Expert: James Ball - 2/23/2009

Question
We had a rumsford fireplace installed in our house that we just purchased. We had to install that
particular type because there was an existing flue liner that was too small, and in order for the
fireplace to work properly, the firebox had to be smaller. So, now the fireplace works great, but
there is a terrible smoke smell in the room above the room with the fireplace. It has a little
smoke that you can see when the lights are turned on, and the smell is very strong in there. We
don't have any windows open, and our damper is a lock top. Any ideas on how the smoke is
seeping into this room?

Answer
Hello Nena, is the Lock Top installed correctly? can you see day light when you look up? you might have to have both flues video scanned to see if there is a break in the flue's. 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.James