Expert: James Ball - 1/20/2010

Question
QUESTION: hi,
I live in Italy and the house we have already has a nice open fire, however the builder didnt follow the plans that were given to him and when it is started smoke enters the room. The measurements are as follows:
Fireplace Opening Width 110cm(43")
Fireplace Opening Height 60cm(23.6")
Firebox Depth 84cm(33")
Rear Firebox Width 50cm(19.7")
Rear Firebox Wall Vertical Height
Flue Size at time of writing the email is unknown as have just tried to start the fire again!
Chimney Height at best is 4meters(13feet,but maybe less)
Floor to Damper is 165cm(65")
If you can help in any way i would be very grateful.  I dont know if it is possible to increase the flue length by reducing the floor to damper height and then adding another section on the flue outside the roof? Help is needed!
Many thanks
Matt

ANSWER: Hello Matt, did you contact your local building department to see if it was build to code?
in most cases the chimney is to short and the house has negative pressure, try opening a window full, and feeling if there is cold air coming down if not then try to light a small fire and after it gets going  slowly close the window.
keep me posted
James

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

QUESTION: Thanks for the answer.

In your opinion by how much would i need to add to the chimney in order for it to work better?
Also do you think the height between the floor and damper is too much or is it acceptable?
Thanks again.
Matt

Answer
Welcome back Matt, it may take 1 section or it  might take several, hard to say, did you try opening the window like I said? as far as the damper, try adding a few layers of bricks to the floor that will bring the fire closer to the damper.
good luck
keep me posted