Expert: James Ball - 2/24/2009

Question
QUESTION: why does my wood heater smoke up the house when the wind blows hard?

ANSWER: Hello Allan, is this some thing new? more from one direction or another? Is the wood heater a wood stove?
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. They do make "wind deflection caps"
James

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: This is a cast iron wood heater and has been installed for about 6 months. The chimney is clean and the smoke only comes back in when the wind blows hard. It doesnt matter which direction. I have no problems with the smoke coming back in when the wind doesnt blow hard. A light wind doesnt cause a problem.

ANSWER: Welcome back Allan, ok then lets look out side is the chimney tall enough? are there roof peaks near by? are there large trees, hills near by. all of these things can cause the wind to come down. did you check with the installer? they do make "wind deflection" caps that might work. and contact the certified sweep.
James

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: you have been very helpful and i appreciate it. one last question. what is the proper height for a chimney?

Answer
Hello Allan, the 3', 10', 2' rule, this is where the chimney brakes the roof line you go up 3', then  go around in a 10' circle, if you do not hit any thing you are good, if you do you keep going up until you do not then 2' more. theses are minimum heights.
James