Expert: James Ball - 11/15/2009

Question
our newly built stone fireplace, all built from stone, sits about 3 ft off the ground.  The firebox is 43" wide and 38" deep and 40 " high. The interior ceiling domes up to the chimney approx 3 ft to the 8" chim pipe, capped above with a large size stone, with all sides open for smoke.  More smoke seems to be coming out from the top of the firebox than the chimney, except if i have a huge blaze going and no wind.  What can i do to improve the draft?  How effective would a grate be with say a 4 " height?  Any other suggestions would be appreciated.  Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hello Gary, is the chimney tall enough? is it sized correctly? have you tried opening a window or door to release the negative pressure of the house? 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 should be able to help.
Hope this helps
James