When you light a fire and smoke fills the room, you most likely have a problem with your chimney draft. This type of problem is called backdrafting and results from the airflow in your chimney being reversed. Instead of smoke being pulled out of your home through the chimney, the smoke is pushed back into your home through the fireplace. In order to function properly, your chimney needs a draft to pull the byproducts of combustion out of your house. Many things can contribute to chimney draft problems, and some of these things can be hidden hazards that could lead to bigger issues. Aelite Chimney Specialties would like to tell you how you can increase the draft in your chimney to work better as well as which hazards could be causing the draft problems.
How can I increase the draft in my chimney?
According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), the easiest way to increase your chimney draft is to burn hotter fires. Heated air is lighter, so it will create more pull as it goes up the chimney. Another way to increase your chimney draft is to add height to your chimney. Aelite Chimney Specialties can look at your chimney and be able to tell you if increasing the height of your chimney is something that you should consider.
What are some of the hidden hazards that could be causing my chimney draft problems?
Many times, the airflow in your chimney can be restricted that will slow down the draft, and some of these restrictions can lead to other hazards. Included in these restrictions are the following:
Excessive amounts of creosote deposits – This compound, which is formed naturally during the combustion process of burning wood, can accumulate to the point that it blocks your flue. Not only does this cause draft problems, but it can also lead to a dangerous chimney fire. Creosote is extremely flammable, and if the internal temperature inside your chimney gets hot enough, the creosote can ignite a chimney fire. A professional chimney sweeping from Aelite Chimney Specialties can remove all of the hazardous creosote from your chimney to make it safe to use again.
Structural damage – Freezing temperatures can lead to the cracking and breaking apart of the bricks and mortar of your chimney. While some of these broken bricks land outside of your home, other pieces can end up inside your chimney to create a blockage. Flue blockages can lead to carbon monoxide leaking back into your home, which could be very dangerous, and this structural damage can lead to the collapse of your chimney. Aelite Chimney Specialties can inspect your chimney for debris blockages, remove the debris, and replace the missing bricks to reinforce the structural soundness of your chimney.
Clogged chimney cap – If your chimney cap contains clogs from debris, it can be close to impossible for the chimney draft to work properly. Aelite Chimney Specialties can inspect your chimney cap and clean the cap so air can flow in and out as it should.
Your chimney draft problems could be signaling other issues. If you live in or around Chicago, contact us at Aelite Chimney Specialties if you live around the Chicago area and are experiencing issues with your chimney draft.