A chimney that smells like smoke, gas, or damp wood in Englewood usually means creosote buildup, a cracked flue, or moisture damage from our dry winters and sudden snowmelt. The fix starts with a thorough inspection, then a deep clean or repair by a licensed chimney sweep. Ignoring it risks chimney fires, poor draft, or even carbon monoxide leaks. For homes near the foothills or older brick chimneys, moisture is the #1 culprit. Act fast: book a sweep before your first fire of the season.
What Causes a Chimney to Smell in Englewood (And Why It’s Not Just ‘Old Smoke’)
A chimney that smells in Englewood isn’t just a nuisance, it’s a warning. The most common culprits here are: 1. Creosote buildup: When wood burns incompletely, it leaves behind sticky, flammable tar. In Englewood’s dry climate, this dries into hard layers that trap odors and block airflow. The Chimney Safety Institute of America the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)|https://www.csia.org/)) calls creosote the ‘silent killer’ of chimneys because it’s highly flammable. 2. Moisture damage: Englewood’s sharp temperature swings, from 80°F summers to sub-freezing winters, cause brick and mortar to expand and crack. Water seeps in, grows mold, and creates that musty smell. Older homes near the foothills (like those on South Broadway or near the Englewood Golf Course) are especially vulnerable. 3. Poor draft or blocked flues: A clogged chimney forces smoke back into your home, which smells like burning plastic or gas. This often happens after a heavy snowfall when melting ice refreezes in the flue. 4. Animal nests or debris: Birds, squirrels, or even leaves blown from nearby parks (like Englewood Park) can lodge in the flue, rotting and creating a foul odor.
Pro tip: If the smell lingers after lighting a fire, it’s not just leftover smoke, it’s trapped gases or debris. That’s when you need a chimney sweep and an inspection. Our full-service chimney sweep in Englewood includes a camera inspection to spot hidden issues before they worsen.
A Chimney Inspection Is… The First Step to Solving the Smell (And Avoiding Costly Repairs)
A chimney inspection is a detailed check of your flue, chimney structure, and connections to ensure everything is safe and functioning. In Englewood, where older brick chimneys are common, inspections often reveal: - Cracks in the flue liner (from shifting foundations or freeze-thaw cycles). - Damaged chimney crowns (the concrete top that should slope outward, if it’s crumbling, water pools and rots the masonry). - Corrosion in metal components (especially in homes with gas fireplaces near the I-70 corridor, where exhaust fumes accelerate wear).
What to expect during an inspection: - A licensed technician will use a video inspection camera to check for creosote levels, blockages, and structural damage. - They’ll test the draft (how well smoke exits) with a smoke puff test or anemometer. - For Englewood’s high-elevation homes, they’ll also check for soot buildup from burning green or unseasoned wood, a common mistake after our wet springs.
Cost in Englewood: A standard Level 1 inspection (visible parts only) runs $120–$180. A Level 2 (with camera) is $180–$250. See our pricing for Englewood chimney services, we include digital photos and a written report so you know exactly what’s wrong. Never skip this step: A smell could mean a chimney fire risk, and the NFPA the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)|https://www.nfpa.org/)) reports that 1 in 3 chimney fires starts from undetected creosote buildup.
How to Fix a Smelly Chimney in Englewood: Step-by-Step (And What It Costs)
Once you’ve identified the problem, here’s how to fix it, permanently, with a white-glove approach:
1. Deep chimney sweep ($150–$300) - For creosote or soot: We use rotary brushes and push brooms to remove buildup without damaging your flue. Englewood’s older brick chimneys often need two sweeps to fully clear stubborn tar. - For light debris: A basic sweep starts at $120. Add $50–$100 if the flue is partially blocked.
2. Flue liner repair or replacement ($500–$2,500+) - If the liner is cracked or corroded, we install a stainless steel liner (the gold standard for durability). This is critical for homes near the foothills, where moisture and temperature shifts accelerate wear. - Pro move: We use 304-grade stainless steel, it resists corrosion better than cheaper aluminum liners.
