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Question
We have a double flue chimney in our house and although our damper is closed, whenever our tenant downstairs has a fire, our entire upstairs becomes filled with smoke. Our chimney was swept less than a year ago.
Hello Graham, What is happening is you are getting Negative Pressure in your home that is hot air raising in your home (and getting out through the attic vents, doors, lights) your house is a better chimney than your chimney. Also kitchen/bathroom exhaust fans, cloths dryers and the furnace all take house air out of the house (mechanical negative pressure) your house needs make up air,
So you have cold air coming down all the time and it will draw smoke down from the down stairs fireplace. perhaps a top mount damper cap to close off the top.
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.
James
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Hello James, thank you very much for your answer to my question. I found it to be extremely helpful. It makes a lot of sense. My wife has booked a chimney sweep to come and sweep the flues yet again, which I do not believe is the answer, but they say that is where they like to start. I will check to see if they have the certification that you recommend. Seasons greetings to you and yours and thanks again. Graham | ||
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Answers by Expert:
James Ball
Expertise
I am a chimney sweep with over 22 years of experience, CSIA certified and member of the NCSG, I can answer questions about smoky fire places, wood stoves, and heating units (boiler and furnace chimneys) do you need a relining? A cap? And much more
Experience
over 22 years
Organizations
Chimney Safety Institute of America, National Chimney Sweep Guild
Education/Credentials
CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) certified
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