Smoking Chimney Repair

Sitting next to a warm fire is a cozy, highly enjoyable experience — but not when the fireplace is pumping out smoke. We know how frustrating that can be, particularly since the number of different reasons why your fireplace might be smoking is vast. But with Blue Ridge Chimney Services, you don’t have to stress. Our CSIA-certified technicians are highly adept at rooting out the cause of a smoky chimney, so if smoke is putting a damper on your fireplace or stove enjoyment, give us a call — we’d love to help.

A Few Simple Things To Check When You Have A Smoky Chimney

One common cause for a smoking chimney is that it is in need of a good sweeping. If you haven’t had your chimney swept this year, call us — a clean flue may end your smoke problem, and will certainly make your chimney far, far safer.

Blue Ridge Chimney Services is here whenever you need help with your chimney, but sometimes the solution to your smoke problem can be simple. Here are a few simple things to check out at the onset of your smoke problem:

 

Is your damper open?
The damper closes off the flue when it’s not in use, but for the hot air, gases, debris and smoke to vent out of the chimney, it needs to be open. It’s easy to forget, but important to remember.

What kind of wood are you using?
To avoid unwanted smoke, the best wood to use is seasoned hardwood. It is thoroughly dried and denser, and burns far more efficiently.

Try priming the flue
If the air in your chimney is particularly cold, that may be hindering the smoke from drawing up and out. Try holding a lit, rolled-up newspaper inside the firebox toward the damper before you light a fire — the warmed air might help encourage the smoke to go where it belongs.

Try cracking a window
Advancements in making a home airtight have done great things to decrease energy waste. But your home might be so airtight that the fire isn’t getting enough oxygen. Try cracking a window while you get the fire started and see if it helps.

Close up of dazzling fire in a brick fireplace
Additional Things That Blue Ridge Chimney Services Will Look For

If you’ve checked your damper, primed the flue and taken care to use seasoned firewood and there’s still smoke, we can check your system for a variety of system problems that may be contributing to the issue.

For Instance, You May Have:

  • A flue that’s the wrong size for your appliance or fireplace opening
  • Obstructions in the flue, including debris and bird nests
  • A clogged chimney cap screen
  • A chimney that isn’t adequately sized (as a rule, the height of your chimney should extend at least three feet above your roof)

These are just a few things that could be contributing to a smoky chimney — your Blue Ridge Chimney Services technicians will take care to check every possible problem, and will suggest repairs that will have your family enjoying a smoke-free fire together as soon as possible.

Are your experiencing problems with a smoking chimney? Call Blue Ridge Chimney Services at 540-217-2030 and make an appointment with our CSIA-certified technicians or click here to schedule an appointment online!

 

Do you know if your chimney needs relining? Let our experienced technicians inspect your heating system to see if you need this kind of chimney repair...it will help keep you and your family safer in your home.