Our fireplace smells of old ash and charred wood. When it is windy, the smell permeates our family room. Anyone know how to get the smell out of a fireplace? Mary

-- Mary Fraley (kmfraley@orwell.net), June 17, 2000

Answers

Mary, we had a similar problem when we moved here, we had the fireplace (and furnace flue) inspected and cleaned by a highly recommened, local professional (VERY important). Not only was the condition of the chimney horrid, we needed a new 'damper'. Problem solved. Not inexpensive, but worth it.

-- Kathy (catfish@bestweb.net), June 17, 2000.

Mary, We had much the same problem for quite a while and didn't discover the cause until a really heavy rainstorm which revealed a leak in the chimney/roof joint. Seem that it takes only a few drops of water to get into the soot and create a terrible smell. The soot soaks up the water before it leaks onto the hearth and gives you a clue as to what is going on. Good Luck, John and Pat

-- John and Pat James (jjames@n-jcenter.com), June 19, 2000.