Bob’s Chimney
Long-term Solutions for Chimney Draft Issues
To keep a chimney functioning properly, it’s important to maintain an efficient draft so that combustion gases can be released safely. If your chimney is inefficient, let us resolve that by fixing its draft.
Dealing with Poor Draft Performance? Let’s Help You Create a Stronger Draft!
A draft refers to the mechanism of hot air and gases from a fireplace opening or wood burning stove moving through the chimney flue and exiting your property. This is the most basic function of a chimney that ensures your safety by removing harmful combustion byproducts from your living space. If the draft is interrupted, whether due to a lack of proper ventilation or residue built up inside the flue, it can create fire hazards.
At Bob’s Chimney, we provide comprehensive solutions for chimney draft issues. We diagnose the source of draft problems first and then implement targeted repairs to restore your chimney’s efficiency. Whether it’s a residential chimney or a multi-flue commercial chimney, our goal remains the same: improving airflow and maintaining a consistent draft so you can enjoy warmth in the colder months without problems.
Experiencing fireplace cold air draft problems? It’s most likely a red flag pointing towards a lack of efficiency in the chimney.
Maintain a Good Draft by Getting Your Chimney Cleaned Annually
One of the most common causes of chimney draft issues is a lack of regular cleaning. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), it’s important to schedule an annual inspection for your chimney, regardless of the fuel type you use. This is to resolve any problems that may be obstructing the chimney’s draft, whether it’s dirt buildup, incorrect sizing, or excessive moisture inside the flue.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), it’s important to schedule an annual inspection for your chimney, regardless of the fuel type you use. This is to resolve any problems that may be obstructing the chimney’s draft, whether it’s dirt buildup, incorrect sizing, or excessive moisture inside the flue.
An inspection is usually followed by a chimney cleaning, which removes all obstructions in the chimney to ensure a clear path for smoke to exit the flue opening. This leads to a good draft, which means two things: you get better performance out of your stove, fireplaces, and other heating devices. And secondly, you cut your energy bills.
Worried because of fireplace draft issues that make your living space uncomfortable? Call us to schedule a professional chimney inspection.
Common Chimney Drafting Problems That We Fix
01
Air Leaks & Sealing Issues
Missing sections or gaps in the chimney masonry can lead to air leaks. Bricks can shift from their original position due to spalling or moisture intrusion, eventually falling out. We seal these leaks properly.
02
Negative Air Pressure
Modern homes are airtight, which means low ventilation levels. This causes ‘backdrafting,’ which refers to smoke backing up in your space. We address this by installing fresh air intakes and improving ventilation.
03
Improper Chimney Height
The flue size plays a big role in ensuring a good draft. If your chimney is oversized or undersized, it won’t be able to release hot air efficiently. We either extend the chimney or modify the fireplace to fix this.
04
Missing Chimney Liner
The chimney liner is an important part of any chimney, whether old or new. We either repair damaged liners if the damage is localized or replace them with new ones if the damage is beyond repair.
05
Cold Chimney
A properly working chimney should release hot air when the fuel source is burning, whether it is wood pellets or gas. If your chimney isn’t properly sealed or ventilated, it may cause cold air to enter the flue.
06
Damaged Chimney Cap
A chimney flue serves one purpose only, and that’s to exhaust hot air. It shouldn’t be a home to bird nests or rodents. If animals are entering your chimney because of a missing cap, let us install a new one.
07
Blocked Chimney Flue
As a leftover of an inefficient combustion process, creosote forms on the chimney walls. We remove dirt, debris, and creosote buildup on the chimney walls through professional chimney sweep services.
08
Fireplace Insert Draft Problems
Inserts are retrofitted into fireplaces to reduce heat loss. If the inserts aren’t sized properly or there’s no liner, they may increase draft problems. We fix this by replacing faulty inserts with better models.
Smoke rolling out of your fireplace? Don’t ignore this, as this is a fire hazard. Call us to inspect your chimney and eliminate draft issues that may be causing the risk.
Top Ways to Ensure a Proper Chimney Draft
01
Cracked Bricks
Always burn seasoned wood if you use a wood-burning fireplace. Wet wood leads to moisture intrusion in the chimney, which means you won’t get a proper draft.
02
White Stains
If the chimney flue is cold in the first place, it would take a long time to warm up. To fix a cold flue, preheat it first by burning a rolled-up newspaper to start the draft.
03
Rust Signs
A lack of ventilation can keep your chimney from exhausting efficiently. Keep windows near the fireplace slightly open so that there’s enough airflow in the chimney.
04
Musty Smell
Besides sizing the chimney correctly, it’s also important that the liners, inserts, caps, and other parts of the chimney are properly sized. This resolves draft problems.
05
Smoke Blowback
To avoid negative pressure, switch off kitchen exhaust fans while the fireplace is in use. This is because these fans can pull smoke and gases back to your property.
06
Small Cracks
Consider installing a top sealing damper on your fireplace. This improves draft by preventing outdoor cold air from entering the flue when the fireplace is not in use.
The Dangers of Ignoring Draft Problems in Your Chimney System
Ignoring draft problems comes with a range of consequences, and none of them are particularly pleasant. The worst you can expect is a chimney fire, which happens when creosote buildup ignites from hot fires. On the other end of the spectrum, you have breathing problems or respiratory issues, caused when a back-drafting chimney pulls toxic combustion byproducts back into your space. An improper draft can also cause carbon monoxide to build up in your home, which is highly dangerous as carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and poisonous. Avoid these problems by inspecting your chimney regularly and resolving draft issues before it’s too late to do so.
Want to Maintain a Safe and Efficient Fireplace? Call Us to Resolve Your Chimney Draft Issues!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cold weather affect the chimney draft?
Definitely. Cold air from outside can enter the chimney, creating smoke when you turn on the fireplace. To deal with this, we suggest preheating the chimney flue and keeping the fireplace opening warm.
What is the proper chimney size to maintain a proper draft?
It depends on the situation, but generally, a chimney flue should be sized according to the appliance outlet. If the flue is too large or too small, it may decrease the heating efficiency.
How often should I inspect my fireplace for chimney draft issues?
You should get your chimney inspected by a professional like Bob’s Chimney at least once a year. Commercial chimneys that are heavily used should ideally be inspected biannually or every quarter.