Do You Have a Decaying or Smelly Chimney? Northeastern Masonry & Chimney Can Help!

What Causes a Chimney To Smell Bad?

Heavy Creosote Deposits

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

Mold & Mildew Growth 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 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, 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, animals may 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 raccoons. Living animals bring their own issues ranging from smelly waste to parasitic bugs. If young or sick animals can’t get out of your chimney, they often die inside its walls, leaving a big odor and potentially dangerous cleanup job.

These are just a few of the common contributors to a smelly chimney. Northeastern Masonry & Chimney technicians can inspect your system to find your specific cause or causes, clear up any present issues, and offer lasting solutions to prevent them from recurring.

How Can I Tell if the Smell From My Chimney Is Dangerous?

Not all chimney odors are created equal. While some smells are merely unpleasant, others can indicate a potential hazard. Here are a few ways to distinguish between minor issues and more serious concerns:

• Musty or damp odors. This often points to moisture buildup in the chimney. While the smell itself isn’t inherently dangerous, the moisture causing it can lead to decay, mold growth, and structural damage.
• Rotten egg or sulfur smells. This odor may indicate a gas leak – especially if you use a gas fireplace or appliance. Gas leaks are extremely dangerous and require immediate attention from a professional.
• Burnt or smoky smells. These can occur when creosote – a byproduct of burning wood – builds up in the chimney. Excessive creosote is not only a fire hazard but can also release toxic fumes into your home.
• Animal odors. If your chimney smells like a barnyard, birds, squirrels, or other animals have likely nested inside. Decomposing animals or droppings can also create foul odors and health risks.

What Are the Signs of a Decaying Chimney?

More often than not, water is the culprit when chimney masonry begins to decay. If your chimney has decayed to the point where portions are crumbling, there’s little question as to whether your chimney needs significant restoration. But certain signs of water damage can indicate a growing decay problem in earlier stages:

White Stains or Other Discoloration

If you see a white, powdery substance on the outside of your chimney, that’s efflorescence. It’s a hallmark indicator of water issues lurking within your chimney system. As water moves through the structure, minerals are pushed to the surface and develop into deposits as the water evaporates. Other types of discoloration can also point to water intrusion – yellow, green, and brown staining can all come as a result of minerals reacting to moisture. Simply taking a look at your brick and checking for any color change can help you identify problems.

Vegetative Growth

Green growth on your chimney masonry sets a troubling cycle in motion. Moss starts to grow when damaged masonry and excess moisture combine to provide favorable conditions. That moss holds more moisture, creating more damage. Small cracks can also let seeds from other plants get into the masonry and begin to grow, with excess moisture helping those seedlings along, deepening and widening cracks. Before you know it, your chimney’s decay process has rapidly worsened.

Receded or Cracked Masonry Joints or Spalling Bricks

Bricks tend to be stronger than masonry, so you’ll generally see the effects of water in your joints before you see it in the bricks. Cracked or noticeably eroded joints are a major red flag that your chimney is taking on too much water. If bricks are spalling, the problem could be that much worse. Spalling often occurs when cracks allow moisture to get into the brick, and that water then constricts and expands with temperature changes and essentially bursts the brick. Once that occurs, you’ll end up needing bricks replaced and likely portions of your chimney rebuilt as well.

Does Chimney Waterproofing Help Slow Down Decay?

Chimney waterproofing is one of the most effective ways to protect your chimney from decay. Water is a chimney’s worst enemy, and without proper protection, exposure to rain, snow, and ice can lead to significant damage. Waterproofing involves applying a specialized, vapor-permeable sealant to the exterior of the chimney. This barrier prevents moisture from getting into the masonry while allowing trapped water and vapors to escape.

Here’s how waterproofing can limit chimney decay:

• It prevents spalling. Spalling happens when moisture infiltrates brick or stone, causing it to crack and flake as temperatures fluctuate. Waterproofing reduces the risk of this freeze-thaw cycle, preserving the structural integrity of your chimney.
• It protects the mortar joints. Mortar is particularly vulnerable to water damage, leading to gaps and weakened masonry. Waterproofing keeps mortar joints intact, minimizing the need for repairs.
• It inhibits mold and mildew growth. By keeping moisture out, waterproofing prevents the damp conditions that encourage mold and mildew, which can lead to odors and health issues.
• It extends the life of your chimney. Regularly waterproofing your chimney ensures it remains resilient against the elements, reducing the likelihood of costly repairs and replacements.

For older or already compromised chimneys, waterproofing can serve as a preventative measure to slow down further decay. However, if your chimney is already showing signs of significant damage, additional repairs or restoration may be necessary before waterproofing can be applied.

Protect Your Chimney With Northeastern Masonry & Chimney

Unpleasant smells and chimney decay can disrupt your home’s comfort and safety, but these issues don’t have to become major problems. With professional care and preventative measures like waterproofing, your chimney can remain in excellent condition for a long time. Northeastern Masonry & Chimney specializes in diagnosing and resolving chimney issues, from eliminating foul odors to restoring decaying masonry. Our team of certified chimney technicians is committed to providing thorough, high-quality services that protect your home and keep your chimney functioning at its best. Contact us today to schedule an inspection at 518-767-9315 or click here.