With warmer weather in the forecast, your fireplace is probably one of the last things on your mind right now. However, the heat and humidity of summer can cause certain things inside your chimney to release strong and unpleasant odors, which can end up inside your home through the fireplace. 
Ace Chimney Sweeps receives calls from customers complaining about stinky chimneys each summer. With over 20 years of experience dealing with this issue, our Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified chimney sweeps are familiar with the most common sources of chimney odors. To help you diagnose the stinky smells coming from your chimney we’ve compiled some important information to share with you about these sources.
Creosote
When you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove, creosote is a fact of life. A natural compound that forms during the combustion process of burning wood, creosote has a distinct odor that can become very strong during the summer. If you are smelling bad barbecue or asphalt, creosote is the likely odor source.
Not only is creosote stinky, it is also extremely flammable. The CSIA lists creosote as the main cause of chimney fires and recommends that homeowners have their chimneys professionally swept at least once a year to remove creosote deposits and reduce the risk of chimney fires. Having your chimney cleaned in the spring and summer can make your home smell better, and be much safer. Even better, you will have an easier time scheduling a convenient appointment with Ace Chimney Sweeps.
Water Leaks
If you are noticing a musty odor coming from your chimney, you may have a water leak problem. Water from rain, melted ice and snow can easily get into your chimney if you do not have a quality,professionally installed chimney cap. With a chimney cap, any water will run off the sides of the cap instead of dripping into the flue. The chimney experts at Ace Chimney Sweeps can help you pick out the perfect cap and then install it professionally for the best protection from water leaks.
Birds & Animals
Unfortunately, birds, squirrels, bats, raccoons, and other wild animals can get into a chimney and become trapped until they eventually die inside the flue. You can imagine how horrific the smell of a decomposing animal can be in your home. To keep this situation from happening, a chimney cap is again the best solution. Ace Chimney Sweeps can show you caps that are equipped with mesh metal sides that will keep the critters from invading your chimney.
If you need more help diagnosing that stinky smell coming from your chimney, contact us at Ace Chimney Sweeps Inc. We want to keep your home smelling sweet this summer!