Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

Chimney Mold 101

The Rundown on Chimney Mold

We all know that homes can be affected by mold growing inside the house; however, most people think of the basement as the prime area for mold growth, although your chimney and fireplace can also create the perfect environment for mold to grow, especially if you have a leaky chimney. Not an uncommon problem, chimney mold can have adverse effects on the health of your family, and it can spread quickly to other parts of your home. If you ever see actual mold growing on the bricks of your fireplace or notice a musty odor in your home, you need to call an experienced chimney company like Clean Sweep & Air Ducts of Michigan to check out your fireplace and chimney for mold growth and have it removed promptly. We would like to tell you more about chimney mold because mold can cause serious health problems and should be addressed as soon as possible.

Mold can cause an allergic reaction that can aggravate breathing problems and cause headaches.

How does mold grow in my chimney?

If you do not use your fireplace all year long, your chimney is at greater risk for mold growth. Unused fireplaces provide the perfect environment for mold growth because they are dark, damp, and poorly ventilated. Since mold spreads quickly, it does not take long for it to invade your entire chimney and even your home.

What are the signs of chimney mold?

Sometimes you can actually see the mold growing on the bricks around your fireplace, but usually the mold is unable to be seen since it is growing inside your chimney. However, you may see mold growing in other parts of the room where the fireplace is, as mold tends to spread quickly. If you see mold in a room with a fireplace, you should immediately call Clean Sweep & Air Ducts of Michigan to inspect your chimney for mold growth. Other signs include a musty odor coming from your fireplace and the development of respiratory problems in you and your family due to breathing in mold spores.

What are the adverse health effects mold can have on myself and my family?

You may notice common-cold symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, headache, sore throat, and a runny nose. Mold can also lead to serious illnesses like bronchitis, allergic reactions, asthma attacks, chronic sinusitis, and pneumonia

How do I remove mold from my chimney?

You should call a professional Chimney Safety Institute of America-certified chimney company like Clean Sweep & Air Ducts of Michigan to inspect your chimney for mold growth and to remove the mold. If you are suffering from mold-related health problems such as respiratory issues, it is essential that you stay away from the area with mold and do not try to clean the mold yourself. You can remove any mold growing on the exterior of your fireplace with an antifungal cleanser and a stiff brush, but you may want to check with your doctor to be sure it is okay for you to attempt to clean up any mold yourself.

If you have more questions about chimney mold, contact Clean Sweep & Air Ducts of Michigan today to talk to our staff. Our certified and trained technicians are ready to sweep your chimney clean of any mold growth.

Chimney Odor Problem?

A stinky chimney can make your home an unpleasant place to be in. Call us now and we’ll have our certified chimney technicians get rid of the odor.

It is never fun when you have a stink in your home that you cannot get rid of and are having to constantly mask with air fresheners. The worst part is when you are forced to live with the smell, because it has sunk into your home. Chimneys can produce these types of odors when their maintenance is not up to date. If you feel this is a problem in your home, call the professionals at Clean Sweep of Michigan, Inc.

What causes an odor in a chimney?

Creosote is the number one reason that your chimney will stink. Creosotes are released when untreated wood is burned in your fire. They then clump together on the inside of your chimney, and overtime can soak into the structure and leave the odor behind. This can also cause draft problems where air will not be able to properly leave the chimney. As the weather becomes more hot and humid in the summer, the smell will be more obvious. Your annual sweep that you have with your inspection will help with keeping it to a minimum, but it is recommended that if you are a frequent fireplace user you have an additional sweep.

Another reason your chimney will smell is if mold is growing in the unit. This is most common in areas of brick where there are cracks, or where other pieces of the chimney may not be in working order. Your Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified professional will be able to recognize if this is a potential hazard for you during your inspection. Since mold can grow very fast and in a variety of colors and textures, it is important to ask for help if you see something out of the ordinary. Your technician can introduce you to different ideas on how to better protect your chimney from the elements, including waterproofing. This is when they will spray a coat of sealant on the outside of your chimney that will repel water on contact. If you live in an especially wet climate, you may need more than one coat.

How do you get ready for the sweep?

• Let your chimney cool down by not having a fire for more than 24 hours before the sweep.
• Clear the area of anything valuable such as breakables, furniture, etc.
• Make sure pets are safe and out of the way