What’s that Smell? Fireplace Odor Causes and Solutions

The smell of a burning fire is a welcomed scent on a cold New England night. But after using your hearth all winter, the hot, steamy days of summer can cause your fireplace to really stink. The CCP-certified professionals at Admiralty Chimney explain the cause of these foul odors and how to manage them.

Why does my fireplace smell?

One of the primary reasons your fireplace reeks in hot weather is from a combination of moisture and creosote (a tar-like byproduct of wood burning) that has saturated your chimney during heavy winter use. Creosote absorbs into the porous masonry construction inside your chimney, creating fireplace smells beyond the masonry’s surface. When warm, humid outside air enters the flue, it reacts with the acidity of the creosote. The result is a stench that can infiltrate your entire home.

Animal nests, trapped critters, built-up leaves and debris, and water within your chimney can also cause an unpleasant smell. And like creosote, these odors will intensify with summer’s heavy rains and high humidity levels.

What can I do to get rid of the smell?

Because there are a number of reasons why your system has an odor, start by scheduling a professional chimney inspection to determine the underlying cause or causes of the smell. After a thorough assessment your technician will devise a plan to eradicate those odors. When your fireplace isn’t in use, close the glass doors and damper to minimize the smell from seeping into your living space. You can manage future odors by performing regular chimney care including:

• Repairing your masonry. All masonry chimneys are porous, allowing water to penetrate the surface. Professional masonry repair will fix cracks, leaks, and mortar damage, eliminating the number of entry spots for water to creep in.

• Waterproofing your chimney. One of the most effective ways to put a barrier between moisture and your masonry is to have it professionally waterproofed. When applied correctly, the waterproof barrier will be effective for 10 years.

• Scheduling professional cleanings and inspections. We recommend annual chimney cleanings and inspections to check for damage and deposits. If you use your chimney frequently, it may need to be cleaned more often, as excessive creosote buildup can lead to a chimney fire.

• Removing ashes at the end of the season. You don’t have to remove ashes after every fire, but do need to shovel them out at the end of the season. Be sure to use a non-flammable container to dispose of the ashes.

• Installing a chimney cap. Caps are an essential tool for your chimney. They keep moisture at bay and prevent drafts and odors from finding their way down your chimney. Chimney caps also prevent critters from turning your chimney into their nesting spot (and possibly their final resting place).

Chimney Cleaning, Inspection, Service, and Repair in NH and MA

Summer is a great time to schedule your annual chimney cleaning and safety inspection. We’ll clean and assess the condition of your system so you can be ready for the cool days of fall. Contact us today for your appointment.

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5 Summertime Chimney Myths

Did you know there are several myths about fireplaces and chimneys that have been passed from homeowner to homeowner? We’ve heard many of these tales over our years of service. Here are five misconceptions about chimney ownership and summer maintenance that you should know:

Myth #1 - I didn’t use my fireplace this winter so I don’t need a cleaning and inspection this summer.

Even if you haven’t used your fireplace, it’s still important to have your chimney system inspected and serviced before you burn another fire. Cracks could have formed in the masonry, causing structural damage; moisture inside your chimney system could have created a number of issues; and animal nests could be inside your flue, creating dangerous blockages.

Myth #2 - Now that my fireplace is closed up for the season, I can forget about it until next fall.

While your fireplace might be taking a much-needed break after a busy burning season, the critters in your yard are very busy and on the prowl, looking for a place to shelter. A chimney without a cap is like hanging a “vacancy” sign to birds, racoons, and even squirrels to hunker down and build nests inside your chimney.

Myth #3 - Cleaning my chimney at the end of winter prevents bad smells.

The wet, humid air of summer that comes down your chimney brings with it odors from excess moisture, residual creosote trapped in porous bricks and mortar, animal remains, or outside debris. While a chimney cleaning is the best method to remove odor-causing debris and soot, there are other processes to help prevent that campy fireplace smell, such as waterproofing, replacing your damper, or installing a glass door.

Myth #4 - Leaving the damper open cools my home.

An open damper actually delivers hot outside air straight down your chimney and into your room, forcing your air conditioner to work harder to compensate for the constantly flow of warm air. This in turn leaves you with an overworked cooling system and higher utility bills.

Pro Tip: Even closed dampers can create drafts. If your damper has been damaged by water, animals, or has lost its seal due to age, it may be time for a replacement. Contact our CCP-certified chimney specialists to learn the benefits of a new damper.

Myth #5 - Metal liners don’t require cleaning.

While metal liners require less maintenance, they still need periodic cleaning. Creosote and other corrosive combustion gases can accumulate and cause blockages, regardless of its composition. Also, many liner warranties can be voided without annual chimney inspections.

Chimney Cleaning, Inspection, Service, and Repair in NH and MA

Whether we’re performing an inspection, sweeping a chimney, or installing a cap, the CCP-certified chimney experts can make your chimney system safe and enjoyable to use. Let us help you with your chimney needs. Contact us today.

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Now is the Time to Repair Your Chimney Masonry

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…for masonry repair. Warm spring and summer days allow mortar to properly cure. So if you are in need of chimney repairs, now is the time to do it! Schedule your work this summer so you’ll have peace of mind knowing your system will be safe and ready to use when those frosty fall evenings begin.

Common Chimney Masonry Problems

Wear and tear on your masonry can compromise your chimney’s structural integrity and performance. Although your chimney is built to withstand year after year of exposure to tough conditions, any number of problems can occur that may require masonry repair or restoration. Here are some of the most common masonry problems:

Cracks

Cracks and crevices in your masonry can occur from moisture penetrating the masonry or from the shifting and settling of your chimney. This can cause leaks that not only infiltrate your chimney and fireplace, but also your attic and ceiling, causing costly damage.

Spalling

When bricks begin to flake, crumble, or fall from your masonry, it’s called spalling. As water enters the masonry and weakens it through a cycle of freezing and thawing, it loosens the mortar around the brick and pushes the brick out in pieces. Spalling creates gaps in the masonry that compromise your chimney’s structural integrity.

Mold and Algae Growth

Moisture and dirt that are trapped in the masonry create the perfect environment for mold and algae growth. Both thrive on moist conditions with little or no air circulation – such as inside cracks of your chimney’s masonry. A CCP-certified chimney expert can identify if the growth of these contaminants originates from moisture within your masonry.

Staining

Staining is almost always the result of water damage. Water traveling through the masonry is visible from the exterior as a dark stain. If your chimney looks wet, contact us for an inspection, as masonry staining could indicate there is structural water damage within your system.

Prevent Masonry Issues with Annual Inspections

Most masonry issues can be prevented with regularly scheduled appointments with a chimney professional. We recommend cleanings and annual chimney inspections with our chimney technicians to help you monitor and identify any potential problems before they cause serious damage.

Chimney Masonry Repair, Inspections, Cleaning, and Service in NH and MA

If you need masonry repair work done or have questions about your chimney masonry, contact Admiralty Chimney to schedule an appointment. Our CCP-certified chimney team can assist you with all of your chimney masonry needs.

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