Freshly cut grass, garden flowers blooming, sizzling barbecues, suntan lotion… All of these things have distinct smells associated with them that scream summer, and after going through a long, cold winter, they are always more than welcome!
On this same note, summer-related odors aren’t always pleasant. If you’ve recently walked into your living room only to notice a distinct, foul odor, you may be wondering what’s going on. If you’ve tried deep cleaning, washing the walls, and moving the furniture to uncover the source of the smell, but the odor remains, we’re guessing you’re feeling pretty frustrated.
But did you ever consider that the source of that odor could be your fireplace? This is common in the summertime, and if it is the case, the smells could be more than just a nuisance – it could be a sign that you have a dangerous situation just waiting to happen!
Every summer when the weather gets hotter and more humid, our staff at Owens Chimney Systems gets quite a few calls from our customers complaining about unpleasant chimney-related odors. Fortunately, our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps have years of experience dealing with these smells, so we know how to get rid of them.
Now, a thorough chimney sweeping is an obvious solution, but there may be other things we have to do as well. But before we get into that, let’s talk about what typically causes these odors in the first place.
Creosote
The most likely culprit behind bad chimney smells is creosote buildup. Creosote is a byproduct of smoke that leaves behind a sticky (and flammable) residue that coats the interior of your chimney. If the unpleasant odor in your home smells like fresh asphalt or burned barbecue, creosote is likely the cause.
This smell can carry down the chimney and permeate the room, sinking into the furniture, curtains, carpet, and more. The best way to get rid of this odor is to have your chimney swept to get rid of the creosote that has built up over the years.
To prevent creosote from causing a smelly situation in your home this summer, schedule your annual chimney sweeping and inspection with Owens Chimneys Systems right away. And down the line, book your sweeping early in the spring to have all of the creosote and soot removed from your chimney before the weather gets hot and humid!
Animals
Birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other critters can sometimes use your chimney as a place to make a home and raise a family. This could invite a number of odors brought about by their droppings and their nesting materials. Along with this, if the animals get stuck and pass away, that will cause some terrible smells, too.
The best way to keep this from happening is to prevent any wildlife from being able to get into your chimney in the first place. What do we suggest for this? A well-fitted chimney cap!
Chimney caps not only keep animals out of your chimney, but they also keep out water, downdrafts, and debris as well. This is one necessity you don’t want to skimp on!
Owens Chimney Systems offers custom-made chimney caps ensuring you get the best protection for your chimney, no matter what. And our CSIA-certified chimney technicians will make certain it’s installed correctly so no critters can get in again any time soon.
Water & Moisture
As mentioned above, uncapped chimneys tend to let in a lot of harmful things, and water from rain and melted snow is one of those. If you notice a musty smell coming from your fireplace, it’s likely you have water (or possibly mold or mildew) where it shouldn’t be. Without a chimney cap, leaves can also get into your chimney as well, and when mixed with water, a rotting smell can occur.
And if this water combines with your creosote deposits, that could trigger some foul odors, too.
All in all, there are lots of ways that water can mess with your system, and bad odors are just one of many things you’ll experience if you don’t invest in repairs and preventive maintenance. Talk with our team about your best options moving forward.
We’re Here for Charlotte & its Surrounding Cities!
If you’ve been noticing an odor in your home (and especially in the room with your fireplace), it’s a safe bet that your chimney is the problem. At Owens Chimney Systems, our goal is to make sure your chimney is cleaned out, standing strong, and in the best shape possible, so that you don’t have to deal with bad smells, inefficiency, and any other issues or fire hazards.
So, don’t wait until bad odors take over your whole household. Stop them now by working with our team through it all! We’re licensed, insured, and here to help you out soon. Call now to book your appointment.