Expert: James Ball - 12/25/2008

Question
I have a fireplace in my family room and a roughed in fireplace in my basement which is covered by wood panelling. When I have a fire in the family room smoke enters the basement rendering it unusable.

Answer
Hello Richard, you have a negative pressure issue, the hot air that is going up the first chimney is being pulled down the other to feed the first and it is bringing the smoke with it. I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have. they might be able to install a top mount damper cap.
James