September 10, 2010

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Pellet Stove Basics

September 7, 2010 By askthechimneysweep Leave a Comment
Pellet stoves burn very efficiently, but wood pellets generally produce less ash than pellets from agricultural waste.

Pellet stoves burn very efficiently, but wood pellets generally produce less ash than pellets from agricultural waste.

The first questions that many people have when it comes to dialogue on pellet stoves is what exactly is a pellet? A pellet actually saves space in landfills by recycling sawdust, agricultural waste, bark, and wood chips and compressing it all into little pellets. The sawdust that is recycled in order to make these pellets would otherwise have been sent to a landfill. These stoves are extremely efficient, more so than regular wood burning stoves. There is very little creosote that is produced by the burning of these pellets, and very little smoke for that matter. There are more advantages to pellet stoves. You purchase pellets in bags like you purchase mulch. They can be stored much more easily than cord wood can be stored. Also, you have many more options when installing a pellet burning stove than you do a wood burning stove in terms of location.

There are pellet stove inserts that fit into an existing fireplace and use a masonry chimney to vent and there are free standing pellet stoves that stand on legs. These two types of installation are similar to the way you install wood burning appliances. There are, however, pellet burning stoves that can be installed in the corner of the room or on a blank wall even. The possibilities are almost endless. Be sure to read carefully exactly what type of installation the manufacturer of your stove recommends before you purchase it, especially if you are looking to install it in a specific area in your home. Following the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter is crucial because if you don’t, manufacturer’s warranties may become void. If you install the stove yourself you may also void coverage by insurance; some agencies only insure stoves installed professionally.

Pellet stoves can be up to 85% efficient! This outstanding number provides you with more heat output for what you put in than wood burning stoves. A pellet stove has a hopper that operates like a screw permitting so many pellets to hit the flames per hour. The faster the pellets hit the flame the greater the heat output for the appliance. A fan to induce draft is used to fuel the fire with air for

This pellet stove should be installed in an open area for best heat dispersion.

This pellet stove should be installed in an open area for best heat dispersion.

combustion and increase efficiency. You can install a pellet stove in a condominium or apartment because of its limited emissions. They are ideal for urban settings because you do not need to build a chimney in order for it to draft. To vent a pellet burning stove you must follow the manufacturer’s instructions but, generally speaking, double walled pipe is used. These can route out a side wall or up through the roof but must be in compliance with local building and fire codes as well as follow manufacturer’s instructions.

For best results, install free standing pellet stoves in a wide open area so that the heat can be dispersed evenly throughout the area it is heating. Similarly, it is important to use only the type of pipe that is UL listed for the stove that you have purchased. Using a different kind of pipe than recommended, say using a dryer vent pipe or otherwise, will create a dangerous situation that will almost always void the manufacturer’s warranty. You can vent your pellet stove either directly through a wall, up through the ceiling, or in an existing fireplace. If you vent the appliance through the wall the pipe must continue outside until it reaches above the roof line so that proper draft can occur.

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What is the Best Type of Wood to Burn?

September 6, 2010 By askthechimneysweep Leave a Comment

If you are up to the task of burning wood, you’ll want to know which types of wood are best to burn and which you should avoid. There isn’t a miracle wood that is the best breed of tree to burn. The real key to having a fire producing maximum heat and minimal creosote buildup is making sure that the wood is really and truly seasoned. Truly seasoned wood is not the wood you cut this year, it is the wood you cut last year. Oak, for example, takes a whole year to season thoroughly. Newly cut, wet wood will smolder rather than burn completely. It can be frustrating and disappointing if you are trying to make a fire using wood that has not had a chance to dry itself of the moisture naturally found in it because the heat that you are hoping will radiate into your home is being spent evaporating this moisture. The moisture in these wet logs will actually aid in creosote buildup because the added water vapor being vented up the chimney will cause other gases to condense on the walls of the flue system and buildup. Burning seasoned wood is essential to having a fire that is the most efficient for your money, you do not want to spend hundreds of dollars on firewood for a season just for it to burn poorly.

