Attic smell in fireplace chimney

[Rtstrider]

Hello! I have a rather odd question. I live in the south east and as you know it's been slightly warm this summer

Now I got the wild hair to sweep the chimney this weekend and when I opened the flue I got a pretty big whiff of what smelled to be attic air. Now I do have a fresh air intake on the fireplace insert itself and can never tell if it's opened or closed. Is this normal or should I have a sweep come out and run a camera in the chimney for inspection?

 

[SHOZ]

Do you have ridge attic venting?

 

[Rtstrider]

No have gable vents

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Id look down with a flashlight tied to a rope.

 

[Rtstrider]

We tried removing the chimney cap last year but the way it's setup on the roof you would have to have a step ladder on the roof to reach the cap. May just have to bite the bullet and give that a shot ARCO.

 

[gman2304]

I sometime get a smell from my insert on rainy days, but it's more of a wet ash smell. I need to get a chimney cap. I would get it looked at before using it again. Pull your insert out and lay a bright work light in the fireplace and take a look from the top of your chimney. It could be a cracked or broken flue liner in the chimney portion between the ceiling and roof. Very dangerous.

 

[Rtstrider]

Alright Gman! I'll start saving funds to have a pro come out in this case. I'll keep a close eye and see if they can't teach/show me a thing or two. Going to give it another month or two to have them head out. Not a bad idea anyways since we never had the fireplace inspected before we bought the house. I'll respond with what they say but do appreciate all of the input so far!

 

[Rtstrider]

Well we figured out the attic smell and I feel like a dummy! The fresh air intake for the fireplace is in the attic and I have had that open this whole time! Now I just need to sweep the chimney and replace the back refractory panel and we'll be in good shape!