As the summer heat waves roll through Portland and your air conditioning kicks into high gear, you may notice an unpleasant smell wafting from your fireplace. This sour, creosote-like odor like mothballs is a telltale sign that you need summer chimney repair. But what causes this issue, and how can you address it? Let’s dive in.
The Negative Pressure Problem
When your air conditioning system is running hard, it can create a negative pressure situation within your building envelope. This means that the cooler, denser air inside your home is pulled out, and the warmer, lighter air from outside is drawn in to replace it. Unfortunately, this can also cause air to come down your chimney and escape past a leaky damper, bringing with it the unpleasant smell of creosote into your living space.
The Solution: Proper Chimney Cleaning and Damper Repair or Replacement
To combat this issue, the first step is to schedule a proper chimney cleaning and inspection. A certified chimney sweep will remove any built-up creosote and debris, ensuring that your chimney is clean and free of obstructions. They will also assess the condition of your damper, which is the metal plate that seals off your chimney when not in use.
If your damper is damaged, rusted, or not sealing properly, it may need to be repaired or replaced. At Portland Fireplace and Chimney, we recommend considering these three top damper options:
- Seal Tight Damper: The most cost-effective solution, this damper installs on top of the chimney flue tile and seals with a gasket. A stainless steel cable drops down into the firebox, allowing the user to easily open and close the damper.
- Top Locking Damper: A higher quality option, this damper features a stainless steel top and a cast aluminum frame. It seals with a high-temperature red gasket, providing an excellent seal to keep out drafts and odors.
- Lyemance Damper: The premium choice, the Lyemance damper boasts a cast aluminum frame and a silicone rubber seal. Its unique design allows it to be opened and closed with a quarter turn of the handle, making it incredibly user-friendly.
Installing a top-sealing damper is an innovative solution that seals off the top of your chimney, preventing air from escaping and keeping your home free of unwanted odors. We’ve gone in more detail in our youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLaxPZaoNT8
The Importance of a Proper Chimney Cap
In addition to a leaky damper, another common culprit behind summer chimney issues is water intrusion. If your chimney lacks a proper chimney cap, rain and moisture can seep into the chimney, causing damage to the damper blade or arm over time. This water intrusion can lead to rust and deterioration, compromising the integrity of your chimney system.
To prevent this, it’s crucial to have a well-fitted chimney cap installed along with your new top-sealing damper. A quality chimney cap will keep water, debris, and even animals out of your chimney, protecting it from damage and ensuring proper function.
Schedule Your Summer Chimney Service Today
Don’t wait until the fall rush to address your chimney needs. Summer is the perfect time to schedule your annual cleaning and inspection service. At Portland Fireplace and Chimney, our certified professionals will assess your chimney system and provide the necessary repairs and upgrades, including installing a top-sealing damper and proper chimney cap, to keep your home safe, comfortable, and odor-free all summer long.
If you notice any signs that you need summer chimney repairs, such as a persistent creosote smell or visible damage to your chimney, never hesitate to ask us. Contact the experts at Portland Fireplace and Chimney today. Fill out your information at https://portlandfireplaceandchimney.com/contact/ to schedule your system inspection and ensure your fireplace and chimney are ready for the next burning season