Why is smoke coming into my house?

There is nothing pleasant about unwanted smoke seeping into your home through your fireplace. Some factors can cause smoke that escapes through the fireplace opening. If you are experiencing this, your chimney may need to be cleaned. Creosote build up in the chimney can reduce the flow of exhaust gases which can cause fireplace smoke. A shattered flue can also cause drafting problems. Our technicians can inspect your chimney for damage and clean out the vent. Another cause could be due to how well your home is insulated. An airtight house may not be able to supply enough outside air to the fire which results in negative pressure inside the house.

Your chimney should be pulling smoke from your living spaces. If your chimney is failing at its job, the result is fireplace smoke in your home. There are several reasons that your chimney could be failing at its job. Below are some potential reasons:

Cold flue

If your flue is cold, then your fire will be burning slowly. This could result in the smoke spilling into your home rather than rising. The best way to solve this problem is to consult one of our trained technicians to determine the best way to address the issue of a persistently cold flue.

Closed damper

Before starting a fire always make sure that you have checked the damper. If it is shut, then smoke will inevitably enter your living space.

Chimney blockage

Over time, a chimney can build up creosote and become clogged. This is an issue that requires professional help from a chimney sweep. We will safely and effectively remove any creosote buildup inside the chimney. Additionally, it is recommended that chimneys be inspected annually to prevent house fires and dangerous smoke buildup.

Poorly designed chimney

If your chimney was poorly designed or improperly installed, it could cause many issues for you later on. If the chimney is too short in comparison to the home, smoke will spill into your living spaces.

Improper wood

Fireplace wood that isn’t well-seasoned will produce more smoke than your chimney flue can handle. The excess smoke will spill into your home.

Source: Chimney Sweep Raleigh NC | Chimney Sweep Charlotte NC