bad Fireplace Odors

Wildlife may construct nests in your chimney, notably if it lacks a cap. Nests can rot and cause unpleasant odors. They may also keep dangerous gases, such as carbon monoxide, from escaping, which will cause them to flow back into your house. Even if you don’t smell anything, you should have your chimney inspected. Why? Because carbon monoxide has no smell to warn you, it can be fatal. Keep a smoke and carbon monoxide detector in the same room as your fireplace. 

Extricating wildlife nests can be challenging and occasionally dangerous due to the threat of exposure to bacteria and viruses. Professional chimney sweeps can remove nests and install chimney caps to avert further occurrences. The chimney sweeps will also confirm that there are no blockages in your chimney, so your home will remain safe.

Debris and Ash Can Cause Chimney Smells

Collected debris and ash in your fireplace can soak in moisture and exude a pungent smell. Frequently cleaning your fireplace to remove ashes and scraps of unburned wood can control the smells. Homeowners should utilize buckets to remove ash. Be sure the debris is cool before placing it in a bucket and throwing it out.

Mold, Mildew, and Musty Chimney Smells

When moisture collects inside your chimney, it can bring about mold growth, which has a dank, wet odor. Mold removal can be harmful to your well-being if you inhale spores. For minor visible mold, you can attempt to clean it using household cleaning products, but skilled cleaning by a chimney sweep service is advised for vast amounts of mold inside your chimney to confirm it is removed and to handle the dampness issue driving the mold to form.

Bad Ventilation and Noxious Chimney Odors

Inadequate airflow can cause odors to linger from earlier fires because the smell can’t escape the chimney normally. Assuring good ventilation takes a professional chimney inspection. Homeowners can make sure the damper is completely open when the fireplace is being used, but if problems continue, a professional chimney sweep service needs to check for structural issues or obstructions.

To Sum Up

There are several causes of chimney smells, from mold to creosote, that professionals must address. Periodic inspections and cleanings by a chimney sweep service are crucial for continuing to have a safe and enjoyable fireplace experience.

Let Felgemacher Masonry Eliminate Odors From Your Fireplace

If you live in Buffalo, NY, Rochester, NY, or Charlotte, NC, and need to get rid of a noxious or moldy smell coming from your fireplace, contact us today. Don’t hesitate until the odor grows and makes your family sick; get in touch now.