What Is That Horrible Smell?

A night spent by the fire can quickly take a nosedive when less than desirable odors start emanating from your fireplace and chimney. And the cross-breeze on a summer evening can go from honeysuckle to “help!” in minutes if the draft brings with it putrid chimney odors. But chimney odors aren’t just unpleasant and inconvenient – they are also symptoms of safety and efficiency issues. That’s why it’s imperative that you have the odor professionally investigated and not simply masked. Although odors can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint, a Magic Broom professional will have the experience and diagnostics skills to locate the source of the odor and rid your home of the danger and the smell associated with it.

There are a number of smells that can be attributed to the chimney system, many involving one or more of the following:

Creosote buildup – Creosote is a highly-combustible buildup that is the product of incomplete fuel-burning. Although creosote is initially relatively easy to remove, over time it accumulates and hardens as a thick and smelly tar. In addition to being a dangerous fire hazard, excessive and uncontrolled creosote produces an unpleasant smell (especially during the heat of the summer months) and can be a sign of inefficient burning. To protect your family from fire and to rid your home of creosote and its odor, contact a Magic Broom professional and have your chimney thoroughly cleaned today!
Animal infestation – Animals love the comfort, warmth, and safety that your chimney provides. That’s why cap-less chimneys often find themselves housing animal families. As these animals nest, they bring with them a bouquet of odors that can be attributed to nesting materials, waste products, and food. Unfortunately, animals often end up dying in the chimney, which can lead to the production of even more offensive odors as the animals decay. Not only are animals a threat to the air supply, they can also cause obstructions in the flue, leading to chimney fires and inefficiency. To find out if you’re housing animals in your chimney, contact Magic Broom. We will be able to locate and address your animal problem (should you have one), and help you protect your chimney from future inhabitants.
Mold/Water Damage – When moisture penetrates your chimney system (especially when paired with nesting materials and leaves), it can lead to mold production within your chimney. The damp odor may initially go unnoticed, but as the mold grows, the smell can become unbearable and can cause some serious health problems. To locate the source of moisture in your chimney system and rid your home of mold, contact Magic Broom today!

Whatever your chimney odor problem, we can help! Call Magic Broom today at 301-843-1491.

After you make plans to get your odor issues resolved, learn what kind of fireplace you have. We’ve got the info you need!