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Just to answer a couple questions: Had the concrete(?) around the flue liner repaired this summer – it was crumbling. Didn’t fix the problem. No work on the inside of the house (insulating, as someone mentioned), etc. Nothing changed in the room. Chimney IS on the outside of the house. I looked up the chimney, but not down from the roof (I’m too short and it’s too high), looks okay to me – no obvious build-up of creosote or anything as far as I can tell.
The question I’m struggling with (other than how to stop it) is: Why didn’t this happen from day one when we moved in 18yrs ago? Why did it start one day out of the blue?
Anyway, thanks again for all your collective thoughts. If I ever find the answer, or solution (since an answer doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll be solvable), I’ll be sure to let you all know.
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Ah, detective work! SOMETHING must have changed, and you must know what it is.... (This was the backdraft problem? Opening a window or two doesn't help?)
Often when people repair the concrete cap between the flue liner and the chimney, they don't allow the flue liner the freedom to slide past the concrete. Because the liner expands quite a bit (inches, even) when hot, the concrete can fail pretty quick. Something that happened to us, and that you might want to watch for.
*Adrianne, Don't you just love a good mystery?I hadn't read your posts before now so here are some thoughts:First, here is a source of information: http://www.csia.org 1. Do you know if you may have had a chimney fire 4 years ago? A fire will crack the liner.2. If your flue liner is clay did the sweeps inspect the joints in its entire length? If they are cracked the flue gases can/will eat the mortar right out of the chimney.3. When cleaning did they check the top of the smoke shelf for deposit buildups and at the same time make sure that the damper was fully functional and could be fully opened. A slightly closed damper will substantially affect draw.4. And, are the firebox mortar joints intact, especially at the top. 5. 4 years ago, did you do any remodeling such as vent the range or the bathrooms to the outside. If so, those functioning vents could pull just enough air down the chimney to force the smoke out before the heat of the fire got the draft running.6. One more: do you have a dedicated replacement air vent for the fireplace? If so, is it functioning (clear)?Hope this helps. Ralph
*Adrianne,If there is a local Ahrens dealer they will probably have a video camera that they send up the chimney to inspect the liner.Rick Tuk