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The builder did not build the proper throw in our fireplace. In addition there is no throat or smoke shelf installed. Basically the flue rests on the smoke damper causing the fireplace not to draw properly. Is there a solution to this problem short of tearing this massive structure down?
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Mark,
Ouch, thats a big problem. I just built a masonry fireplace and used the Rumford design. Check out superiorclay.com and you'll see the various designs. I mention this as maybe you can adapt the curved front pieces (you'll see what I mean when you see the diagrams) and adapt yours to make up for what was omitted. Just brainstorming of course.
A second idea is the electric drafting fans that are mounted at the top of the chimney to pull the smoke upwards. I don't know how well these work as I have no experience with them but have seen them advertised a bit.
Mike
*Ordinarily, you can rebuild a box, shelf and damper without taking down the chimney and flue but as I sit here wincing, I'm thinking that if he did this much wrong, he doesn't understand much about what he was doing. Therefore, you can anticipate other things wrong that are less visible.Only your nightmare knows for sure.