Solving the Mystery of Your Smelly Fireplace
Have you identified that unpleasant odors in your home are coming from the fireplace? You need a chimney detective to clear the air because a smelly fireplace is like a mystery to be solved. The chimney sweeps at Chimney Saver Solutions are qualified for sniffing out the instigator of fireplace odors. It’s seldom a simple task because there are more than a few “usual suspects.” The following are the leading culprits.
Creosote
When you burn wood fires, you are causing a combustion byproduct called “creosote” to be deposited in your chimney flue. This highly flammable, tar-like substance builds up in layers. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends a chimney cleaning when there is one-eighth inch of creosote buildup. But chimney sweeps often find creosote so thick that it has almost closed off airflow in the flue.
The excessive buildup of creosote can result in a strong burnt smell in the home similar to freshly poured asphalt. When creosote gets wet, the resulting sickly and sour stench is even worse. This kind of smell points to the next suspect.
Mold
If you detect a musty odor in your fireplace, the problem may be deeper than the annoyance of a noxious smell. As a result of moisture or humidity, mold can grow in chimneys. Mold is toxic, and it can be hazardous to your health. Aspergillosis, for example, is a type of mold that can cause serious health problems such as respiratory failure, chest pain, wheezing, vision problems, permanent airway blockage, and other symptoms. Contact the certified chimney sweeps at Chimney Saver Solutions for mold removal from the inside or outside of your fireplace and chimney system.
Moisture
Chimneys may look sturdy and impenetrable, but all it takes to bring them down is unanswered moisture intrusion. Chimney sweeps looking for the cause of a smelly fireplace always consider moisture to be a likely suspect. The following are among the gateways for moisture to get in and cause problems like chimney leaks and foul smells:
- A cracked chimney crown
- A missing or damaged chimney cap
- Flaking, cracked, or missing mortar
- Cracks in the chimney masonry
- Faulty or damaged chimney flashing
- The flow of rain on the roof that deluges the chimney
Solve the Mystery of Your Smelly Fireplace
The chimney sweeps at Chimney Saver Solutions are CSIA-certified, which means they are trained investigators. They can track down the villain causing you to have a smelly fireplace. Our creed is that no one should be compelled to eye their own fireplace suspiciously due to a bad odor.
In addition to ascertaining the source of a bad fireplace smell, our chimney technicians can provide the right fix. We have a reputation for dependability and quality services. So, you can be confident no matter the solution you need. We provide the full range of chimney services, which includes chimney inspections, chimney cleaning, chimney cap installation, masonry repair, flashing installation, and fireplace installation.
To solve the mystery of your smelly fireplace and clear the air, call us today at 804-440-5000 or fill out our online form.
