Expert: James Ball - 11/19/2010

Question
We have a double chimney.Sometimes when were burning the woodstove upstairs(ground level),we get backdraf  down the other side filling our basement with smoke.Is there away to prevent this.Both flue collars are of equal level on the top of chimney.

Answer
Hello Rich what that is called is negative pressure, they make a "top mount damper" that will have a cable that goes down the inside of the chimney for the down stair fireplace when closed it will lock off the chimney air tight so no smoke and air can come down,
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