Why Does My Fireplace Stink?
Chimney Odors
Ideally, a fireplace only has positive effects on your senses: cozy warmth, twinkling light, a gentle crackle. Chimney issues, however, can give your senses an unwanted surprise: musky, acrid odors that tamp down the enjoyment of that fireplace, and with it, your whole home. A healthy chimney won’t be a malodorous one, so if you’re noticing bad odors, it’s likely indicating a problem that needs correcting.
Common Causes Of Chimney Odors
A good start toward avoiding chimney odor: annual chimney sweeping. A regularly swept chimney is a cleaner chimney, and when there’s less creosote and less debris, odors are less likely. But every chimney is different, and your chimney professionals can help root out the cause of your specific chimney odors. Here are some common culprits that chimney professionals find:
Moisture issues
Encroaching water does a number on chimneys and fireplaces in many different ways — it can erode your masonry, corrode your damper, seep into your ceilings and walls and create a stinky, mildewy chimney. If you’re noticing a musty odor, a professional chimney technician can help figure out whether you have a chimney leak with a chimney inspection. You might have chimney flashing damage or a missing chimney cap, or old and damaged masonry might be allowing too much water to be absorbed. If damage is found, your chimney professionals can help with repairs or replacement parts. To protect the masonry itself — and prevent the water intrusion that can lead to odors — you might want to have a waterproofing sealant applied. Sealants that are specifically designed for chimney masonry keep water from seeping through the masonry, but still allow vapors to escape.
Excess air coming down the chimney
Burning wood creates creosote, a combustible deposit that has a strong odor. And even a properly and regularly swept chimney will have some creosote residue that’s been absorbed into the masonry. In a chimney that’s drafting properly, air is pulled up and out, the creosote odors with it. But if air is being pulled down the chimney because of a wind-related downdraft or negative air pressure, that air and those odors are directed right into your home. Depending on what’s causing air to flow down your chimney, technicians can recommend several different solutions, including installing a top-sealing damper that tightly closes off the top of the flue, or adding a glass fire screen that keeps chimney air contained.
Animals
A flue that isn’t topped with a chimney cap can allow animals to nest, roost or fall into the chimney. Even if they just nest and leave, they’ll bring along debris, unwanted odors and bugs, and likely build a nest that blocks the flue. Even worse, young animals that fall into your chimney can get stuck and die. Some animals can be removed from your chimney; others, like federally protected chimney swifts, can’t be — you’ll have to wait for them to migrate. If you hear or smell animals in your chimney, chimney professionals can help clean up the damage they’ve done, and install a chimney cap that will keep unwanted visitors out in the future.
Trust your senses: If you’re noticing a bad smell coming from your chimney, it’s very likely a symptom of a problem that needs addressing. Call your chimney professionals — they can help take care of the symptoms and clear up the cause.