Keeping your firewood on a log rack to season as opposed to laying it on the ground and covering it with a tarp helps dry wood faster.
Keeping your firewood on a log rack to season as opposed to laying it on the ground and covering it with a tarp helps dry wood faster.

So how do you know if what you are looking at is truly seasoned? The salesman can tell you it was chopped however long ago, but you should inspect the wood for signs of truly being seasoned prior to purchasing. Wood that is truly seasoned looks darker and grayer than new wood. Similarly, the inside of a seasoned log is actually close to a white color which is not true of freshly cut wood.Seasoned wood will have bark that is easy to detach, cracks running up the log, and small cracks on the inner rings of the tree if you look closely enough. Newly cut wood has bark which is firmly attached to it and a fresher looking center than the outside ring. This outside ring will be drier and obviously more dried out than the inner ring which takes a long time to season properly. If you cut your own wood and are waiting for it to season on its own it is important not to put a tarp over the wood. The tarp will trap in moisture that is trying to dry out from the wood naturally. Instead get a log rack that will allow air flow all around the logs.

Now comes the discussion of whether or not to choose a hardwood or a softwood, and the truth is is that there are pros and cons to each. Read carefully and decide what exactly you are looking to get out of your wood this winter. Contrary to popular belief, dry, seasoned softwood actually contributed less creosote buildup than seasoned hardwood. This is due to the fact that dry softwoods burn hotter and more rapidly than hardwoods because they are less dense, and the more intense flame causes the products of combustion to move more quickly up through the chimney.

Contrary to popular belief, burning hardwood actually produces more creosote buildup than softwood although hardwood has benefits in other ways.
Contrary to popular belief, burning hardwood actually produces more creosote buildup than softwood although hardwood has benefits in other ways.more quickly up the chimney, adding less creosote.

This being said, you get more for your money when you are buying hardwood. Hardwoods like walnut cost more per cord than softwoods such as pine or fir but because the hardwood is more dense you are actually getting more woodper cord. Hardwoods burn longer than softwoods, so you have to feed the fire far less frequently when you are burning hardwood than when you are burning softwood. Because of this fact you get nearly twice the fire when purchasing hardwood as opposed to softwood. Softwood, however, is more easily lit and better for first time fireplace users and the like because getting a nice burn with a hardwood takes practice and patience. If you do decide that hardwood is the way to go you must be sure to have plenty of kindling. A nice, dry softwood is great kindling for a hardwood. If you are just a beginner at fireplace fire building, I would recommend to you fir. This wood, when dry, burns very hot and has a welcoming aroma. If you get well seasoned fir wood you will have to feed the fire a bit more than if you were using hardwood but your chances of success at building each fire are much higher.

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Why Burn Wood?

September 4, 2010 By askthechimneysweep Leave a Comment

If you’ve snooped around my blog a bit, you might be overwhelmed by the number of problems that seem to be capable of occurring.

Wood holders like these lessen the amount of work you have to put into building each fire; by storing firewood near the fireplace you won't make as many trips.

Wood holders like these lessen the amount of work you have to put into building each fire; by storing firewood near the fireplace you won't make as many trips.

From smoking problems to problems with the chimney itself not being in good working order, many things must be working properly in order to efficiently burn a fire. Why, then, would anyone want to burn a fire in their fireplace?

Burning wood in a fireplace traditionally is known for its inefficiency. You must keep the damper open for about twelve hours and during this time much heat can be lost from the home. A wood stove or wood burning stove insert is another way to burn wood which is less messy and more efficient. There is no doubt, burning wood is far more difficult than switching the settings on your furnace to warm the home up. Hauling the fire wood, building the fire, and feeding the fire so that it will not die out is more work than most people would like. However, once you’ve put in the work the look of a soft flame in your fireplace or woodburning stove is far more romantic than any other method of heating the home and wood is a renewable resource.

