Musty odor from fireplace, chimney is capped.
Judy
Jacksonville, FL
-
Adrianne C on May 12, 2014The outside of the chimney bricks probably need to be sealed, they may be absorbing water when it rains.Helpful Reply
-
-
Carmen on May 13, 2014Thank-you @Adrianne C .Helpful Reply
-
-
Moxie on May 14, 2014I would be suspect of the flashing at the chimney to roof joint. This is a common place for water to sneak in and could allow water in to creat smell and now that aur is shut off may be why you are smelling it.Helpful Reply
-
-
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com on May 14, 2014Most townhomes use metal chimneys these days, but it is a moisture issue that is causing this odor. I would suggest that you get the chimney professionally cleaned as the older soot that is within the pipe is reacting to moisture. However assuming you do have a brick chimney and you are experiencing this odor when it rains, you need to look up inside of the fireplace with a strong flashlight to see if you observed water running down inside the flue liner or the brick. You may need to parge the brick surface that is exposed to the exterior of the house to lock out moisture from getting into the house. Moxie is also correct about flashings., A roofing contractor and or a good qualified chimney sweep is who you should be consulting with. My only other concern without knowing much about the construction of the fireplace is are you sure the odor is coming from it or perhaps somewhere else near it. You can purchase styrofoam and fit it into the face of the fireplace to seal it off. This low cost method will prevent damp air from dropping down into the house. If its indeed from inside the flue the odor will diminish quicklyHelpful Reply
-
-
Moxie on May 15, 2014A roofer, but a good one, flashing problems are caused by poor installation in the first place and chimmneys are common areas of error.Helpful Reply
-
-
Carmen on May 19, 2014Thanks for the ideas. We are exploring all the suggestion, one at a time. DH checked flashing, and he doubts if that is the problem. I am looking for someone to clean the chimney tube(?) and hopefully this will solve the problem, that makes a lot of sense to me. Debris was removed, but the shoot was not cleaned, and it has gunck around it. However, thus far haven't found anyone - this is Florida. As far as sealing the bricks - how is that done? Anyone have other suggestions Judy.Helpful Reply
-
-
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com on May 19, 2014Do not seal the brick. It will destroy them over time. Brick is designed to breath so if it gets wet it will dry out. Brick sealing agents are a clear liquid. They do not properly fill every hold and crevice because of that fact. Because of this water will still get behind the brick in many locations preventing this natural drying. The result will be spalling and chipping of the brick surface that is exposed to the weather. If the liner for the brick chimney was not cleaned that is most likely the odor your having. They make seals that can be installed just below the interior damper that will stop air from dropping down along with odors. But I suggest that you first try an experiment. Tape a plastic sheet over the front of the fireplace tightly and see if the odor goes away. I that occurs then a chimney professional needs to evaluate the fireplace and chimney and clean it properly. If the odor does not go away you need to look further around that area for moisture issues.Helpful Reply
-
-
Carmen on May 19, 2014Thank-you. Yikes I would have gone from bad to worst!Helpful Reply
-
-
Susan Bishop on Jul 14, 2015It is not a shoot [sic], nor is it a tube. The shaft of a chimney is correctly called a flue. Here's a limerick to help you remember: A flea and a fly in a flue, were imprisoned, so what could they do? Said the fly, "Let us flee." Said the flea, "Let us fly." So they flew through a flaw in the flue.Helpful Reply
-
Related Discussions
How to get rid of mice?
We seem to have some unwelcome Mickeys and Minnies in our house. What is the best way to get rid of them?
How to remove popcorn ceiling with asbestos?
I want to remove my popcorn ceiling, but it has asbestos in it. How do I go about this safely?
How to caulk baseboard gaps?
How do I fill gaps at baseboard, should I caulk? If so, does anyone know how to caulk baseboards?
How to fix squeaky hardwood floors?
How do I fix squeaky hardwood floors?
How do I keep smoke from pouring into house from 2 sided fireplace
fireplace is a 3 sided one that opens on 2 sides. Is there a trick to keeping smoke from flowing out into house?
How do I keep my white washed fireplace from chipping?
I recently white washed my brick fireplace and the results were incredible. The problem is when I move the screen to start fire, the pain starts chipping. Not a lot b... See more