Wood burning fireplace not drawing correctly, do I need a chimney sweep or a masonry guy?

[sun starved Gayle]

I love using our wood burning fireplace but stop using it last year when it started seriously not drawing correctly. We have always had a bit of a problem with this, but the situation got worse last year. Suggestions on what kind of a tech I need?

 

[geist1223]

I would start with an jnspection.

 

[Luanne]

How often do you have your chimney cleaned? We usually have them out once a year.

 

[davidvel]

I agree with geist1223. If you can get someone to check the flue for any blockages like animal nest, etc. that will help guide you.

 

[easyrider]

I love using our wood burning fireplace but stop using it last year when it started seriously not drawing correctly. We have always had a bit of a problem with this, but the situation got worse last year. Suggestions on what kind of a tech I need?

We use a Lopi wood stove at our cabin. Sometimes it doesn't want to draft properly until it's burning hot. I have to use the stoves door to create a draft by leaving it a bit open. Once it gets hot it drafts fine.

The Franklin Fireplace that was there before the Lopi Stove had the same problem. Some one said it was the cold air in the chimney needing to change with the heat of the fire to draft properly.

Bill

 

[davidvel]

We use a Lopi wood stove at our cabin. Sometimes it doesn't want to draft properly until it's burning hot. I have to use the stoves door to create a draft by leaving it a bit open. Once it gets hot it drafts fine.

The Franklin Fireplace that was there before the Lopi Stove had the same problem. Some one said it was the cold air in the chimney needing to change with the heat of the fire to draft properly.

Bill

Yes, if it is especially cold outside, this creates a downdraft that fights against the rising heat. In that case, you want a quick infusion of heat to blow the cold air out and create the updraft current. Also, you need some air coming from outside into the house to avoid a vacuum and complete the air loop.

 

[e.bram]

Do you have an independent air feed to the fireplace from outside?
Try it!

 

[easyrider]

Do you have an independent air feed to the fireplace from outside?
Try it!

I don't. I will look into it though.

Bill

 

[am1]

Heat it up with a blow torch.

 

[rickandcindy23]

Heat it up with a blow torch.

This is a great suggestion. A cold chimney is hard to get warmed up enough for the air in the chimney to allow the warm air out.

Have owned a chimney cleaning business for 42 years. Rick still cleans chimneys.

Trees that are too near the top of the chimney can affect the draft. New construction (buildings within 10 feet radius of the chimney) can also cause problems. This would require an extension to the top of the chimney, whether with clay flue tiles or chimney pipe.

Blockages are rarely an issue. RARELY. Unless you have a dead animal in there, but you can smell it.

I would check the top against all structures surrounding it.

My dad could never get out fireplace going in our circa 1928 house in North Denver. A long line of pine trees lined the driveway. Now I know why that darned chimney smoked. The trees were affecting the air around that chimney.

 

[DrQ]

I was always told to take 3-4 sheets of crumpled up newspaper (or its equivalent) and burn that on top of the wood to heat up the chimney just before stating the fire to start the draft. Our house also has a vent in the back allowing outside air into the firebox. As newer houses are sealed, you need a source of make-up air.

 

[am1]

I was always told to take 3-4 sheets of crumpled up newspaper (or its equivalent) and burn that on top of the wood to heat up the chimney just before stating the fire to start the draft. Our house also has a vent in the back allowing outside air into the firebox. As newer houses are sealed, you need a source of make-up air.

Normally that is fine but a blow torch is less/no smoke and easy to shut off. In 2025 a camera attached to a long cord and to a phone could check the inside easy enough.

 

[am1]

Slightly off topic.

You are lost, cold and hungry and it is dark. You find a cabin. There is only 1 match. There is a candle for light, wood stove for heat and a gas stove for cooking. What do you light first?

What is the only thing what will not burn in a forest fire? Saw it in a movie and is helpful.

 

[DrQ]

There is a candle for light, wood stove for heat and a gas stove for cooking. What do you light first?

The match