Stinky Fireplace?
If you notice a strong odor coming from your fireplace, chances are there is a problem going on in your chimney. Fortunately, the most common problems are easily corrected by a Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified company like Mr. Smokestack. Most likely, an annual chimney sweeping will solve your stinky fireplace issue, but sometimes you may need an expert animal removal. Our qualified technicians at Mr. Smokestack can provide both of these services, and we would like to tell you about a few of the reasons why your fireplace stinks so badly.
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Creosote
The CSIA states that the odor from creosote deposits is worse during the summer due to high humidity and the air conditioner being used. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, chances are you have creosote deposits accumulated on your chimney’s walls, especially if you have not had your annual chimney sweeping done this summer. Creosote appears naturally during the wood-burning process. As the by-products of combustion (smoke, gases, vapors, unburned wood particles, tar fog, and hydrocarbon) exit the cooler, upper part of your chimney, condensation happens, and deposits of creosote sticking to the chimney walls appear as a result. Not only is creosote smelly, it is also dangerous. Highly combustible, creosote can vary in appearance. It can be black or brown, sticky and gummy, shiny and hard, or flaky and crusty. No matter what it looks like, it is hazardous, and large accumulations can easily cause a chimney fire if the internal flue temperature is high enough. The CSIA-certified chimney sweeps at Mr. Smokestack guarantee they will remove all of the creosote deposits in your chimney when they sweep your chimney. -
Mold
Water leaks can cause so much damage to your chimney, and when water penetrates into the masonry, there is always a possibility of mold. If mold is growing in your chimney, you will definitely notice an unpleasant odor coming from your fireplace. Like creosote, mold is another hazard that should be removed from your chimney as soon as possible with a chimney sweeping from Mr. Smokestack. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mold can cause adverse health effects, like allergic reactions such as asthma, infectious diseases such as histoplasmosis, and toxic effects such as a type of liver cancer. If you notice a musty smell as well as water leak damage (loose exterior bricks, stains around your fireplace or ceiling), you need to contact Mr. Smokestack for a thorough chimney cleaning.
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Dead Animal
Unfortunately, sometimes animals nest in your chimney over the winter and become trapped and end up perishing in your chimney, resulting in a horrific odor. If you smell the unmistakable smell of death coming from your chimney, you should contact a professional animal removal, and Mr. Smokestack provides these services. Whether the animal in your chimney is dead or alive, our experts can remove the animal in your chimney safely and professionally and rid your home from the bad odor.
If you have a stinky fireplace, contact Mr. Smokestack today to talk to our CSIA-certified staff about getting rid of that odor. An unpleasant smell is a bad sign, and we have the resources to solve whatever problem it may be.
