Humidity in Your Chimney
The presence of moisture is one of the most typical causes of scents coming from fireplaces and chimneys. In most cases, an excessive amount of moisture may be detected, along with a musty stench coming from the chimney. Moisture may seep in from a variety of sources, and once it does, it can produce a much bigger mess than it would otherwise be simply a little annoyance.
When water and creosote come into contact with one another, a semi-toxic miasma is produced that can seep into homes and spread throughout the building. Moisture can make its way around the chimney itself and leak into the house, where it can eventually cause mold to grow in the rafters and on the walls.
If the chimney cap is broken, precipitation like rain or snow can just fall down into the stack, whereas if the crown is poorly built or undercut, it can allow precipitation to flow in more quietly. The deterioration of the brick and mortar on the outside can lead to cracks, chips, and spalling, all of which make it easier for water to penetrate the structure. Even brick that appears to be in good condition on the surface may still be able to take in water since the passage of time causes it to become more porous. Further up the flashing, the section between the roof and the chimney that helps to seal it might get destroyed over time, enabling the slow trickle of water to enter the space.
If you ignore a moisture smell coming from your chimney, it might lead to a number of problems, including mold growth, water damage, and even the possible collapse of the chimney itself. A moisture smell is frequently an indicator of a greater structural problem with your chimney. Finding out where the moisture is coming from is very important for finding a solution to this problem.
Creosote accumulates quite rapidly.
Not only does burning wood provide heat, but it also produces smoke, and this smoke includes a wide variety of compounds that were formerly locked up within the wood. Creosote is formed when carbon, which is the element that is found in the greatest quantity, is allowed to accumulate on the inside surface of the chimney flue.
It is not uncommon for creosote to accumulate inside a chimney, and when this happens, the chimney may emit a powerful, acrid odor that is comparable to that of asphalt or tar. Even a tiny amount can produce a strong stink, which, depending on the circumstances, can be able to be detected throughout the entire house.
The smell of creosote is typically simply one of the earliest indicators that there is a more serious issue. The accumulation of creosote can place additional strain on your chimney’s flue, which is the component of the construction that acts as a barrier to protect the inside of the chimney. Creosote is a byproduct of burning wood. Because creosote may obstruct and combine to generate an even more harmful compound, it can make existing issues, such as those linked to leaves, animals, and moisture, significantly worse. Creosote can also make problems connected to moisture worse.
A chimney fire can be started by lighting a fire in a chimney that has not been cleaned in a while. Small bits of sparks and embers can drift to the top of the chimney, where the creosote is situated, and easily ignite the very combustible substance.
If you want to avoid difficulties with creosote smell and other issues that are connected to it, you need to make sure that at least once a year your chimney is cleaned out by an expert. If you own a chimney, cleaning it should be something that you do on a reasonably regular basis and it is something that you should never skip.
Better to be safe than sorry. Let the experts handle your chimney troubles like Chimney Cleaning Rescue and repairing. Call Local Chimney Sweep Cleaning today.