Blog Post

Problems with Draft

  • By George Elias
  • •
  • 13 Sep, 2013
  • •

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.

If you have a smoky fireplace, this could be a signal that your chimney is not ventilating properly. Schedule an inspection soon.

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.

All About Chimney Mold

By George Elias • 09 Jul, 2014
Do you have a stinky chimney on your hands? Or perhaps you see mold or signs of water damage on or around your chimney? Are you suffering from allergies that you believe may be attributed to chimney mold? Those of us at Young’s Chimney Service see mold accumulate not only inside the chimneys we care […]

Chimney Rule: No Animals Allowed

By George Elias • 23 Jun, 2014
Animals in your chimney can cause huge problems. They can bring an assortment of parasites with them and, at the same time, can cause a blockage in your chimney that could ultimately result in dangerous (and potentially deadly) byproducts of combustion being unable to travel up and out of your chimney. Most birds, squirrels, and […]

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Carbon Monoxide: an Overview

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Known as the “silent killer,” carbon monoxide can enter your home from many different sources, and you will never know because you will not be able to smell or see it, even at deadly high levels. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commision (CPSC), approximately 170 people die, on average, every year in this […]

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By George Elias • 12 May, 2014
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How often should I have my chimney cleaned or inspected? This, as well as many other questions are answered below.

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By George Elias • 08 Apr, 2014
In the market for anti-aging products? You’re in the right place. That’s what we do. Except that we’re focused on slowing time’s effect on your chimney, not on your face. You see, one thing that you never want to have to face is the prospect of replacing your chimney entirely, especially if it’s a masonry […]

Prep Your Chimney For The Spring Rains

By George Elias • 30 Mar, 2014
While Florida’s weather makes our fireplace use and maintenance schedule a little different than it is in some other parts of the country, one thing is pretty universal: Spring rains will take their toll on a chimney system that isn’t prepared to withstand them. Really no matter where you are, moisture is the most tenacious enemy […]

Common Blockages to Your Chimney

By George Elias • 21 Mar, 2014
When there is a blockage on the road, you find a detour. When there is a blockage in your arteries, you have to have surgery. Chimney blockages are also detrimental, as they cause draft problems and an increased risk of fires. It is important that you hire an experienced chimney sweep to do the inspection. […]

Basics of Ash Removal

By George Elias • 28 Feb, 2014
How is ash removed? Should it even be removed? Why should it be removed? What’s going to happen if I don’t remove the ash from my fireplace or wood stove? These are some of the many typical questions our clients ask us every day. We from Young’s Chimney Service would like to take this opportunity […]
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