Expert: James Ball - 12/13/2008

Question
We have a doublesided fireplace that has glass doors on each side (they are older and don't shut tight) that doesn't seem to draft very well.  The room gets smokey if the doors are closed, one door is closed, whether we burn chemical logs or wood, basically it is smokey no matter what.  I just had the chimney cleaned and inspected and nothing was found to be wrong as far as blockage.  Do you have any suggestions as to what to do to get it to draft better.  Would adding height to the chimney help? Possibly replacing the doors for a tight seal? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Answer
Hello Julie, yes replacing the doors, making the chimney taller both can help but I would start with opening a window and giving the rooms a minute to settle then see if you have draft (light a piece of incense and watch the smoke) you may have a negative pressure issue. Is your sweep certified? 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