Why Does My Fireplace Stink?

At the last rainfall, we had a ton of inquiries. The question everyone was asking, “why does my fireplace stink?” It is distracting when you’re sitting in your common area and you can’t enjoy what you are doing due to the smell. Sometimes it comes in whiffs and other times it is a constant bad odor. What causes the odor and how can you get rid of it?

Gas Fireplace: Why Does My Fireplace Stink?

As we all know, wood burning fireplaces need to be swept and inspected… But so do gas fireplaces. Gas fireplaces can smell too! But it’s different than a wood burning fireplace. The most common smell for the gas fireplace is a musty / dusty smell. What’s that from? Dust and moisture. When the fireplace isn’t used dust gets collected in the fireplace. When it then gets lit, the dust gets burned off and a foul odor is created and consumes the living space. It doesn’t take long for dust to gather. Homeowners need to be cautious when that happens. Getting the fireplace and chimney swept and inspected can help to avoid the smell from happening.

Wood burning Fireplace: Why Does My Fireplace Stink?

Wood burning fireplaces have a different reason for it smelling. Every time that a fire is lit with wood, a byproduct is created. It’s called creosote. It’s a black substance that sticks to the sides of the walls of the chimney flue. When you add the moisture of rain and humidity either separately or together, you get a smell like a campfire, except this one doesn’t smell so good. The other issue with creosote is its flammability. This can be a dangerous byproduct, which is why sweeping is critical.

By having regular chimney sweeping and inspection, our certified chimney technicians help get rid of the smell as well as the dangers of creosote.

How Can Homeowners Minimize the Smell?

Here are three ways that you can minimize the smell in the fireplace and at the same time keep it healthy and safe for your home.

1. Chimney Sweeping and Inspection: Be sure to get a yearly sweep and inspection in order to control the odor from the fireplace. However, if you do use your fireplace often, then twice per year is the way to go to ensure safety and odor control.
2. Install a Damper: Dampers are a great addition to your fireplace system if you do not have one already. This is a great way to control the airflow and keep the odor and smell in the chimney, especially on rainy days and humid conditions.
3. Chimney Cap: A chimney cap works to keep water out of the home, and directs it away from the home. The chimney cap ensures that debris, water and animals stay on the outside and not make their way in the home.

Now that you know the top reasons why does your fireplace smells, it’s time to do something about it. Contact us today and we’ll send out one of our certified chimney technicians to guide you through the process.

This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net

Finding someone who is talented with masonry work is golden. Many times, when our masonry workers go to a home to tuckpoint the brickwork or stonework on a chimney, a customer says, “are you able to fix these bricks on my home?” The answer is ‘yes’ most often! Superior Chimney’s masonry talent goes beyond the chimney.

Of Course, the Chimney

Our team of masonry professionals are highly experienced and are perfectionists at their craft. Being a masonry professional is like an artist. They make it look so easy. That’s how you know they are talented in their craft, and lucky to have them build or repair your chimney. So what do they do?

Chimney Rebuild or Partial Rebuild

Chimney rebuilds are obvious. When you see a chimney that doesn’t look like it can be repaired, chances it can’t. In addition, if it is falling apart, crumbing down or leaning to one side, it will need to be rebuilt.

A partial chimney rebuild is when you notice a couple of the rows of bricks are in bad shape, but the rest of it looks okay, that’s when a partial chimney rebuild needs to be done. Of course, that’s just what the naked eye sees from the ground looking up. But you always need a professional technician to conduct the inspection, take the pictures and tell the story with details. Once that part is done, the masonry professional comes in to build or partially fix the chimney.

Tuckpointing

Tuckpointing looks easy, and you can purchase the tools that they use at any hardware store. But when you need to mix the material, match it to the current color mortar, put it between two bricks and then create the perfect groove that spaces the bricks, many give us a call and say, ‘what a mess’. It can be if you are not a mortar artist like our masonry professionals. Even if it is filling in missing gaps in between the bricks, you still want it to blend together and look as perfect as possible. That’s what they can do.

