Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

Why Does My Chimney Stink?

Whether it starts suddenly or builds over time, an unidentified chimney odor can make your home uncomfortable and stinky. Instead of turning to air fresheners or scented candles, it is important to identify and repair the root cause of a stinky chimney. This helps to keep chimney odors from coming back, and it also improves the air quality in your home. At Clean Sweeps of Michigan, we want to help you learn some things that can cause your chimney to stink and how we can help with it.

What causes stinky chimneys?

Unfortunately, there is not one hard and fast rule for what causes stinky chimneys. Different odors have different causes. Often, a chimney inspection is all you need to uncover the root cause of an odor. The following are four of the most common causes of stinky chimneys.

Animals

Odors associated with animal entry usually start suddenly. They are usually sharp or rotting odors and are often accompanied by the sounds of scurrying or scratching in the chimney. Birds, raccoons, and squirrels are just some of the animals that can – whether on purpose or an accident – become trapped in your chimney. Animal feces, food, drying nesting materials, or even dead animals can cause serious odors to overwhelm your entire home. In addition, they can carry bacteria, pests, and other microorganisms. Because of this, it is important to have animals professionally removed as soon as possible.

Creosote

Creosote is a dark, sticky byproduct of fuel-burning fires that accumulates in the flue. While small amounts of creosote buildup occur with regular fireplace use, not having the chimney regularly swept or burning green or wet wood can cause extra creosote accumulation. Smoky or dirty smells are the result of hot or humid weather mixing with creosote buildup inside your chimney.

While the outside of the chimney is designed to withstand exposure to water, the inside is not. The presence of water in the chimney is often the result of a chimney leak. Leaky chimneys can cause dank, damp odors, as water has trouble evaporating in the cool, dark chimney.

Water

In addition, water in the firebox or chimney can lead to mold or mildew growth, which can significantly negatively impact the air quality in the home. People with respiratory conditions such as asthma are at risk of health complications such as breathing issues when mold is present.

Drafting

Drafting issues can cause smoky fireplace odors too. However, smells associated with drafting issues are most common on windy days – and when the fireplace is in use. Drafting issues are commonly caused by a flue that is the wrong size. If a new insert has been installed or if the fuel source of the fireplace has been changed, the flue may need to be relined to ensure proper draft.

Don’t let a stinky chimney ruin the air quality in your home. Instead, you should invest in fireplace experts at Clean Sweeps of Michigan today. Our chimney experts can provide you with more information on chimney odors or your next chimney inspection.

Three Levels of Chimney Inspections

As homeowners, we expect our fireplaces to burn safely and efficiently each time we use them. Most of us don’t understand what is happening between the firebox and the top of the flue – particularly when chimney performance issues arise. Whether you are experiencing a fireplace problem or need regular maintenance, it may be time to schedule a chimney inspection. At Clean Sweeps of Michigan, we offer 3 levels of chimney inspections for all your chimney needs.

The importance of chimney inspections

“A chimney inspection is like an annual dental check-up,” Director of Education for the CSIA Ashley Eldridge said. “It’s preventative maintenance that helps minimize potential hazards.” Chimney inspections are an important part of regular fireplace maintenance. An inspection can identify the source of a venting issue. It also verifies that a chimney is safe for use after a natural disaster and ensure a fireplace system is in good condition before a real estate transaction.

Three levels of chimney inspections

The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) states that “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.” To meet this standard, the NFPA came up with three levels of inspections to standardize inspections for all chimneys.

Level 1 inspection

Level 1 chimney inspections are the simplest and most common inspection. Chimney sweeps recommend level 1 inspections for regularly maintained fireplace systems. When you are not experiencing performance problems or damages, a level 1 inspection is all you need. During a level 1 chimney inspection, the chimney sweep will inspect the accessible portions of the chimney’s interior and exterior.

Level 2 inspection

Level 2 chimney inspections provide homeowners with a more in-depth look at the condition of their chimney system. During a level 2 chimney inspection, we use technology such as closed-circuit cameras to inspect the entire length of the flue. This gives chimney sweeps the ability to view areas of the chimney that are otherwise inaccessible.

We recommend a level 2 chimney inspections when changes to the fireplace or chimney have been made. We also recommend this inspection when installing a new insert, when you reline the flue, or when you switch fuel sources. You also need a level 2 inspection before buying or selling a home.

Level 3 inspection

Level 3 chimney inspections are the most in-depth and most invasive. You only need this chimney inspections in the event of suspected structural damage such as after a chimney fire or natural disaster. During a level 3 chimney inspection, part of the masonry of the chimney, surrounding walls or ceiling, or chimney cap may need removal to better access the chimney or flue.

Schedule your chimney inspection today!

Whether you are preparing to move, experiencing a performance problem, or want to ensure your chimney is venting safely and efficiently, now is the perfect time to schedule a chimney inspection. Contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today to schedule your next chimney inspection!