One suggested use of the fireplace is to heat simply a zone in your house rather than the whole house. If your family is going to be in the living room and kitchen area for a majority of the day or night then lighting a fireplace that is central to these areas can be a good idea. Zone heating is very effective and by keeping the furnace set at a cooler setting you are still able to live comfortably in your own home while still saving money. There are more people who utilize burning wood in this way, for zone heating, as opposed to completely replacing any furnace or other central heating system.

If you have decided that burning wood is a route you would like to take, you’ll need to be sure to burn the proper type of wood. I

Investing in a nice fireplace toolset can further ease the pain of actually burning firewood by making it less difficult to keep the fire burning.

Investing in a nice fireplace toolset can further ease the pain of actually burning firewood by making it less difficult to keep the fire burning.

recommend burning hardwood such as oak or walnut although you cannot really go wrong with any wood that is really seasoned. I have to say “really” seasoned because wood that hasn’t been thoroughly seasoned will smolder instead of burning and not put out the heat that you are  looking for. Wood takes years to season. This is the time where the wood dries out, making it perfect to burn.

If you have questions regarding the way a particular wood will burn, a chart here has been assembled based on data from the U.S. Forest Products Laboratory. This chart includes details from how much a cord of this particular wood weighs, its aroma, whether or not it throws sparks, and generally how easy it is to burn. Utilize this chart if you are interested in burning a particular wood but want to know more information. Burning different types of wood throughout a winter can be interesting seeing that you will experience different aromas over time.

Experiment with different hardwoods and see which fits your standards to be burned. You will come to find that different hardwoods burn more easily than others and some hardwoods have an aroma when burned that may be more appealing to you.

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Woodburning Fireplace Insert Installation Guide

September 2, 2010 By askthechimneysweep Leave a Comment
Woodburning fireplace inserts such as these give new life to old fireplaces.

Woodburning fireplace inserts such as these give new life to old fireplaces.

Woodburning fireplace inserts are unique because they are not a free standing wood stove. A wood stove insert actually fits into your existing firebox which can save you space. These inserts can be cheaper than free standing wood stoves as well. Installing a woodburning fireplace insert can salvage an older fireplace or chimney that is in need of repair. If your firebox is in need of major overhaul then a fireplace insert basically replaces the firebox for you. Fireboxes that are old may have missing mortar joints or missing bricks. It is not safe to burn fires in a firebox which needs repaired.

Installing a woodburning fireplace insert must be done according to manufacturer instructions. There are technical specifications which must be met that may not be easy to attain without the aid of a professional. Make sure that the flue system of your existing chimney is large enough to fit a stainless steel chimney pipe that is the same size as the opening in the top of your insert. You will

Warmer chimney flues allow less creosote to condense inside of it, reducing creosote buildup in woodburning stove insert liners.

Warmer chimney flues allow less creosote to condense inside of it, reducing creosote buildup in woodburning stove insert liners.

want to be able to fit a half-inch of insulation around the stainless steel chimney pipe as well. An insulated chimney pipe is more efficient than a stainless steel chimney pipe that is unlined because the insulation helps the pipe stay warmer. A warmer chimney flue pipe is less conducive to allowing creosote to build up because more of the products of combustion which cause the actual creosote buildup stay hot enough to rise up and out of the chimney rather than condensing on the walls of the liner.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing a woodburning fireplace insert. You will need to be careful about connecting the chimney liner pipe and the wood stove. Usually there will be three screws with which you attach your stainless steel liner and the wood stove pipe.  Another important area of installation is the termination kit. The termination kit is finishing off installation at the top of the chimney. You will have  a storm collar and a stainless steel chimney cap. Chimney liners come with termination kits, and some of the better chimney liners have top sealing dampers that act as stainless steel caps. These caps actually open and close with the damper handle. These top sealing dampers, or LockTop dampers save money on your energy bill.

