Problems with Draft

Exploring Draft Problems

Do you often have trouble getting a fire started or wonder why your house smells like smoke majority of the time? If you have these problems, or anything similar, your chimney may be to blame. This is when weary homeowners should call Young’s Chimney Service.

Chimneys have two main factors that affect how they work, their draft and their capacity. The term draft is the force of airflow, and capacity is how much draft one chimney can withstand. Ideally, there should be a positive correlation between the two. There are some chimney problems that can be easily fixed. Creosotes, fallen parts of chimneys, and leaves and birds nests are common blockage problems for chimneys. This is always one of the first things you should check into because not only could it help to fix the current problem, but also it is recommended that having a chimney sweep be a routine activity for fireplace owners. Also, have your chimney inspected for leaks, as any leak in the lower half can affect overall draft problems.

Aside from general maintenance, there may be other problems that homeowners may not think of. Your house could be causing the problem. If your house is small and well sealed, it may be too tight to allow proper airflow, and opening a window can be a simple fix. If your chimney is too small you may have a high draft, but professionals would say that it is doubtful, unless you have a large wood-burning heater. However, your chimney could also be too big. The appropriate measure should be no more than twice the cross-sectional area to the flue outlet on the appliance. Extra chimney area and cool flue gases can cause reduction in draft. Your chimney may also be too short, but can be extended. Just doubling a chimney’s height can increase draft by 41 percent. If none of these tips work for you, you may need to look into installing an outside combustion-air system. Unfortunately, if none of this works, you may have to consider getting a new chimney.