Most people are not thinking about their fireplace and chimney in the spring and summertime. But if you notice an odor coming from your fireplace when it’s warm outside, then you certainly are. It’s actually a common problem but still something you should get fixed ASAP. This is partly for the sake of your guests, but also because your annoying fireplace odor could actually be dangerous.
What’s That Smell?
We cannot say for sure without taking a look, but we’re willing to guess you’ve got one of the following problems.
- Creosote Buildup – This problem can be dangerous, as creosote can lead to a chimney fire that spreads to your home. It’s a byproduct of the combustion process, and it may smell like tar, or even like someone’s having a barbecue.
- Water Trouble – Water in the chimney can leave behind a musty, mildew odor. Or, leaves and other debris can rot in the chimney as it dampens.
- Critter Problems – Animal scat could give off a smell or, unfortunately, there’s a possibility that you have a dead animal in there.
Get Your Chimney Cleaned Today
We recommend scheduling chimney cleaning in the summer—and not waiting until fall. The smell won’t just go away on its own, and it’s something you really don’t want to deal with. Moreover, the problem can turn into a major safety issue.
Having excess debris in your chimney just increases the chance of a fire. You don’t want to wait to clean your chimney until winter, and forget before lighting that first fire in the fireplace. A major chimney fire can spread to the outside of a home, and the presence of creosote makes this more and more likely.
Besides, an inspection and cleaning gives you peace of mind now so that you don’t have to worry in the winter.
Call 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. for chimney repair and maintenance in St. Paul, MN. Get your chimney cleaned today!