3. Chimney crown sealing ($200–$500) - If your crown is cracked, we waterproof it with a rubberized sealant and repoint the mortar. This stops water from seeping into your masonry, which is the #1 cause of that ‘wet dog’ smell in Englewood basements. - Warranty note: Our sealing work comes with a 2-year warranty against leaks.
4. Animal removal ($100–$300) - Squirrels or birds nesting in your flue? We remove them humanely, then install a stainless steel mesh screen to keep them out. (Yes, they’ll return if you don’t block the entry.)
Englewood-specific tip: If your chimney smells worse after a sweep, it might be a moisture issue. We’ll check for hidden leaks in the flue or cracks in the masonry, common in homes built before the 1980s. Learn more about chimney crown sealing in Englewood to prevent future smells.
Avoid DIY fixes: Using store-bought chimney cleaners or ‘snake’ tools can push creosote deeper into the flue, making the problem worse. Stick with a licensed, CSIA-certified sweep, we’re the only ones who can guarantee your chimney is truly clean.
Don’t wait for smoke to back up, when to book a chimney sweep near 1st Avenue
You don’t need to wait for a foul odor to book a chimney sweep. Here’s when Englewood homeowners should act:
- After your first fire of the season: Even if it smells fine, creosote starts building immediately. The EPA’s Burn Wise guidelines suggest sweeping wood fireplaces at least once yearly to prevent buildup. - Before heavy snowfall: Ice dams can melt into your flue, causing draft issues and smells. If you’re near the Englewood Highlands or have a tall chimney, schedule a sweep in late October or early November. - If you switch from gas to wood: Gas fireplaces leave behind residue that wood fires can’t burn off. A sweep clears the transition. - After a power outage: If your chimney has a fan or damper that didn’t close properly, smoke can linger.
Englewood’s unique risk: Our low humidity and high elevation mean wood burns hotter and faster, creating more creosote. Homes on the west side (near the foothills) also deal with moisture from morning fog, which accelerates masonry decay.
Pro schedule: Book your sweep before Thanksgiving weekend, our team fills up fast as neighbors prepare for holiday fires. Request a free estimate for your Englewood chimney sweep and we’ll fit you in.
How to Prevent Chimney Smells in Englewood (Year-Round Maintenance Tips)
Once you’ve fixed the smell, keep it from coming back with these Englewood-specific habits:
1. Burn only seasoned hardwood - Wet or green wood creates more creosote. Store firewood covered and elevated (at least 20 feet from your house) to dry properly. Englewood’s dry air helps, but split wood 6–12 months ahead for the best burn. - Avoid: Pine, cedar, or treated wood, they release more smoke and tar.
2. Use a chimney cap - A stainless steel cap (not the cheap plastic kind) keeps out rain, snow, and critters. In Englewood, where sudden snowmelt is common, a cap prevents ice dams from forming in your flue. - Cost: $150–$400 installed. See our chimney cap installation guide for the best options.
3. Check your damper - A stuck damper forces smoke into your home. Test it by lighting a match near the fireplace, if the flame flickers inward, the damper isn’t sealing. Lubricate it with high-temperature damper oil (available at local hardware stores like Englewood Hardware).
4. Inspect after storms - High winds or hail can dislodge chimney caps or crack the crown. After a September monsoon or winter ice storm, do a quick visual check from the ground. If you see missing mortar or rust spots, call us before water gets in.
5. Schedule a sweep twice a year - Fall (October): Before your first fire. - Spring (April): After winter’s moisture damage. - Exception: If you burn wood daily, sweep every 3 months.
Bonus for Englewood: Install a carbon monoxide detector near your fireplace. Our dry climate can make CO buildup worse if your chimney isn’t drafting properly. Learn more about chimney safety in Englewood for a full checklist.
