During the winter months, when it’s cold, wet, and miserable outside, there’s no finer way to get warm and cozy than by lighting the fire, grabbing a drink, putting your feet up, and relaxing as you feel the warmth, listen to the crackle, and watch the flames dance.
Fireplaces and stoves may be practical and aesthetic, but they do require regular maintenance, especially following periods of heavy usage, I.E over the winter. This is especially true of the chimney, which can become damaged and worn due to its constant exposure to the elements.
No matter the quality of your fireplace and chimney, at some point your chimney is going to need some repair work carrying out to ensure it works as it should. From a health and safety perspective, this is a non negotiable.
Ironically, some people notice their fireplaces smoking after having chimney repair work done, which can leave them scratching their heads, and wondering what’s going on. If this sounds familiar, the following is for you.
Here’s a look at why fireplaces can smoke after chimney repair work, and what you can do to fix them.
Partially Blocked Flue
If, after lighting your fire or stove, you notice your fireplace beginning to smoke, this could be the sign of a partially blocked flue.
If you’ve recently had repairs carried out on your chimney, there’s a chance that during the repair, mortar, stone, and other materials were disturbed and knocked down the chimney where they would collect in the much narrower flue.
An obstruction in the flue could result in poor draw which means that the smoke wouldn’t be able to be fully vented out of your chimney. With nowhere to go, it would instead flood into your home. This is not only unpleasant, but more seriously, it can also pose significant health risks, including the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you notice your fireplace filling with smoke after having repairs carried out on your chimney, debris from the repair could partially be blocking the flue. The best way to know for certain is to inspect in and up the flue. If there is indeed debris, it will need to be removed immediately.
Cold Plugs of Air
Most people get their chimneys swept or repaired during the warmer months of the year, when the weather is warm and dry. Often, it will then be months before they actually light the fire or stove. When they do, sometimes they may get a nasty surprise, in the form of a poorly drawing fireplace and a room filled with smoke.
The reason for this is likely down to a plug of cold air. If the repair was carried out over summer, it could be several months before the fire is used. Cold air will therefore sit in the chimney/flue, with nowhere to go. Cold air is denser than warm air, so when the fire is lit, the lighter smoke is unable to pass through it. Rather than rising and being vented out of the chimney, it instead sinks back down and enters the room.
Before lighting your fire for the first time after a repair or long period of time, take a sheet of paper, light it, and place it near to the flue. The heat should help to displace the cold air and allow the warm air and smoke to rise and clear the “plug”.
Incorrectly Installed Damper/Cap/Crown
Another reason why your fireplace may be filling with smoke after having your chimney repaired could be down to an incorrectly installed damper or cap.
A chimney damper, crown, or cap is installed at the very top of a chimney and is basically designed to protect the inside from rain, dirt, debris, birds, insects, and other pests which could damage the inside and potentially cause a blockage or obstruction.
If you have recently had a new damper, crown, or cap installed on your chimney, there’s a chance that it has been fitted incorrectly, which could be the reason for all of the smoke. Dampers for example, feature a waterproof seal or gasket, to make everything watertight. If the seal was fitted wrong, this could affect the draw of the fireplace. Rather than smoke travelling up and out of the chimney, it could instead stay where it is and instead pour into your home.
Another potential problem of an incorrectly fitted damper, crown, or cap, could simply be a blockage. These devices are designed to protect your chimney and flue and keep the inside clear. If they were fitted wrong, debris, animals, or insects could potentially have gotten inside, and could have caused a blockage. With your chimney blocked, the smoke will have nowhere to go.
Your Chimney Was Damaged During the Repair
In the ultimate twist of irony, there is always a chance that, when you were getting your chimney repaired, the repair job actually damaged another part of it.
During the repair, mortar could have been knocked loose, chipped, or even cracked. When this occurs, it can affect the air pressure within the flue, preventing it from drawing properly.
If, after having your chimney repaired, you notice your fireplace smoking, or failing to draw correctly, it’s worth inspecting the rest of the chimney to make sure it wasn’t damaged in a different place. If so, contact the people who carried out the repair in the first place, explain what happened, and 9 times out of 10, they’ll be more than happy to come and put things right for no additional charge, especially if they were at fault.
Burning Green Wood
Finally, if after having your chimney repaired, you notice it smoking more than usual, it’s always worth looking at the fuel you’re burning.
If the wood you’re burning contains too much moisture, it is known as ‘green wood’. The excess moisture inside means that it doesn’t burn hot enough, which means that it smolders, gives off less heat, and creates far more smoke.
Only burn fully seasoned wood, with a moisture content of 20% or less. To check the moisture content of your wood, it’s worth investing in a good quality moisture reader.