Be sure that if you do not purchase your stainless steel chimney liner and your stove insert together that you have the correct type of pipe to vent a woodburning stove insert. Wood burning inserts put out more heat than a regular open fireplace. A chimney professional can help you evaluate your needs. If you choose to install the products by yourself you must follow all fire and building codes and it is recommended to have a professional come and check out the job after you are finished to ensure that things are installed safely.

Filed Under: Woodburning Inserts Tagged With: , ,

Pellet Stove Installation Guide

September 1, 2010 By askthechimneysweep Leave a Comment

Installing a pellet stove is much like installing a wood burning stove. It is important to be sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully if you choose to take on the project of installing a solid-fuel burning stove. A project such as this takes a lot of time and effort because you must be certain to meet all of your local fire and building codes. Similarly, you must meet any manufacturer requirements on clearances from combustibles

Most pellet stoves come in standard black, but brass, gold, and other colored accents are available.

Most pellet stoves come in standard black, but brass, gold, and other colored accents are available.

and technical specifications such as floor and wall protection. With that being said, this guide is not meant to be a step by step account of how to install a pellet stove. Even if you plan on doing the project yourself you should consult a professional after installation to be sure that you have installed it correctly and safely. Utilize this guide as an outline of what the work entails in order to see if it is a project you will be able to take on.

First and foremost these stoves are heavy. Generally it takes two people to move one. If you have an existing fireplace and you plan on fitting the stove inside, this is considered a pellet stove insert, and pellet stove insert installation is very close to the installation of a wood burning insert. An insert fits right inside the firebox of an existing chimney. It still adds charm to the room, but also is convenient as to not take up floor space. A stainless steel chimney liner can be connected to the top connector of a wood stove insert. Read more about stainless steel liners in our chimney liner section. Another option, although less efficient than having a fully lined flue system, is to have the flue liner extend up through the smoke chamber and beyond in the existing clay flue tile chimney flue. This method is less efficient because an insulated stainless steel chimney pipe stays warmer when a fire is lit, minimizing creosote buildup. Your flue must be evaluated by a professional and be in good working order for it to vent the products of combustion. If your flue is not in good working order, for example if it has missing mortar joints or cracked flue tiles, you will need to purchase a stainless steel liner along with your new pellet stove. The size of the liner should be the same size as the pipe coming out of the pellet stove, which is generally

A video inspection, or a ChimScan, is the best way to know whether your existing flue is capable of holding the products of combustion.

A video inspection, or a ChimScan, is the best way to know whether your existing flue is capable of holding the products of combustion.

about 6″.

If you are installing a pellet burning stove not meant to sit in the firebox, you must be sure to follow manufacturer instructions on floor and wall protection. You absolutely cannot set this large stove that burns incredibly hot on your wood floors. They will smolder and catch fire. Proper floor protection and clearances from combustibles will be indicated by the manufacturer of the product and should be followed carefully. Technical specifications such as these can be the difference between a pellet stove that causes you no problems and a potentially problematic pellet stove.

Pellet stove venting is another issue when it comes to pellet stove installation. Some stoves use no blower, only natural air from the chimney for air for combustion as well as a safe zone to vent the products of combustion. If your ventilation is likely to be limited by tall trees near the chimney or other obstructions, additional vents may be needed. In this case you would need to contact a professional because proper clearances from combustibles is necessary since heat moves through vents.

Single walled pipe is not appropriate for venting a pellet stove or pellet stove insert unless strictly stated by the manufacturer. While I am on the topic PVC pipe and Type B vents are also not appropriate. Do not block any vents that are on the stove already, these are often cool air inserts. Remember that many insurance agencies do not cover pellet stoves that have not been installed by a professional. Similarly, most manufacturer’s warranties are only good if their product is installed professionally. Remember that pellet stoves, and any stoves for that matter, contain fire which should never be left unattended for long periods of time. A properly installed stove can provide a lifetime of great use, but an improperly installed stove can be dangerous.

