With the arrival of cooler temperatures, many homeowners are looking forward to getting the logs ready to enjoy warm and cozy fireplaces. What they may not be expecting is dangerous smoke filtering in from the chimney. Charlie’s Chimney Sweeps & Masonry in New Richmond, OH specializes in getting to the root of the problems and making the necessary repairs.

Here are a few common reasons why your chimney may be creating a smoke backdraft:

• The Damper Is Clogged: The damper, which is a valve that regulates the airflow inside a chimney, should be checked to ensure nothing is obstructing the flue system. The fireplace repair technicians at Charlie’s Chimney Sweeps & Masonry are trained to conduct thorough inspections so that your chimney cleaning gets rid of things like creosote build-up or birds’ nests.

• Cold Chimneys And Flues: If your chimney is located outside of the envelope of your home, cold air may have to escape first so that the smoke can move up the chimney. Using specialized equipment, Charlie’s Chimney Sweeps & Masonry will eliminate exterior smoke so that the hot air warms your home and keeps the chilly air outside.
• Fireplace And Chimney Construction: The height of your fireplace opening and the size of the flue may not be proportionate. The result is that smoke is not being pulled up the chimney. Talk to the chimney repair experts at Charlie’s Chimney Sweeps & Masonry about the installation of guards that can reduce or lower your fireplace opening to allow smoke to move in the proper direction.
• The Use Of Ash Dumps And Ash Pits: Fireplaces with these features may have a cleanout door in the home’s basement. In some homes, both the furnace and laundry room are located in the basement. If smoke starts to fill the room after firing your fireplace, the furnace is probably pulling air down from the chimney and through the ash dump. Charlie’s Chimney Sweeps & Masonry can pinpoint if this is indeed the problem and clear the obstruction.

When you use your fireplace this autumn and winter, you don’t want to worry about dangerous smoke filling your home. Call Charlie’s Chimney Sweeps & Masonry today at (513) 553-0229 for your chimney inspection. Visit the website to learn more about additional services such as chimney crown repair, fireplace cleaning, fireplace repair and the servicing of wood stoves.