What Causes Chimney Odors?  

Unpleasant odors can negatively affect your health, cause stress, and reduce your quality of life. So, if a stench is coming from your fireplace, knowing what causes chimney odors can be helpful. You can always call Chimney Specialists Inc. for informed answers to all fireplace- and chimney-related questions. We know that a stinky chimney odor is caused by a substance in the air. So, by identifying the substance, you get closer to figuring out the source of the problem. The following chimney odors provide a clue to the kind of solution needed to clear the air.

A Smoky or Burnt-Tar-Like Smell

If your fireplace has a strong barbeque-gone-bad smell that may also be described as burnt tar, excess creosote is the cause. Creosote is a byproduct of incomplete wood combustion. Each wood fire in your fireplace results in a fresh deposit of creosote inside the chimney liner. This highly flammable substance builds up, layer upon layer, increasing the threat of a potentially devastating chimney fire.

Chimney cleaning is needed to remove creosote. Because there are three forms of creosote, the use of a professional chimney brush may not solve the problem. Special industry equipment is used by chimney sweeps to remove the more stubborn forms of creosote. The most difficult type of creosote to remove appears as though tar has been poured down the chimney. The installation of a new chimney liner is sometimes the most effective way to restore chimney safety and fresh air.

A Musty or Sour Laundry Smell

Fungal growth is what causes chimney odors when you detect a musty, sour laundry smell in your fireplace. This pungent smell is a clear indication that moisture has infiltrated the chimney system. Call the trusted NFI-certified chimney sweeps at Chimney Specialists Inc. without delay! Mold and mildew can be a threat to your family’s health.

Addressing moisture in the chimney involves determining which part of the chimney system has failed to do the job of keeping water out. The potential causes of a chimney leak include a cracked chimney crown, faulty chimney flashing, expired mortar, and cracked masonry, to name a few. The combination of moisture and poor ventilation creates a favorable environment for the growth of mold and mildew. So, it is essential to call on dependable chimney technicians for the removal of fungal growth and to stop moisture infiltration.

Critter Droppings or the Smell of Rot

Small creatures such as snakes, birds, raccoons, and bats could make their way into your chimney if you don’t have a chimney cap with mesh. Birds and other animals may build a nest in your chimney, resulting in chimney blockage and a buildup of animal droppings. Unfortunately, some critters get in but cannot get back out, resulting in the animal’s death and the putrid smell of rotting flesh. A buildup of leaves in the chimney can also result in the smell of rot as they eventually decompose.

Call chimney sweeps to remove leaves, twigs, and creatures (whether dead or alive) from your chimney. The animals, as well as their droppings and nests, need to be removed. Addressing this cause of chimney odors could expose you to rabies and toxic substances. To prevent a recurrence, schedule the installation of a chimney cap with mesh.

Chimney Specialists Inc. Can Eliminate Chimney Odors

Addressing what causes chimney odors can be one of the more complex issues in our industry. Fortunately, at Chimney Specialists Inc., we have built our reputation on technical expertise, quality workmanship, and excellence in customer service. Call us today for relief from the stress and potential health problems caused by a stinky chimney.