Updated September 10, 2026
How much housing does Durham have?
The Census counts 132,864 housing units in Durham for a population of about 288,465 — roughly 2.2 people for every housing unit.
That makes Durham the fourth largest of the four North Carolina cities with a page here; Charlotte counts 390,835.
Who arranges chimney work on a Durham home?
About 51.8% of occupied Durham homes are owner-occupied, which leaves about 48.2% rented.
Even at 51.8% owner-occupied, the remaining 48.2% of Durham homes are rented, where the person who notices a problem and the person who authorizes the repair are not the same. Say which you are when you send a request.
Tenure also decides who keeps the paperwork. A Durham chimney's earlier reports follow the property, not the occupant, so ask for them whichever side of that 51.8% you are on.
Which cities near Durham have their own page here?
Raleigh, about 18 miles away, Greensboro, about 52 miles away, and Charlotte, about 121 miles away — measured from Durham.
Those are great-circle distances between the Census 2023 Gazetteer interior points of each place, so the drive is longer than the figure.
Raleigh's median build year is 1996 against Durham's 1994, a 2-year difference in the housing the two chimneys belong to.
What you can observe safely
- Note whether the odor follows rain or use of exhaust fans.
- Check maintenance records.
What to avoid
- Do not climb onto the roof or enter the chimney.
- Do not alter gas components, venting, or safety controls.
- Do not use a test fire to diagnose the problem.
Possible causes to assess
- Moisture and deposits
- Airflow changes
- Debris or other odor sources
A symptom cannot establish the cause remotely. An assessment of the complete system helps determine the appropriate repair.
Chimney inspection in DurhamA few common questions
Can this be diagnosed from a photo?
A photo can document a symptom and help prepare a visit. It cannot confirm concealed conditions or establish that a chimney or fuel-burning appliance is safe.