Beyond the Chimney

There are lots of little projects that homeowners ‘see’ when you start thinking about masonry. You notice missing mortar in the home’s bricks and wonder if they can fix that as well. Or a mailbox stand that’s made from the bricks that match the house. Can they fix that? There are all sorts of things that need to be done and repaired around the house. Collect those projects and when you call us, let us know of them all! We’ll even inspect the exterior chimney to be sure all brick and mortar are in good shape. Contact us today to get your projects started! Superior Chimney’s masonry talent goes beyond the chimney!

This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net

As spring has arrived and homeowners across the region plan their exterior renovation projects, it’s crucial to consider the proper sequence of these improvements. While new roofing, fresh siding, and solar panel installation might be the visible transformations you’re eager to see, starting with your chimney and masonry work offers significant advantages that can save you time, money, and headaches down the road.

The Foundation of Your Home’s Exterior System

Your chimney isn’t just a standalone structure—it’s an integral part of your home’s exterior system that interfaces with multiple other components. Here’s why addressing chimney issues should be your first priority:

Protect Your Roofing Investment

Did you know that many roofing warranties include specific clauses about foot traffic and adjacent structures? It’s true—some roof warranties can actually be voided if anyone walks on them after installation or if connected structures (like chimneys) cause damage due to deferred maintenance.

By repairing and maintaining your chimney before installing a new roof, you:

• Prevent potential warranty issues
• Avoid damage to new roofing materials
• Ensure proper flashing and waterproofing where the chimney and roof meet
• Eliminate the need for roofers to work around deteriorating masonry

Maximize Siding Performance

When planning new siding installation, your chimney’s condition matters more than you might think:

• Masonry repairs often require access to areas that will soon be covered by siding
• Water damage from a compromised chimney can eventually affect your siding
• Proper counter-flashing and weatherproofing between masonry and siding is essential
• Addressing these connections during chimney repairs ensures a watertight exterior system

Solar Panel Considerations

The growing popularity of solar installations makes chimney maintenance even more critical:

• Solar panels are typically installed with 25+ year expected lifespans
• Access to your chimney becomes significantly more complicated once panels are in place
• Shadow casting from your chimney can affect solar panel placement and efficiency
• Completing masonry repairs first ensure you won’t need to remove costly solar infrastructure temporarily

Beyond Sequencing: Complementary Improvements

Tackling your chimney work first doesn’t just protect your other investments—it can enhance them:

Energy Efficiency: Properly sealed masonry, together with new siding and roofing, maximizes your home’s thermal envelope.

Aesthetic Coordination: Planning masonry repairs early allows you to coordinate brick or stone restoration with new siding and roofing colors.

Comprehensive Waterproofing: A systematic approach to exterior renovations minimizes water entry points between different systems.

The Professional Approach

At Best Chimney, we specialize in coordinating with other contractors to ensure your chimney and masonry work integrates seamlessly with your overall renovation plans. Our experienced team can:

• Conduct thorough inspections before other work begins
• Document existing conditions to protect you and other contractors
• Provide timelines that align with your roofing, siding, or solar installation schedule
• Offer expert advice on material compatibility and aesthetic considerations

Spring Into Action

As renovation season heats up, our schedule fills quickly. Contact us today for a comprehensive chimney inspection and consultation on how masonry repairs can be the foundation of your home improvement project.

Don’t wait until other contractors are on site to discover chimney issues that could complicate your renovation. Remember—beautiful new siding, a pristine roof, or cutting-edge solar panels can all be compromised by neglected masonry work around it.

Please get in touch with us by calling 781-893-6611 or schedule here now!

The post Chimney First: Why Your Masonry Work Should Lead Your Home Renovation Timeline appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Is your fireplace looking outdated or underwhelming? Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy, modern centerpiece or just want to make your living space more inviting, a fireplace upgrade can transform the look and feel of your home. But where do you begin?

