The main purpose of your fireplace is to enhance the ambiance of your living space. However, if your chimney produces smelly odors, this could ruin the ambiance of your home. There are a number of reasons why your fireplace is smelly. At Northeastern Masonry and Chimney, our skilled team of experts can help you resolve any issues with chimney odors and restore your fireplace to its former glory.
Why is my chimney smelly?
There are a wide range of reasons for your chimney to emit foul odors. However, the most common reason for a smelly chimney is due to negative air pressure or issues with airflow. Most people spend lots of money and time sealing their homes tightly. This does improve the energy efficiency of your home, but you are also creating a vacuum when sealing you home tightly. This often means that outside air will invade your chimney system and into your home, bringing chimney odors with it.
Solutions for a smelly chimney
There are a number of ways to resolve chimney odors caused by air flow issues. The first thing is to crack open a window to relieve the negative air pressure in your home. However, you should also check that your damper is closed and working properly. If your damper is working properly and your chimney still stinks, your damper is likely sealing improperly. If this is the problem, call our certified chimney technicians to come and install a new top-sealing damper for your chimney. A top sealing damper will prevent air from being pulled in through the chimney.
Another reason for chimney odor is moisture intrusion. When water enters or condenses inside your fireplace, it often brings musty odors with it. Moisture is the root cause of lots of chimney and fireplace issues. This happens when moisture prevention mechanisms such as a chimney cap, a chimney crown, or flashing, fail to work. If you notice that there is moisture coming in through your chimney, our certified chimney experts can help you diagnose the problem and resolve the issue right away.
We are here to help!
Most issues with chimney odors can be avoided by scheduling an annual chimney inspection with our CSIA certified technicians. Don’t let your smelly chimney ruin your home’s ambiance! Call Northeastern Masonry & Chimney at (518) 767-9315 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today!