Smoky Fireplace & Draft Problems in Queens & Long Island
Smoke rolling into the room can come from a blockage, a flue that's too small for the fireplace, a chimney that's too short, negative pressure in a tight house or a damper issue. We diagnose the cause before suggesting a fix.
What is smoky fireplace & draft problems?
Smoke should go up the chimney, not into the room. When it doesn't, the cause is usually a blockage, a closed or broken damper, a flue that's too small for the fireplace opening, a chimney that's too short, or negative air pressure in a tight house.
We diagnose the cause first, because the fixes are very different — from cleaning or a new cap to a smoke guard or changes to the flue.
Warning signs
- Smoke rolling out of the fireplace
- Smoke when lighting a fire
- Smell of smoke in the house days later
- Fires that are hard to keep going
- Problems only in certain wind conditions
How SkyFlue does it
- 1Check for blockagesNests, debris, creosote and the damper.
- 2MeasureFireplace opening versus flue size, and chimney height.
- 3Check the houseExhaust fans and tight construction that pull air.
- 4Recommend a fixExplained with the reasoning behind it.
What affects the scope
- Cause of the problem
- Fireplace and flue dimensions
- Chimney height relative to the roof
- Cap type
When to call
Call if smoke comes into the room. If you smell smoke or exhaust without a fire, stop using the system and call us.
Call (934) 271-0372Smoky Fireplace & Draft Problems FAQ
Why does smoke come into the room?+
Common causes are blockages, a closed or broken damper, an undersized flue, a short chimney or negative pressure in the house.
Why does it only happen sometimes?+
Wind direction, outdoor temperature and exhaust fans running can all affect draft.
Can a cap help?+
Sometimes. Certain caps help with wind-related downdrafts, but the cause has to be diagnosed first.
What if I smell smoke when there's no fire?+
Stop using the system and call us — it may be a blockage or a heating appliance venting problem.