If you’re unsure how to approach a fireplace remodel or don’t know what your options are, you’re not alone. Many homeowners are eager to enhance their fireplace but don’t realize how important it is to hire a trusted, certified professional.

That’s where Southern Chimneys, LLC comes in.

Why Upgrade Your Fireplace?

A beautiful, functional fireplace does more than heat your home — it adds value, enhances ambiance, and becomes a focal point for family gatherings. Whether you’re considering a simple aesthetic upgrade or a full chimney and fireplace renovation, Spring is the perfect season to start planning.

The First Step: Hire a CSIA-Certified Chimney Company

Before choosing tiles or selecting a mantel, make sure the structure behind your fireplace is safe and sound. That’s why it’s crucial to hire a CSIA-certified chimney company like Southern Chimneys, LLC.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certification ensures that your technician is trained in chimney inspection, cleaning, and repair/renovation best practices — protecting your home from hazards like creosote buildup, chimney fires, and poor ventilation.

What Southern Chimneys, LLC Can Do for You

At Southern Chimneys, LLC, we specialize in helping homeowners like you upgrade and remodel fireplaces with confidence. Our services include:

• Comprehensive chimney inspections, including camera scoping of chimney
• Fireplace and chimney cleaning and repair
• Custom fireplace upgrades
• Installation of gas logs, gas or woodburning inserts, full system replacements
• Ensuring full safety compliance and efficiency

Whether you want to refresh your existing setup or design something entirely new, our CSIA-certified team will guide you through every step of the process.

Don’t Wait Until Fall — Start Your Fireplace Project Today

Spring and summer are the best times to plan a fireplace remodel or chimney maintenance. You’ll avoid the busy season, have plenty of time for design decisions, and ensure everything is ready before colder weather returns.

If you’re ready to elevate your fireplace but don’t know where to start, start with Southern Chimneys, LLC — your local, CSIA-certified experts.

Contact us today at 678.744.4046 to schedule your consultation and discover how we can bring your fireplace vision to life.

The post Want to Upgrade Your Fireplace but Don’t Know Where to Start? Here’s Your Guide first appeared on Southern Chimneys.

This post first appeared on https://southernchimneys.com

Many of us are ready to pack away our snow boots and winter coats. Fear not, spring is just around the corner. It’s the best time of year to prepare for the fun of the summer ahead. 

Now is the best time to spring clean your chimney as well. Once your burning season has ended it is advised to clean up the waste and creosote from the fires you burned this winter.

Now that the snow is melting and we can get around the yard, take a look at your chimney. Inspect the exterior for missing bricks or masonry that is damaged.

Professional chimney companies such as Northeastern Chimney suggest that you have an annual chimney sweep and inspection to keep your chimney in good shape.

What to Expect?

Chimney Sweep: We will clean out any debris, soot, creosote, and blockage that we find.

Chimney Inspection: There are different levels of inspection. Give us a call for further details and choose what is best for you.

Here are some things that you can do this spring before your appointment.

My Spring-Cleaning Check List:

• Clean out the firebox. Use the spent wood and ash rather than throwing it in the trash. Be sure that the coals are completely cold. Use a metal bucket to take it out of the house. Your garden will love if you put the ash in your garden or your compost pile. It will help to neutralize soil acidity, improve the soil, fertilize plants, and boost compost. Wood ash is also a deterrent for bugs in your garden. If you have issues with slugs or ants, put a circle of ash around your plant. You will find that the troublemakers will avoid the area.
• Clean your glass doors. Now is a good time to do some good scrubbing on your glass doors. Use a mixture of equal parts of vinegar and water. It will get right down to the grime.
• Accessories need a cleaning as well. Use the same vinegar and water solution to scrub your grates and fireplace accessories.
• Clean out loose creosote from the firebox. You will find that this will accumulate over the burning season. 
• Examine the chimney. Take a walk around the house. Look for missing bricks or identify cracks. Look for any damage to the chimney cap, crown, or flashing.
• Call Northeastern Chimney today for your annual sweep and inspection.

