Reasons Your Chimney Smells

Does your chimney or fireplace have a foul odor? Does it only smell when it rains or in the hot and humid summer? A smelly chimney can be a nuisance and a sign of a more severe or hazardous problem. Here are five common reasons why your chimney might smell bad:

Creosote Buildup

Creosote is a sticky, flammable substance that forms when burning wood and, to some extent, gas. It can build up in your flue, obstruct the airflow, and even catch fire. Therefore, it’s essential to have your chimney cleaned and inspected regularly.

Rotting Organic Matter

If leaves, twigs, or other organic matter get into your chimney, they rot and create a foul odor without regular sweeping. This is especially common in the fall and winter when leaves and twigs are more likely to blow into the chimney. It can also cause a dangerous flue obstruction. Did you check your chimney cap lately?

Dead Animals

Badgers, bats, chipmunks, and even porcupines are commonly found inside chimneys in Racine, WI, and throughout southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Unfortunately, many die trying to get out of the chimney. As the wildlife decomposes, it will create a strong foul odor that can stink up your entire house.

Mold Or Mildew Growth

Moisture and oxygen create the perfect conditions for mold and mildew growth, a common reason for musty odors in chimneys. Not only can these organisms spread throughout your air ducts, but they can also harm your walls and ceiling and cause health issues.

Negative Air Pressure

Airflow problems inside your home are another reason your chimney smells bad. Negative air pressure creates a vacuum that pulls in stale air from other parts of your home, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and basement. It can also bring all sorts of unpleasant odors with it.

How to prevent your chimney from smelling bad:

• Have a professional sweep inspect and clean your chimney annually.
• Burn dry, seasoned wood.
• Use a chimney cap or chase cover to keep leaves, twigs, and other debris out of the flue.
• Repair water leaks immediately.
• Install an air purifier in your home to help remove odors.
• Balancing the air pressure can also reduce foul odors in your home.

We Clean Smelly Chimneys

Do you smell something foul coming from your fireplace or chimney? Please don’t ignore it! A persistent unpleasant smell could indicate a serious problem, such as flammable creosote buildup, a flue obstruction, small animals, or a water leak.

Call Burlington Fireplace today at 262-763-3522 to schedule a chimney inspection and cleaning. Or contact us online for a free estimate.Our team of experienced chimney experts will quickly identify and address the root cause of the odor so that you can enjoy a fresh and clean home again.

We serve customers throughout southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, including Union Grove, WI; Sturtevant, WI; Des Plaines, IL; and Rockford, IL.