Remedies for Smoking Fireplaces


Here are some practical solutions to that aggravating smoke problem:

Raise Hearth. A fireplace opening can be decreased by raising the back of the hearth. To experiment, a sheet metal hearth can be supported on bricks placed on the existing hearth. If this experiment improves the fire, the back hearth may be raised by firebrick masonry, and the front hearth may also be built up.

Canopy Hood. An experimental model of a canopy hood can be made of sheet metal and temporarily attached over the top of the fireplace opening. Try various designs and sizes. If the hood works well, a heavy metal hood can then be built in by a sheet metal contractor.

Extend chimney. A good draft is usually provided by a chimney which is 20 feet high or more from hearth to top of chimney. If the existing flue is short (less than 15 feet) a good draft may just not be able to develop. A trial piece of chimney liner or metal cylinder can be securely fastened on top of an existing chimney to test whether the draft is improved before a more permanent and expensive fix is tried.

Chimney cap or Flue Guard. If a downdraft impinges on top of the chimney, as from nearby tall structures or trees, a chimney cap or flue guard of metal or stone may be tried to deflect the downdraft.

Trim trees. Wavering smoke patterns above the chimney may indicate that tall trees are causing downdraft. The trees should be trimmed and/or flue height extended to determine if the trees are the cause.

Draft inducer. When no other remedies work, consideration may be given to a fan that forces air up the chimney. Such draft inducing equipment must be professionally installed, specifically designed for the purpose, and must be listed by an approved testing agency. Periodic inspection and maintenance will be required.

Any number of conditions can contribute to fireplace smoking problems. If the fireplace deficiencies are major or the chimney has deteriorated, more drastic measures will be needed. The only options in some cases may be to rebuild the fireplace and/or chimney or replace it with a gas-fired fireplace coupled to a new metal flue inside the defective chimney, or to use an electric fireplace and seal off the old chimney.