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Wood Stove Installation Guide

August 31, 2010 By askthechimneysweep Leave a Comment
Installing a wood burning stove or wood stove insert can be tricky business.

Installing a wood burning stove or wood stove insert can be tricky business.

Installing a wood stove should always be done according to manufacturers instructions and follow all building codes and any fire codes in your area. This being said, this guide can give you insight as to the basics on how you would go about installing a wood stove to see if it is a task you are willing to take on for yourself. The most important factor in installing a wood stove is making sure that you have a chimney that is suitable to vent whatever type of stove you elect to purchase. If you have an existing masonry chimney you will need to be sure that it is in good working order.

Have a chimney sweep video inspect the interior of your chimney to check for cracked flue tiles or missing mortar joints. If the chimney is not safe to hold the products of combustion you will need to install your wood burning stove with a stainless steel liner. Remember that stainless steel chimney pipe cannot pass through a wall, window, etc. unless a professional is consulted and special equipment is utilized. The least amount of creosote build up is obtained by having an insulated stainless steel chimney pipe vent your wood burning stove.

Installing a wood stove into an existing masonry chimney that is cleared for use still requires pipe to be installed although it does not need to go through the entire length of the flue system. Five feet of chimney liner pipe must be installed from the back of your stove up through the smoke chamber. This is the least efficient option and my company rarely operates on this technique. Generally speaking installing an insulated, stainless steel liner up through the entirety of the chimney is the best way to go.

For detailed information on installing a stainless steel liner into your chimney, please visit my chimney liner section of this blog. In short, you must first wrap the necessary length of stainless steel liner pipe in insulation. This insulation will actually help to reduce creosote buildup by keeping the flue system warmer.

Connecting your liner to the stove or installing the stove into the chimney without a liner can be tricky. The stovepipe itself can be

After insulating your stainless steel liner you will drop it down the chimney to be connected to the wood stove or wood stove insert.

After insulating your stainless steel liner you will drop it down the chimney to be connected to the wood stove or wood stove insert.

single walled or double walled and come in varying thicknesses. Single walled stovepipe have a greater clearance requirement than double walled and double walled stove pipe is generally more efficient than single walled. If you are having a tough time achieving necessary clearances you may want to check out different manufacturers of stovepipes to see if there are any double walled stove pipes that will fit in with the clearances that you have currently.

This stove pipe is going to connect to your existing liner or be inserted up through your chimney. Stainless steel liner kits come with termination kits that will actually attach to your existing stovepipe and form a rigid, tight seal. Usually three screws are needed for every connection. Check with your insurance company before tackling a project like this; some insurance companies do not cover damages caused by a stove that was not installed by a professional and often manufacturer’s warranties are void if the product is not installed professionally. Check with your local fire department or chimney professional to determine what firebox clearances are required in your area. Floor protectors are needed in some cases.

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Wood Burning Basics

August 30, 2010 By askthechimneysweep Leave a Comment
Spark guards can be ornate, like the one pictured, or plain but are a great wood burning tool because they contain sparks.

Spark guards can be ornate, like the one pictured, or plain but are a great wood burning tool because they contain sparks.

The burning of wood is a huge biomass burning industry used to spin turbines, cook food, and heat the homes of people like you. Correctly burning wood is a skill that can save you a house full of smoke or any number of other problems. The first step is to make sure that the fireplace or wood burning stove is clear of any debris from a previous fire. Scooping any excessive ash down an ash dump or cleaning out a wood burning stove is the first step, although an inch or two of ash can actually help the new fire burn more successfully. Keep any grates in the fireplace clean to prevent smoking problems. It can take ash up to an entire day to cool completely.

I recommend starting the fire using some paper and kindling and adding in seasoned wood. I do not recommend burning wood that is still green or wet because it will cause a lot of smoke. Seasoned wood burns the best. Open the damper half way, not all the way. This gives the fire an air source while still venting any smoke. Place the paper underneath your grate and kindling wood on top of the grate after the fire is lit. If your fireplace is prone to smoking problems or has a poor draft caused by other factors, carefully (using gloves) holding lit paper up into the flue system to warm it can help increase the chimney’s draft. Stack your seasoned logs on top of the kindling strategically to allow the kindling to burn fully. Open the damper completely once you have the fire really going.