The spring is a great time to have your chimney cleaned. Our company has available bookings. We don’t suggest waiting until the fall when we start to get busy. This will also give you a chance to take care of any issues that are identified. 

Professionals suggest that an annual chimney sweep and inspection be conducted. When a problem arises, the best plan is to tackle it as soon as possible. This will cost you much less than if you let the damage to the fireplace and bricks go on too long.

Schedule your inspection or cleaning soon by calling Northeastern Chimney. We service all of Hartford, Tolland, and Litchfield Counties. All our chimney technicians are trained and qualified. We are active in the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG). 

The post Chimney Spring Cleaning Checklist appeared first on .

This post first appeared on https://www.mychimney.com

For homeowners who value safety and efficiency, proper chimney maintenance isn’t just a seasonal concern; it’s a year-round commitment to protecting your investment.

At Best Chimney, our commitment to excellence in chimney and masonry services remains steadfast throughout the year. With warmer weather making outdoor work more accessible, now is the perfect moment to schedule the professional attention your chimney deserves.

Spring is the ideal time for renewal—not just in your garden, but also for your hearth and property. Whether it’s sweeping, repairs, redesigning, or venting inspections, we’ve got you covered.

Our experienced technicians can identify and resolve issues before they become costly emergencies, giving you peace of mind all year round. Ready to learn how to keep your chimney in top condition this season? Let’s explore some essential spring maintenance tips that every homeowner should know:

Spring Maintenance Tips for a Safe & Efficient Chimney

1. Schedule a Post-Winter Sweeping

   After heavy winter use, your chimney is likely to have a buildup of soot and creosote. A professional sweeping improves safety, enhances airflow, and boosts energy efficiency.

2. Inspect Your Chimney Cap

   Winter storms can cause wear and tear. A solid chimney cap keeps out water, debris, and animals—protecting your chimney year-round.

3. Check for Masonry Damage

   Freezing and thawing cycles can cause significant damage to brickwork. Look for cracks, gaps, or loose mortar. Early repairs prevent more costly damage down the line.

 Expert Masonry Services to Restore and Refresh

• Tuckpointing & Repointing

  Replacing deteriorating mortar between bricks restores the brick’s strength and improves its appearance.

• Rebuilding Chimney Crowns or Structures

  Severe damage may call for a partial or complete rebuild. We ensure your chimney is safe, sound, and beautiful.

• Outdoor Projects

  From brick stairs to retaining walls and even walkways, we can help extend your home’s charm outdoors.

 Commercial Chimney & Venting Services

We proudly serve commercial buildings, condominiums, and multi-unit properties with expert chimney and venting solutions:

• Building Chimney Stack Inspections

  We inspect the structural integrity of large-scale chimney stacks and venting systems, ensuring your building meets safety and code requirements.

• Masonry Repairs & Rebuilding

  Whether it’s repointing damaged bricks or rebuilding stacks, we provide expert craftsmanship and long-lasting results.

• Venting Replacement & Upgrades

  Boiler flue system updates – we replace outdated or deteriorated venting with code-compliant, efficient alternatives.

Need a trusted partner for annual inspections or upcoming repairs? Let’s talk—we specialize in keeping your building operational and compliant with all relevant codes.

Design Your Dream Hearth – Interior Upgrades

• Hearth Redesign & Refacing

  Update your fireplace with new stone, tile, or brick for a modern or classic touch.

• Custom Fireplace Makeovers

  We create beautiful, functional hearths that match your style and elevate your living space.

 Spring Specials – Limited Time Offers

• 10% Off Chimney Inspections

  Book your inspection by April 15th and receive a 10% discount on our comprehensive safety and performance evaluation.

• FREE Masonry Consultation

  Schedule a complimentary walkthrough and get expert insights plus a no-obligation quote for your spring project.

Thank you for choosing Best Chimney. Whether you’re a homeowner or a property manager, we’re here to help you stay compliant, stylish, and ready for the season.

