Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

Stinky Chimney

While most of us do not use our fireplaces and chimneys during the summer, they can still impact our day to day living in one major way: chimney odor. A stinky chimney does more than just affect how you use your fireplace; it can create odors throughout your home and even impact your home’s air quality.

A stinky chimney is often the sign of an underlying chimney problem. Because of this, it is important that homeowners not ignore a stinky chimney. Instead, a chimney inspection by a certified chimney professional should be used to help uncover the underlying cause of your chimney odor.

What causes a stinky chimney?

Chimney odors can be caused by a number of different chimney problems. Because of this, it is important to have a chimney professional identify the underlying cause of the odor to keep it from coming back. Below are three of the most common causes of a stinky chimney.

• Animals: If you notice a sudden sharp or rotting odor coming from your fireplace, you most likely have an animal stuck in the chimney. Chimney odors from animals can be caused by droppings, nesting materials, food sources, or bodies of trapped animals that have died.

Whether the animal in your chimney is alive or has already passed away, wild animals should always be treated with extreme caution because they can carry insects, bacteria, and disease that expose you and your family to illness. The most common cause of animal entry is a damaged chimney cap; having the chimney cap repaired can help prevent animals from getting into the chimney again.

• Creosote: Creosote is a naturally occurring byproduct created by all fuel-burning fires; however, buildup of creosote is most commonly seen in wood burning appliances. Creosote is extremely flammable and is the leading cause of chimney fire; removing creosote buildup is an important part of your annual chimney sweeping.

If creosote buildup in the chimney is not removed, it can do more than just increase your risk of a chimney fire – it can also cause chimney odor. Sharp, smoky smells – especially those that are worse during hot or humid weather – are often the result of creosote buildup. Having the chimney swept at least once per year is the best way to remove the odors associated with creosote buildup as well as make sure your chimney is safe to use.

• Water entry: Moisture can be one of the most damaging forces to your masonry chimney. In addition to causing bricks and mortar to crack and spall, water entry can also cause chimney odors.

Even tiny amounts of water in the chimney or fireplace can lead to the growth of mold or mildew. At first this will create a damp or musty odor; however, over time mold growth in the chimney can create an overwhelming smell that also affects the air quality of your home. This can be extremely dangerous to those who have respiratory issues such as asthma or allergies.

You don’t have to live with a stinky chimney. Instead of masking the smell with air fresheners, contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today to schedule your chimney inspection and get rid of your chimney odor for good!

Is It Too Late To Have A Chimney Inspection For The Holidays?

Once again, the whirlwind of the holiday season has arrived! While we’re busy decking the halls and making our lists (and checking them twice!) many homeowners forget to get their chimney ready for Santa!

Because fireplaces are used so often during holiday celebrations, it is important to make sure your chimney can be safely used during the season. Luckily, there is still time to have your chimney inspected before the holidays arrive!

How often does my chimney need to be swept and inspected?

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, chimneys should be swept and inspected at least once per year. Because chimney damage can occur even if your fireplace is not in use, this recommendation includes ALL homes, regardless of if you use your fireplace once a year or every day of the winter season. An annual inspection is the best way to make sure that your fireplace and chimney have not deteriorated or been damaged during the previous year, as well as help you determine what regular or preventative maintenance needs to be done.

What does a chimney sweep look for during an inspection?

Most chimney inspections are done immediately following a chimney sweeping. Doing this ensures that there is not creosote, ash, or soot blocking the flue or any other debris that could obstruct the inspection itself.

For the majority of homeowners, a Level I chimney inspection is all that is needed. This type of chimney inspection is done on homes where the fireplace works well, is experiencing no usage issues, and has not been damaged or changed in any way since the last inspection. A Level I chimney inspection includes an inspection of the accessible parts of the interior and exterior of the chimney and fireplace including the firebox, flue, and masonry.

If any areas of concern are encountered or you are experiencing problems with your fireplace, a more intensive Level II or Level III inspection may be recommended. Level II inspections typically involve the use of technology such as close circuit cameras to examine the interior flue. Level III chimney inspections are the most invasive, often requiring the removal of part of the wall or masonry in order to better access the chimney; because of this, they are only recommended in situations where serious structural damage may have occurred.

Why are chimney sweepings and inspections important?

“A chimney inspection is like an annual dental check-up,” says Ashley Eldridge, Director of Education for the CSIA. “It’s preventative maintenance that helps minimize potential hazards.”

Having your chimney swept and inspected each year ensures that it is clean and safe to use. This allows you and your family to enjoy spending time together in front of the fireplace rather than worrying about smoke, smells, or the many other chimney problems that accompany an unswept chimney.

Regular chimney sweepings and inspections are often the best preemptive maintenance you can have done for your chimney system. An annual inspection can ensure that any minor problems are identified early before they have the chance to turn into major damage.

It’s not too late to have your chimney inspection for the holidays! Call Clean Sweeps of Michigan today to schedule your chimney inspection and make sure your chimney is ready for the holidays!