As temperatures continue to rise with the soon arrival of Spring, homeowners with a fireplace may start to notice some less than pleasant aromas coming from their appliance. You see, when you run your air conditioning on those warmer days, this can cause air from the chimney to sweep through your household, and these breezes are unfortunately known to stink things up a bit.
So, what causes these bad smells in the first place, and how can they be avoided? Learn more below, then feel free to contact the team here at SirVent Chimney & Venting Service for help in resolving the issue. We’d be happy to help you find the best solutions for your unique needs!
WHY AM I EXPERIENCING BAD ODORS IN THE FIRST PLACE?
One of the biggest causes for bad fireplace smells is creosote. Creosote is a natural byproduct of burning wood in your fireplace, and its bad odor can easily enter your home if it isn’t regularly removed. The accumulation of creosote can be slowed down by burning your fires hot, using only seasoned wood as fuel, and ensuring you have good airflow, but unfortunately, its presence can never be entirely prevented.
Another reason you may be experiencing bad odors is excess moisture in your system. Water throughout your masonry causes rotting, decay, and deterioration, and if it combines with materials that are lodged inside your flue, it’s bound to create an unpleasant musty smell. The sooner you address any water-related issues, the better!
Think animals may have found their way into your system? This is another cause of concern. It’s not uncommon for squirrels or raccoons to get stuck inside your chimney and pass away, and this unfortunate event can obviously produce some pretty foul smells. In other cases, birds and other critters may defecate in your flue, which again sends bad odors floating through your home.
And what could cause any of these smells to be enhanced? Downdrafts. If the air pressure is off throughout your home or chimney, you can bet you’ll get some foul-smelling winds flowing through your living space.
Fortunately, we have resolutions for any issue you may be experiencing, and you can bet that we’ve seen just about everything when it comes to chimneys and fireplaces, so we know exactly how to handle it all. There’s no better time to reach out, so get on the phone with our staff today, and we can discuss your options!
HOW CAN I ELIMINATE UNPLEASANT CHIMNEY SMELLS?
So, we’ve gone over what causes your chimney smells, but how are these issues then best addressed? Well, first things first, a thorough sweeping will make a big difference. Like we said, creosote is one of the main reasons for bad smells from the fireplace, and the sooner we clear it out the better! Not to mention, this highly flammable substance is known to break down your brickwork and mortar, and if it ignites, you’ll have to deal with the aftermath of a chimney fire, which can be costly, dangerous, and time-consuming.
Scheduling this service also gives us the opportunity to clear out any debris, nesting materials, or dead animals that may be producing some foul odors.
All in all, sweeping is never a bad idea, and we urge our customers to invest in them on a regular basis to ensure their system stays in good health. The safety of our service area is always a big priority, and we value ultimate satisfaction above it all. Get your sweeping scheduled, so you can experience a stress-free spring and summer ahead!
And if we spot moisture-related issues, we have the tools and training to address those, too. We’ll make certain your chimney cap, flashing, and chimney crown are all in good condition and able to do their job effectively and, should problems be uncovered, we can set you up right with new devices or repair services, so you rest easier as we move into our rainy season.
We can also discuss the possible need for masonry repair services, and you’ll definitely want to get your masonry professionally waterproofed. Our team uses effective products that seal your brickwork, without leaving an unsightly/glossy coating, and they are vapor-permeable, as well, so anything preabsorbed will easily be able to escape over time. This is one investment you won’t regret making.
Finally, we can work together to resolve any issues with downdrafts. A strong and sturdy chimney cap, or even a top-sealing damper, can help prevent harsh winds from swooping through your home, or we can do some inspecting to see if the dimensions of your chimney need to be adjusted. In some cases, opening a window makes all the difference, as this invites some make-up air into the home. Regardless, we would love the opportunity to help you find a solution!
OUR EXPERIENCED CREW IS HERE FOR YOU
The team here at SirVent has many years of experience under our belts, and we work with highly-esteemed organizations like the CSIA, the NFI, and the NCSG to ensure we stay knowledgeable and up-to-date on it all. Ready to learn more about everything we can offer you? Great. Pick up the phone and give us a call now, or reach out to us on our website. We’d love the opportunity to serve you!