As time goes on it may need adjustment or additional wood to be added to keep it burning. Using fireplace tools can help immensely

Wood burning tools such as these not only add to the look of your hearth, they also come in handy when a hot long needs to be handled.

Wood burning tools such as these not only add to the look of your hearth, they also come in handy when a hot long needs to be handled.

in getting a proper burn. A fire poker or a pair of tongs are very helpful for when this needs to happen. If a log is smothering kindling or it just needs stirred up a bit these tools are great to have. Scooping ash out of a wood burning stove can be cumbersome so purchasing a high powered ash vacuum can save you the trouble and the mess. An important thing to remember is to not leave a fire in a fireplace or a wood burning stove unattended for a very long time. A fire that is nicely contained in your firebox can wreak havoc should it start to burn up in the flue system. Paying attention to the fire the entire time it is lit is one way to ensure that if this should happen, damage is minimized.

Close the damper once the fire has completely stopped burning and smoking. Keeping the damper closed keeps the air you paid to heat from floating up through the chimney and heating the whole neighborhood. Fireproof mesh is a great idea to place in front of the fireplace to prevent embers from hopping out and burning family members or lighting a fire. There are also fireproof rugs available for purchase to be placed in front of the firebox. This will also prevent a fire from being started by stray embers.

Filed Under: Woodburning Stoves Tagged With: ,

How to Clean a Brick Patio

August 26, 2010 By askthechimneysweep 1 Comment
Effective at cleaning patios yet less harmful than muriatic acid.

Effective at cleaning patios yet less harmful than muriatic acid.

Often times, since my company does all types of masonry work not just limited to the chimney, we get calls regarding to how to best clean moss, dirt, etc. from a brick patio. Brick patios are generally made of either actual bricks or brick paver stones, and cleaning brick paver stones and the like is easiest when using a pressure washer. Pressure washing the patio will remove actively growing moss the best. If the moss seems dead or if it is during a cold season that you decide to do this work, pressure washing should work.

One thing to avoid when pressure washing is actually damaging the brick or brick paver stones. A clean brick patio is not worth a cracked and chipped brick patio. For brick veneer keep your pressure at below 400 PSI (pounds per sq. in.). For regular bricks 100 PSI should do the trick. Start off with less pressure and only use the pressure absolutely needed to remove the stains on your patio. A pressure washer will remove dirt as well. A nozzle that causes the spray to come out in too tight of a stream is particularly prone to damaging your patio. Power washing is also particularly effective on black mildew stains as well.

For a completely beautiful patio you may still have some stubborn stains that can’t seem to be removed by pressure washing alone. To decide exactly which chemical is right for you, you will want to contact the manufacturer of your brick. Some chemicals are particularly harmful on certain types of brick or brick stone pavers. The ChimneyRx Safer Brick and Masonry Cleaner is one product which I recommend if the manufacturer of your patio material does not have any qualms regarding it. It is safer than muriatic acid but still fights tough stains. Dilute each gallon with water at a ratio of 1:4. Each gallon of diluted solution will cover 75-125 sq. ft. depending on how porous your brick is. Using this product, a stiff bristle brush, and some elbow grease will aid in stain removal. Always wear safety equipment including eye protection and rubber gloves.

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How to Prevent Chimney Fires

August 25, 2010 By askthechimneysweep Leave a Comment

Chimney fires can damage more than just the chimney on your home. If a chimney fire occurs it can catch the roof, any walls near the chimney, or any other part of the home. Once a chimney fire occurs the chimney flue must generally be completely replaced. The chimney fire will have cracked the flue tiles because all though the flue is made to vent the products of combustion, it is not meant to hold an actual fire, which is much hotter.

