As the weather gets warmer, the less likely you are to think about your chimney and fireplace. However, summer’s heat and humidity can cause unpleasant odors to invade your home through the hearth! Over the almost three decades that All Seasons Chimney has been in business in the Hudson Valley, we know exactly what inside your chimney could be the reason behind those bad smells. We would like to tell you a bit more about the sources of chimney odors. Also, how we can keep these things from stinking up your home this summer.
CREOSOTE
Do you have a wood-burning fireplace and use it regularly? If so, you most likely have quite a bit of creosote accumulated on your inner chimney walls. Creosote is a natural compound. It forms during the condensation that occurs when smoke, gases, and the other byproducts of combustion exit the chimney. This residue is so highly flammable that the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) names it as a leading cause of chimney fires!
Another one of the bad qualities of creosote? It has a strong and unpleasant odor, and the humidity of summer can make that scent even stronger. All Seasons Chimney recommends that you schedule your annual chimney sweeping with us in the spring or early summer. Our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps will remove every bit of creosote. Not to only make your chimney safe from fire hazards, but also to keep it from causing a smelly chimney.
WATER LEAKS
Do you have water standing anywhere in your fireplace or chimney? You will probably be able to tell by the musty odor it can cause. All Seasons Chimney specializes in preventing leaky chimneys. We do this with our chimney cap and flashing installation services, as well as with our waterproofing treatments. If you have a smelly and leaky chimney, we can diagnose the source of the leak and make all of the necessary repair and prevention work!
BIRDS AND WILD ANIMALS
Often, these creatures can mistake chimneys for trees and get inside to build nests, and unfortunately, sometimes one can get stuck inside and pass away. This could be considered an emergency stinky situation, but you can prevent this from happening by keeping birds, squirrels, and raccoons out with installing a chimney cap on top of your chimney. We can show you the best caps for this purpose and them professionally install it to best protect your chimney.
Keep your home smelling sweet this summer. Contact us at All Seasons Chimney to schedule an appointment for your annual professional chimney maintenance services today!