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SMOKE IN THE LIVING ROOM

bradd | Posted in Construction Techniques on October 16, 2006 01:21am

ANY IDEAS I HAVE A CHIMNEY THAT WILL NOT DRAFT THE TOP IS 27 INCES ABOVE THE RIDGE THERE IS HOWEVER A HUGE OAK TREE BEHIND THE HOUSE

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  1. john7g | Oct 16, 2006 02:04pm | #1

    STOP YELLING..!

    Try opening a window during your next fire.  If it drafts right you probably need some process to provide outside air to the fire. 

    ...and you did open the flue, right?

  2. User avater
    JDRHI | Oct 16, 2006 03:52pm | #2

    How bout some backround on the situation?

    When did this problem first begin? New chimney? New fireplace? New surround? New house? Newly renovated home?

    Taking for granted that you've checked flue for obstruction....sounds like the fire is not being fed fresh air.

    J. D. Reynolds

    Home Improvements

  3. RobWes | Oct 16, 2006 04:01pm | #3

    DITTO ON THE STOP YELLING

    Did you get a draft started first before you lit up the paper and kindling?

  4. DanH | Oct 16, 2006 07:15pm | #4

    Start a draft. Lay the fire but don't light it. Crack open a window in the room, open the flue damper, then make a "torch" out a section of newspaper and light one end. Hold it up near the flue opening so that the heat from the "torch" is pretty much forced to go up the flue. In a few seconds you should have a bit of a draft going. Then light the fire.

    If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy. --James Madison
  5. User avater
    basswood | Oct 16, 2006 07:58pm | #5

    I once had a chimney with downdraft issues...I resorted to preheating with a hot plate. Worked like a charm.

  6. Piffin | Oct 16, 2006 09:28pm | #6

    What is the chimney sucking Fireplace or wood stove?

    Is it clean???

     

     

    Welcome to the
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  7. DanH | Oct 16, 2006 09:29pm | #7

    One other important point: Turn off all exhaust fans -- kitchen, bathroom, etc. Also a good idea to turn down the furnace so the fan isn't running, at least until you get a draft going.

    If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy. --James Madison

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