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Chimney & Fireplaces/Outdoor fireplace smoke

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Expert: - 1/2/2006


Question
Hi Bart,

I have an outdoor fireplace that I have used only twice now and I am having a severe problem with smoke coming out the front.  I would guesstimate up to half the smoke is exiting the front of the unit, creating quite a mess on the front of the fireplace.  The chimney cap is roughly 6" by 12" clay oval, which seems sufficient.  I guess the question is whether the shape of the fire box is contributing to the problem.  It is quite difficult to explain the structure in email (I would be happy to send some pictures), but it seems that the area of the box directly above the fire should slope toward the chimney exit.  Right now there is a flat fireproof shield that coveres the front half of the chimney directly above the fire area.  The exit hole is in the back of the firebox.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

-Brad Jensen

Answer
Brad,

I would have to see pictures to tell you anything.

Send them to bart@homesafeks.com with a copy of the email text above and I'll be glad to take a look.

Sincerely,
A. Bart Ogden, President
Home Safe Hearth & Chimney
Wichita, KS
www.homesafeks.com

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Bart Ogden

Expertise

I can answer questions related to chimney and fireplace cleaning, construction and repair as well as questions related to the performance of chimneys and fireplaces. I can also answer questions related to clothes dryer vent cleaning and repair. Additionally, I can field questions related to masonry repair.

Experience


Experience in the area:
28 years experience in the chimney service/installation/repair field
President, Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc. Wichita, Kansas

Professional Organizations:
Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG)
Member, Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)
Member, Kansas Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps (KGPCS)
Member, Midwest Chimney Safety Council (MCSC)
Member, Kansas Association of Real Estate Inspectors (KAREI)
Past At-Large Director of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past At-Large Director of the Chimney Safety Institute of America
Past Secretary, National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past Secretary, Chimney Safety Institute of America
Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild Technical Advisory Council
Member, Chimney Safety Institute of America Certification Committee
Past Chairman, CSIA Chimney Safety Education Brochures Committee
Past Chairman, NCSG Nomination Committee

Publications:
SWEEPING Magazine, The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technoloty, A Publication of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
SNEWS, The Chimney Sweep News
THE KANSAS SWEEP, The Voice of the KS Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps

Education/Credentials:
BA, Wichita State University
C.S.I.A. Certified Chimney Sweep
C.S.I.A. Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician
N.F.I. Woodburning Specialist
N.F.I. Gas Specialist
Chimney Diagnosis & Documentation Seminar
Ahren's Masonry Restoration School Graduate
Advanced Gas Certification
Master Gas Certification
Licensed Mechanical Contractor
Pellet Appliance Specialist
Venting Design Specialist
Dale Carnegie Course Graduate

Awards and Honors:
Superior Dealer Award, Ventinox Chimney Lining Systems

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