Love to enjoy the warm and cozy atmosphere of a crackling fire in your fireplace? It’s an aesthetic that’s hard to beat. That is… unless you experience smoke in your space every time you get a fire going. Not only is this unpleasant and frustrating, but it can also be a health hazard.
Fortunately for homeowners in Lackawanna County, the team at Integrity Chimney Service has solutions for your smoky fireplace issues.
Reasons Your Fireplace Might Be Smoking
So, what’s causing all the smokiness and backdrafting? Here are the most common culprits…
Poor Chimney Draft: Draft and ventilation play key roles in how well your chimney and fireplace function. And if things aren’t working as they should be, you’re bound to get some smoke back into your space. This can happen for a number of reasons, including your chimney being too short or a blockage.- Chimney Damage: If your chimney is damaged or if the masonry is cracked or crumbling, smoke is bound to find its way out and into your home. Not only will you experience a lack of efficiency, but this could put those inside the room at risk, as well.
- Negative Air Pressure: Many newer homes are built to be tightly sealed. Unfortunately, while this is great for heating and cooling, it can cause some problems with your fireplace. Your home needs some air coming to make up for the air escaping your chimney. And when that can’t happen, the air will turn around right back into your home.
- Cold Chimney: Sometimes smoke in your home is due to a wall of cold air that’s already present inside of your chimney. In these cases, your best bet is to warm the flue by rolling up a newspaper, lighting it, then holding inside of your chimney unless the airflow reverses.
How to Fix a Smoking Fireplace
The good news about a smoky space is that there are solutions to get you back to where you need to be. Here are the next best steps to get your living room back to normal.
✓ Schedule a Sweeping & Inspection
One of the most effective ways to fix a smoking chimney is by having your chimney inspected and swept by a professional chimney sweep. This will ensure that your chimney is free of any blockages and that it is functioning properly. If your chimney is found to be in poor condition, one of our qualified chimney technicians can also perform any necessary repairs.
Remember, too, that annual maintenance and professional care is not only important for preventing smoke from entering your home, but also for keeping your home and family safer. Regular inspections and sweepings help to identify any potential hazards that could lead to a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Schedule your services with our team today.
✓ Have a Top-Sealing Damper Installed
A top-sealing damper is installed at the top of your flue, and it can act as a barrier to prevent smoke from spilling back into your home due to wind or down drafts. These will also keep your flue warmer when your system isn’t in use, so that your fires won’t have to fight a wall of cold air.
In addition, these work alongside your chimney cap to prevent rain, animals, and debris from entering your chimney, which can help to extend the life of your chimney.
✓ Invest in Repair Services
If you have found that your chimney is damaged and smoke is leaking into your home because of it, you will need the help of a professional who specializes in chimney care. DIY repair attempts often lead to further damage and some of these jobs can be dangerous to attempt without the right training and knowledge.
Integrity Chimney offers the most highly qualified chimney technicians in the area. They are ready to help get your chimney repaired, looking great, and free of buildup.
✓ Invite in Make-Up Air
If your home is tightly sealed or has a negative pressure, invite some make-up air by opening a window or door while your fireplace is in use. While this might not be the long-term solution, it’ll definitely offer some immediate relief in the moment.
✓ Upgrade to an Insert
Finally, if you’re using an older fireplace that is not airtight, you can improve its efficiency by having it sealed with a fireplace insert. A fireplace insert is a metal box that fits into your existing fireplace, creating an airtight seal. This will help to improve the chimney draft and reduce the amount of smoke that enters your home.
Give Our Experts a Call Today
Smoke from your fireplace entering your home can be a frustrating and potentially hazardous problem. However, by understanding the reasons why this might occur, and taking steps to address those causes, you can enjoy your fireplace without the unwanted smoke.
At Integrity Chimney we offer the best in chimney maintenance and repair. We’re members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG), our technicians are fully certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), and we are fully equipped to sweep, repair, and install whatever is necessary to keep your house smoke free and your fireplace a central gathering area in your home.
Unwanted smoke is a problem that can be fixed with the right steps and attention to detail. Don’t hesitate to call us at 570-221-4113 or reach out to our team online today.
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