4Real Forums: smoky fireplace

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Our Lady's Loom, Larder, and Laundry
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Topic: smoky fireplace

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St. Ann
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Posted: Oct 03 2009 at 1:39am \| IP Logged

The other thread on wood stoves got me thinking about our fireplace... We live in a windy area and some days the smoke from our fireplace was blown back into the house, so we had to open up the sliding glass door to let the gush of smoke back outside. This is really frustrating. We have plenty of wood, but can only use our fireplace on non-windy days. Has anyone a solution for this problem?
I am also concerned about the children's respiratory health. But I would really be sad if we couldn't use our fireplace anymore.

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Stephanie

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JodieLyn
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Posted: Oct 03 2009 at 9:29am \| IP Logged

Well, you need a good sized fire to create a strong draft up the chimney, and I believe you can get something on top of your chimney to help with blocking the wind.. but I bet if you called a chimney sweep in your town they'd know what helps there.

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Lara Sauer
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Posted: Oct 03 2009 at 11:41am \| IP Logged

I would also check and make sure that the grating upon which you build your fire is pushed back as far as it well go. We kept getting smoke in our living room, and I couldn't figure out why...when I started poking around, I realized that the grating was pretty far forward so the smoke wasn't getting caught in the updraft from the chimney.

Good luck! I am looking forward to some warm and cozy days in front of the fire place!

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Waverley
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Posted: Oct 03 2009 at 5:23pm \| IP Logged

I second the chimney sweep recommendation. He/she can look at the chimney to see if there are any structural problems.

We had the same exact problem as you and a chimney sweep gave us the easiest fix possible. You need a source of fresh air coming into the house on a level the same as or below the fire place. For us, we simply open the dryer door (the dryer is in the basement) and enough cool air comes in through the dryer vent from outside that it works. I'm not sure how this works but the chimney sweep gave me a very detailed, scientific explanation and the solution works.

Good luck.

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Waverley
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