The post Spring Into Action: Refresh, Rebuild, and Revive Your Property This Season! appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Homeowners don’t think regularly about chimneys, and why would you. It’s high up on the house, it never complains and its always there when you need it. As we know everything ages with time, and so does the chimney… especially when water is around. Let’s take a look at what water damage on the structure […]

The post How to Prevent and Repair Water Damage on the Chimney appeared first on Chimney Repairs and Service Expertise.

This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net

We look forward to the time of year when the consistent cold temperatures move on and Spring begins to show itself with the early signs of green and tulips peeking through the ground. However, Spring is also the time of year that causes homeowners to find areas of the home that need repair, especially the […]

The post Temperature Changes Causes Our Chimney’s to Feel Sick appeared first on Chimney Repairs and Service Expertise.

This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net

Spring chimney maintenance is essential for a healthy home! Spring in Atlanta brings a refreshing change of pace, but it can also introduce a few unwelcome challenges for your fireplace and chimney. After a long winter of heavy use, your chimney might be dealing with issues that, if left unchecked, could lead to more serious problems down the road. Here are some common springtime problems and how Southern Chimneys, LLC can help you can tackle them without breaking the bank.

1. Unpleasant Odors (Stinky Chimneys):

• Creosote and Soot Build-up: After a long winter of use, creosote and soot can accumulate in the chimney. As the weather warms and moisture levels rise, these deposits can start to emit unpleasant smells.
• Moisture and Mold: The increased humidity in spring, especially in Georgia, can lead to condensation inside the chimney, encouraging mold and bacteria growth, which may contribute to musty or stale odors.

2. Birds Nesting:

• Nesting Material and Blockages: Birds, such as chimney swifts, swallows, and starlings are attracted to the warm, sheltered space inside chimneys during the spring. Their nesting materials can block the flue, reducing the efficiency of your fireplace and potentially creating a fire hazard.
• Droppings and Residue: Accumulated bird droppings not only cause odor issues but can also be corrosive, damaging the chimney lining over time.

3. Water Leak Issues:

• Seasonal Rain and Humidity: Atlanta’s Spring showers can exacerbate any existing cracks or gaps in the chimney structure.
• Damaged Flashing, Chimney Caps or Chase Covers: If the flashing around the chimney or the chimney cap or chase cover is compromised from winter weather, water can seep in, leading to damage in the masonry or even affecting the interior structure of the home.
• Chimney Crown Cracks: Cracks in the crown (the top part of the chimney) allow water to penetrate, which can cause further deterioration of the mortar and bricks.

Additional Considerations:

• Debris Accumulation: With the trees in full bloom, leaves and other debris can accumulate around the chimney, potentially clogging vents or exacerbating moisture issues.
• Maintenance Timing: Spring is an ideal time for a thorough inspection and maintenance to address these issues before they become more serious problems during warmer months.

Your Cost-Effective Solution: Southern Chimneys, LLC
When these springtime challenges arise, don’t wait until a minor issue turns into a major repair. Southern Chimneys, LLC offers expert inspection, cleaning, and repair services that address these common issues head-on. Our certified and experienced team understands the unique challenges of Atlanta’s climate and can provide a cost-effective solution tailored to your home’s needs.

Whether you’re dealing with stinky chimneys, blocked flues from nesting birds, or water leakage, Southern Chimneys, LLC is the best partner to ensure your fireplace is safe, efficient, and ready for another season of use. Reach out today and discover how easy it can be to protect your home and enhance your comfort all year long.

The post Spring Chimney Maintenance in Atlanta: How to Prevent Common Issues and Keep Your Home Safe first appeared on Southern Chimneys.

This post first appeared on https://southernchimneys.com

As we begin to enjoy a few days of warmer temperatures, customers have been asking what is the difference between a chimney flue and furnace flue. “Do I need to have both checked?” That’s a great question and before we answer, it may be best to explain what the difference is first. Know for now […]

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This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net