Chimney Odor Problem?
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