Chimney caps, although effective at preventing chimney fires caused by debris in the flue, do not protect against chimney fires with other causes.

Chimney caps, although effective at preventing chimney fires caused by debris in the flue, do not protect against chimney fires with other causes.

Preventing chimney fires includes many steps because there are many chimney fire causes. You must take all necessary precautions because a chimney fire can put the lives of those who live in the home in danger.  One cause of chimney fires is debris in the chimney. If birds drop in nesting material or the like, the hot products of combustion can cause the nesting material to catch on fire, resulting in a fire in the flue system. In order to prevent chimney fires from being caused in this manner, it is important to have a cap at the top of your chimney. A stainless steel chimney cap will not allow birds or bats to enter the chimney at all due to small wire mesh. A chimney cap saves the lives of animals and also prevents chimney fires.

Another cause of chimney fires is cracked chimney flue tiles. Cracked chimney flue tiles can be impossible to detect if the chimney is not swept regularly because they will be covered up by creosote. Regular chimney sweeping, with routine video inspection, can prevent chimney fires in that the video inspection will be able to reveal any cracks or missing mortar joints even, after the creosote is removed.

Should a chimney fire occur, you must call 911. It is smart to keep a chimney fire extinguisher in the home. They are basically flares which take up all of the oxygen in the chimney for a period of time in order to prevent it from burning. The cost of a chimney fire extinguisher is small in comparison to the cost of rebuilding a chimney, a chimney and a roof, or  a chimney and a portion of the home. Keeping them nearby whenever you burn a fire in your fireplace or wood burning stove is always  a good idea.

Filed Under: Chimney Fires, Chimneys Tagged With: , ,

How to Increase Chimney Draft

August 23, 2010 By askthechimneysweep Leave a Comment

Having been in the chimney business for so long, I have come to realize how widespread the issue of poor draft is all across the country. Poor chimney draft can be extremely frustrating, especially when you light a fire in the fireplace and you get smoke pouring into your living room. There are many steps you can take to fix such a problem, but understanding the cause of a chimney draft problem is the key.

The root of your chimney draft problem may be one of many. To start with, you may be lighting a fire that is too hot and expecting it  to vent up a flue that is too cold. If this is the case then fixing the problem can be quite easy. Prior to lighting your fire burn newspaper, holding it up in the flue system to allow the flue to warm up. Do this cautiously of course and wear protective eyewear and gloves.

Another common problem lies in the chimney height. If the chimney is not tall enough to create a good draft then problems can arise. A chimney must be a certain height in proportion to the size of the firebox in order for optimum draw to occur. The width times the height of the firebox cannot exceed ten times the flue opening. These dimensions should be two to three times the depth of the fireplace and the width of the back of the firebox and the firebox’s depth should be equal. If your dimensions do not reflect these recommended dimensions you may want to consider purchasing a Smoke Guard, a metal strip that you attach to the front of the firebox to change it’s dimensions. A way to test to see if a Smoke Guard will resolve your issue is to tape aluminum foil to the top boo make the firebox smaller.

If you or a professional determine that the height of your chimney is not sufficient to create proper draft and resizing the firebox using a Smoke Guard does not help you may have to make the investment of adding few courses of brick to the chimney. This is an expensive endeavor compared to the other options. Your existing chimney crown will have to be removed, courses of brick added, and the crown replaced. If you are committed to resolving your draft problem this solution is what you may have to resort to.

Consulting with a professional before making any expensive repairs to your fireplace will prevent you from wasting money as well as ensuring that whichever step you choose to try to stop your draft problem is the most appropriate for your situation. Remember that tall trees very near the chimney or other tall structures near the  top of the chimney may affect the draft. Take all factors into account before making any decisions and follow any and all building and fire codes in your area.

This smoke guard can help resize an improperly sized firebox and improve a draft problem.

This smoke guard can help resize an improperly sized firebox and improve a draft problem.

Filed Under: Chimney Draft Tagged With: , ,
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