With warm weather sweeping its way in, you may be smelling a foul odor from your fireplace.  You can mask it all you want with air fresheners, but it never seems to go away. .How do you fix it?  The professionals at Fire Safe Chimney Sweep have the answer!

Why does your chimney stink?

One possible cause of a smelly fireplace is a buildup of creosote. We'll be happy to investigate the precise cause and improve the smell of your living area.

One possible cause of a smelly fireplace is a buildup of creosote. We’ll be happy to investigate the precise cause and improve the smell of your living area.

Creosote

Creosote causes so many problems, and is most likely the blame for the odor coming from your chimney.  Creosotes are released when you use untreated wood in your fire.  The creosotes clump together and soak into the structure of the chimney, which will begin to cause odor.  The clumps can also cause draft problems and restrain air from properly passing through.  As weather becomes more hot and humid, the odor will become stronger.  If you are a frequent fireplace user your one sweep may not be enough, so check into having both one before and after burning season.

Mold

Mold is another thing that can make your chimney stink.  This is usually where the bricks may have cracked or where the chimney may have some broken parts.  Your chimney technician will be able to spot mold during your inspection.  If you see something out of the ordinary, call for help as mold can grow quickly and in a variety of colors and textures.  If you live in an especially wet environment, you may look into having your chimney waterproofed.  Technicians will come to your home and spray a coating of sealant on the outside of your chimney.  You should make sure this is done on a dry day to allow at least six hours of dry time.  In some cases you may need two coats, but they will tell you if this is an issue.

Animals, Birds and Debris

There are animals that look for a home and find one inside your chimney. Unfortunately, some of them cannot get back out and die inside your chimney. Whether alive or dead, do not try to remove animals yourself. It can be unsafe for you and the animal. Birds also like to make nests inside chimneys. One particular species, called the Chimney Swift, is protected by federal law. Dander and debris from animals and birds can also cause an odor. Call us and we can help with this situation.

What to do?

Regardless of the cause of the yucky smell, we can quickly diagnose the problem and resolve it with a cleaning and inspection. This minimizes any safety risks and ensures optimal performance.