What to Do If Your Chimney Still Smells After a Sweep (And It’s Not Your Imagination)
Even after a professional sweep, some smells persist. Here’s what it really means, and how to fix it:
- Musty or ‘wet basement’ smell: Your chimney crown or flue liner is leaking. Solution: Re-seal the crown and check for hidden cracks in the masonry. Our chimney crown sealing service includes a lifetime warranty against leaks. - Smell like burning plastic or gas: Your flue isn’t venting properly. Solution: Test the draft with a smoke puff test (we do this during inspections). If the smoke isn’t rising, you may need a new liner or flue repair. - Smell like rot or mildew: Water is trapped in the chimney. Solution: Install a chimney liner with a built-in spark arrestor and ensure your cap has a proper slope to shed water. - Smell like sulfur (rotten eggs): Your wood is too wet or you’re burning treated lumber. Solution: Switch to seasoned oak or maple and store firewood properly.
Englewood’s hidden issue: Many older homes have clay tile liners that crack over time. If your chimney was built before the 1990s, we recommend upgrading to stainless steel, it’s the only liner that won’t degrade in our dry, high-elevation climate.
Final check: If the smell disappears after lighting a fire but returns when the fireplace is cold, it’s likely condensation or moisture in the flue. A chimney damper draft inducer can help improve airflow. Contact us for a diagnostic inspection, we’ll pinpoint the exact issue.
| Smell Description | Likely Cause | Recommended Fix | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smoky or burning plastic | Creosote buildup or poor draft | Deep chimney sweep + flue inspection | $150–$300 |
| Musty or damp | Moisture in chimney crown or liner | Crown sealing + liner repair | $200–$1,500 |
| Rotten eggs (sulfur) | Wet or treated wood burning | Switch to seasoned hardwood + sweep | $120–$250 |
| Animal-like (urine, feces) | Squirrel/bird nest in flue | Animal removal + mesh screen | $100–$300 |
| Gas or chemical | Cracked flue liner or blocked vent | Liner replacement + inspection | $500–$2,500 |
| No smell when cold, but smoky when lit | Condensation or poor airflow | Damper adjustment + sweep | $120–$200 |
Frequently Asked Questions
That gas-like smell from your fireplace when it’s off, could it be carbon monoxide leaking?
Yes, that’s a serious red flag. A gas smell when the fireplace is off usually means a cracked flue liner or blocked vent forcing exhaust gases back into your home. Carbon monoxide (CO) is odorless, but a musty or ‘chemical’ smell can signal poor combustion. What to do: Turn off the fireplace, open windows, and call a chimney sweep immediately. We’ll inspect for cracks, corrosion, or a failed gas valve. Never ignore this. CO poisoning is preventable. Learn CO safety signs in Englewood homes.
I live near the foothills in Englewood, and my chimney smells like wet dog after every rain. What’s causing it?
That’s almost always moisture seeping through a damaged chimney crown or cracked masonry. Englewood’s foothills area gets more condensation from morning fog and temperature swings, which accelerates decay in older brick chimneys. Fix it: Seal your crown with a rubberized waterproofing membrane and repoint the mortar joints. We’ve seen crowns fail completely in just 2–3 years if they’re not maintained. See our crown sealing process, it’s the #1 way to stop that smell.
My chimney smells fine now, but it’s been a year since the last sweep. Should I wait until winter to book one?
No, book it now. Waiting until winter means you’ll be last in line (our schedule fills by Halloween), and you risk creosote buildup from all those fall fires. The Chimney Safety Institute of America the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)|https://www.csia.org/)) recommends sweeping before your first fire of the season. Englewood’s dry air means creosote dries faster, so annual sweeps are non-negotiable for wood-burning fireplaces. Get a free estimate for your Englewood chimney sweep, we’ll fit you in before the rush.
I just moved into a home near the Englewood Highlands, and the previous owner said the chimney ‘smells sometimes.’ Should I be worried?
Absolutely, don’t assume it’s fine. Older homes in that area often have hidden moisture damage or neglected liners. Start with a Level 2 inspection (with camera) to check for: - Creosote levels (Englewood’s dry climate makes this worse). - Cracked flue tiles (common in pre-1980s chimneys). - Animal nests (squirrels love the Highlands’ mature trees). Pro move: Ask for digital photos and a written report, we provide both so you know exactly what’s wrong. See our inspection process, it’s the only way to catch problems before they become expensive repairs.