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Do You Have A Smelly Chimney?

A properly-functioning chimney system that isn’t housing any unwelcome visitors shouldn’t have an unpleasant odor to it — so if there’s something smelly in your chimney, it’s a pretty sure indicator that something’s wrong. That something can be simple or complex, and the best way to uncover the culprit is to have Northeastern Masonry & Chimney technicians inspect the system and look for the presence of some common (or not so common) causes.

Common Contributors To Chimney Odor

Heavy Creosote Deposits
As you use your fireplace, the flue will commonly develop layers of creosote — a highly-combustible deposit and a natural byproduct of wood combustion. When you have your regular chimney sweeping appointment, Northeastern Masonry & Chimney technicians will remove the creosote build-up, to bring your flue back to safer conditions and better overall performance. If you haven’t had your chimney swept in a while, creosote can lead to intense and intensely unpleasant sooty, smoky odors. If you’re noticing a dank and sooty smell, a simple sweeping might clear it up.

Mold And Mildew Development From Water Infiltration
A chimney leak or damaged masonry can lead to water infiltration, and if that’s left uncorrected, moisture will quickly lead to moldy, mildewy odors. Moldy odors, of course, are an indicator of mold growth, and that can be as unsafe as it is unpleasant.

Northeastern Masonry & Chimney technicians can inspect your chimney for water problems, and figure out the cause. If there’s a leak (coming from damaged flashing, a cracked crown or a missing chimney cap, or any other issues), we can suggest and complete repairs. If eroded masonry is allowing water to wick into your chimney, we may be able to help that by applying a specially formulated waterproofing sealant.

Nesting Or Dead Animals In The Chimney
If you don’t have a proper chimney pot or chimney cap, it’s very possible that animals have chosen your chimney as a new home. Since chimneys are high up and protected, they tend to be very welcoming to a variety of birds and mammals, from bats to squirrels. Living animals bring their own issues, from smelly waste to bugs. If young or sick animals can’t get out of your chimney, they often die inside its walls, leaving a big odor and an unpleasant cleanup job.

Northeastern Masonry & Chimney technicians can inspect your chimney for animal issues, clear up any present problems and prevent them from recurring.

These are just a few of the common contributors to a smelly chimney. Our technicians can inspect your system to find your specific cause or causes, and offer lasting solutions.

Are you struggling with a smelly chimney? Give Northeastern Masonry & Chimney a call — our technicians can help! You can also request an appointment by clicking here!

We can help with decaying chimneys which are often caused by water leaks. At Northeastern Masonry & Chimney, we’re standing by to help!