What Causes Your Fireplace to Smoke?

Fireplace Smoke Blog Image

Having smoke start billowing back into your living room can be terrifying. When all you want is to enjoy a little warmth and ambiance but instead get stingy eyes and the unmistakable scent of a smouldering log, there’s a problem. 

Your fireplace is trying to tell you something. A smoking fireplace is a sign that something is wrong, and you must address this situation. 

The Chemistry of a Chimney

To understand why fireplaces act out by smoking, we must first appreciate the science behind their operation. At its core, a fireplace creates a smooth updraft to funnel smoke up and out of the chimney. This updraft is caused by the heated air and combustion gases rushing upwards, while denser cool air is pulled to replace it.

It’s essentially a cyclical breathing process – the fireplace inhales the cool air it needs for combustion and exhales the smoke and gases produced. If this cycle flows smoothly, everyone’s happy. But throw in any obstacles or imbalances, and suddenly, your fireplace starts hacking up a lung.

The Usual Suspects

Obstructions in the Chimney

Any blockages, whether built-up soot and creosote, a bird’s nest, or a clogged chimney cap, can severely disrupt the updraft. It’s like trying to breathe through a stuffy nose.

Cold Chimney Syndrome

Cold chimney masonry can create a “downdraft,” where the dense, cool air in the flue causes airflow to move in the wrong direction. Letting the chimney warm up first allows the updraft to establish itself.

Nearby Trees or Buildings

Wind eddies caused by nearby tall trees or buildings can essentially “inhale” the smoke back down the chimney in a downdraft effect. Creative chimney extensions or caps may be needed.

Improper Chimney Height

Building codes specify minimum chimney heights designed to promote better drafts. It is too short, and the airflow patterns get thrown off.

Closed Doors or Windows

Your fireplace needs replacement air from somewhere for the updraft cycle to operate smoothly. To this end, keep nearby doors or windows cracked open a bit.

The Fix is In

Fortunately, many of these smoking fireplace triggers can be remedied with simple sleuthing and maintenance. Removing obstructions, installing chimney caps or extensions, and opening a window can all help restore that critical updraft. An annual chimney sweeping will remove built-up soot and debris.

If persistent downdrafts persist despite these efforts, you may need to investigate more invasive solutions. Adding special “chimney pots” or heating sources in the flue can bolster the updraft. Major chimney renovations, like height extensions or exterior re-routing, maybe the only way to permanently solve the problem.

At the end of the day, a smoking fireplace is like your car billowing smoke from the exhaust – it’s a signal that something is amiss and needs fixing. Don’t just resign yourself to a smelly, irritating fireplace. Control that chimney’s breathing, and you can again enjoy those gently glowing fires in peace.

Are you in need of professional chimney services? The Chimney Company specializes in fireplace services and installation. We will ensure your fireplace is safe to prevent devastating consequences. Contact us today to learn more about our chimney services!