- Service Area
Blanco
Turn To Wolfman Chimney & Fireplace for Chimney & Fireplace Services in Blanco
For the best chimney services in Hye, Johnson City, Round Mountain, Bergheim, Boerne, Comfort, Kendalia, Buda, Dripping Springs, San Marcos, Wimberley, Austin, and Waring, trust Wolfman Chimney & Fireplace to get the job done right.
It’s not hard to stay busy in Blanco with so much to do. You can take a dip or go fishing at Blanco State Park. If you prefer to stay indoors, you can always head to the Buggy Barn Museum or the Old Blanco County Courthouse for a quick history lesson.
That said, dreary weather can disrupt outdoor plans – it can even keep you from running small errands like that trip to the post office you’ve been putting off. Spending time next to a toasty fire is a great backup plan when the forecast threatens to ruin your day. …but what do you do when you try to get a fire going and a weird odor throws you off? Get in touch with Wolfman Chimney & Fireplace! We’re the team you can trust to fix your smelly and smoky chimneys.
Call us today at 830-620-9130 or reach out to us online. We’re happy to serve you soon.
What Chimney Sweep Services Does Wolfman Chimney & Fireplace Offer Blanco Residents?
Chimneys are complex systems and there’s, unfortunately, a lot of things that can go wrong if they’re not well-maintained. It isn’t safe to use your fireplace if even one part of your chimney isn’t in working order. Fortunately for Blanco residents and areas surrounding, Wolfman Chimney & Fireplace has a full slate of services. From annual chimney maintenance to installations, we’ve got you covered.
We provide the following chimney and fireplace services for Blanco homeowners and residents of nearby towns:
Why Does My Fireplace Smell?
A fireplace is supposed to be a calming source of enjoyment. It can be upsetting when you’re trying to relax and a bad odor breaks the peacefulness. Instead of unwinding, you have to try to figure out what’s causing the smell and whether or not it’s an indication of an emergency.
If you’re not a professional, you may not know what to look for to determine what’s causing your chimney to smell. Here are a few common causes:
- There is creosote buildup. Creosote is produced by burning firewood. Not only is it highly flammable, but it also has an off-putting odor. If your fireplace smells like asphalt, tar, or a barbecue grill that hasn’t been cleaned in a while, it’s probably due to creosote.
- You have unwanted roommates. Pests are one of the unpleasant realities of owning a home with a fireplace. Chimneys are preferred real estate for critters like raccoons, birds, squirrels, and rats because they’re dark and can shield them from the elements. If you have animals in your chimney, they’re likely not polite enough houseguests to go outdoors to use the restroom. It’ll only be a matter of time before you start to smell the evidence of their presence.
- There is negative air pressure. Negative air pressure in the home is a leading cause of a smelly fireplace. When the home is sealed too tightly, outside air is drawn in and it can bring bad odors into your home with it.
- You have a mold or mildew problem. Water damage is a common cause of chimney problems. Mold and mildew thrive in damp areas and a leaky chimney is the perfect environment for it to grow. You’re more likely to smell mold and mildew before you see it. If you get a whiff of something musty from your fireplace, call us ASAP.
- There is too much moisture in the firewood. Painted or wet firewood can produce less than pleasant smells when burned.
- Something else is trapped in your chimney. If your chimney cap is damaged or missing, it’s easy for leaves to fall into your chimney. Leaves – and abandoned animals’ nests – can give off a foul smell as they decay.
Can Chimney Odors Be Prevented?
Dealing with a smelly fireplace isn’t fun, but there are actions you can take to prevent problems that can lead to those offensive odors. Here are a few suggestions to keep your chimney smelling fresher:
- Schedule annual chimney sweepings. More often than not, chimney odors are the result of a blockage. A certified chimney sweep should be able to remove debris, creosote, and any other odor-producing obstructions during a chimney cleaning.
- Clean out ashes and wood particles. Don’t let ashes sit in your firebox after you’re done with your fireplace. A thin layer left behind is fine, but if things are piling up, take a few minutes after the fire goes out to sweep up anything left behind.
- Install a chimney cap. Invest in a quality chimney cap if you don’t already have one. A cap is a great deterrent for wildlife, water, and debris.
- Only burn seasoned firewood. Stick with seasoned firewood to ensure the best fireplace performance and to extend your chimney’s lifespan
- Schedule a yearly chimney inspection. An annual inspection can reveal a missing or damaged cap, as well as other potential entry points for water and critters.
How Can I Tell if My Chimney Needs Cleaning?
When your fireplace smells bad, it could be a sign that you need to schedule a chimney cleaning. But there are other clues that it’s time to book some time for your chimney and fireplace to get the attention they need. Keep an eye out for the following:
- The chimney has a noticeable buildup of creosote.
- You’re having difficulty starting or maintaining a fire.
- Smoke backs up into your living place when your fireplace is in use.
- You can hear or see wildlife activity.
- Soot or other debris is falling into the firebox.
What Should I Do if I Smell Gas Coming From My Chimney?
We touched on it briefly above, but a new odor could be a sign that there’s an emergency. If you have a gas appliance and you suddenly smell rotten eggs, call the fire department and evacuate the home immediately. Once the issue is under control, call us to schedule an inspection so you can be sure that it’s safe to use your fireplace again.
Keep in mind that some life-threatening situations don’t come with an advanced warning. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, and the lethal gas can leak from gas-fueled systems and wood-burning fireplaces if there’s an underlying issue at hand. Install a carbon monoxide detector near your heating appliance and make sure to change the batteries every six months.
Rely on Us for Quality Chimney Maintenance & Repairs
You don’t have to settle for life with a smelly fireplace. When your chimney gets ripe and needs a tune-up, call Wolfman Chimney & Fireplace. We have over 30 years of experience in the chimney business. You can trust our team to get your chimney up and running again. If you need chimney and fireplace services in Blanco, call us today at 830-620-9130 or schedule an appointment online.
We travel all throughout our service area offering the highest quality chimney and fireplace services around – that includes the great folks in Blanco! From inspections to repairs and more, we’ve got you covered.