As the weather is starting to heat back up, you have been noticing a strong odor coming from your chimney. The source of the stench could be an excessive amount of creosote, mold, mildew, or even animal or bird droppings. The best way to get rid of that unpleasant odor is to schedule an appointment with Ace Chimney Sweeps. Our Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified sweeps will work hard to locate and remove the source of the stench. We would like to tell you more about chimney odors.
CREOSOTE
If you are noticing an unpleasant odor that smells like asphalt or burned barbecue, your chimney most likely contains large amounts of creosote deposits. Since moisture and high humidity can aggravate the smell of creosote, the stench can get even worse as the summer goes on. Creosote is formed naturally during the combustion process and sticks to the chimney’s inner walls. It can accumulate into sizable deposits that can be problematic. Not only is creosote smelly, but it is also highly flammable. According to the CSIA, creosote is a leading cause of chimney fires, which is why you need to have your chimney professionally swept annually. You can trust Ace Chimney Sweeps to remove all the creosote from your chimney.
MILDEW OR MOLD
If you have a water leak in your chimney, the stinky smell you are noticing could possibly be mildew or even mold. When the smoke chamber of your chimney has standing water present, there is a likelihood of mildew and mold growth inside the flue. When Ace Chimney Sweeps inspects your chimney, we will look for mildew and mold, and we can use specialized tools and cleaning solutions to remove any growth. We can also help you with your chimney leak problem by repairing any masonry damage. We can also talk to you about the best water leak preventative methods we offer, such as our professional chimney cap installation services.
ANIMAL DROPPINGS
Unfortunately, birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other wild animals choose chimneys as nesting spots. These animals can cause certain odors, and in worse case scenarios, an animal or bird can become trapped and die inside the flue. The best way to avoid this is to install a chimney cap. Ace Chimney Sweeps can show you the best caps to keep birds and animals out of your home and then install your choice for you.
Don’t let a stinky chimney ruin your summer! Contact us today at Ace Chimney Sweeps to schedule an appointment for your annual chimney sweeping and inspection.