If you’ve noticed that your chimney is a bit more odiferous than usual, there are several sources. Fortunately, there are several simple solutions to the problem, making it easier to get your home coming up roses once again. Here’s a quick look at how to eliminate common chimney odors in your Indianapolis home.
Common Chimney Odors and How to Eliminate Them
Excessive Soot and Creosote
Soot and creosote should be cleaned out of your chimney at least once a year with regular use, but burning green wood or softwoods, such as pine and cedar, in your fireplace or woodstove can cause it to build up more frequently. A good cleaning will fix the issue by removing the source of the fireplace smell from your Indianapolis home.
Chimney Leaks
If you’ve got damage to your chimney that has remained unrepaired, it can cause water to leak into the exterior of your chimney, causing musty odors. Other sources can include the cap, crown, or flashing. In any circumstance, this should be addressed before more damage takes place that can require your entire chimney to be rebuilt.
Debris
If you don’t have a cap on your chimney or the cap has sustained damage, leaves and twigs can fall on top of your flue and begin to rot, making a terrible smell. Fortunately, it’s an easy fix, with a good cleaning and repairs taking care of the issue in most cases. A good chimney cap can make a big difference in many situations.
Small Animals
Though everyone hates to see this, sometimes creatures such as birds, squirrels, and other small animals can get into a chimney that doesn’t have a cap with screening at the top. A thorough cleaning and replacement or repair of the chimney cap will get rid of the odor, but if it remains, place an open box of baking soda on the grate until it dissipates.
Chimney odors are not any fun, and they can often be a symptom of additional problems your chimney is facing. By taking the time to diagnose the issue and resolving the deeper problem behind it, you can ensure that you’ll get great performance from the chimney in your Indianapolis home without the fireplace smell. If you need help, why not contact Clean Sweep 317 for assistance?