Repairing Smoky Chimneys

Is your chimney smoking? Smoky chimneys are a common frustration for homeowners in Eastern Pennsylvania. While a healthy fireplace should vent smoke efficiently, encountering smoke indoors signifies a problem. At Wells & Sons Chimney & Fireplace Service, our expert chimney sweeps diagnose and resolve smoky issues, ensuring your fireplace experience is warm and enjoyable.

Why Is My Chimney Smoky?

Getting your chimney to stop smoking may be as simple as changing your firewood or warming the flue before igniting your log. It could also be something more severe, like flammable creosote, a blockage, or another issue restricting the airflow. Here’s a rundown on some of the common causes of a smoky chimney or fireplace:

Warning: If you see flames coming out of the chimney, it is on fire. Evacuate your home and call 911.

Improper Air Flow

The most common reason smoke backs up into your home is restricted airflow within the chimney system. This backdraft could be due to a blockage in the flue or connector piping, a closed damper, or negative pressure caused by strong winds (downdraft) or other appliances in your home, like exhaust or ceiling fans.

Creosote Buildup

Creosote, a tarry byproduct of wood burning, can accumulate in your chimney liner. Excessive creosote buildup narrows the flue passage and restricts airflow, leading to smoke backflow.

Chimney Draft Issues

Insufficient draft can also cause smoke problems. A poorly designed chimney, incorrect height for the appliance, or a dirty fireplace can contribute to a weak draft.

Unseasoned Firewood

Burning green or wet firewood creates more smoke because it burns less efficiently. Using seasoned firewood (dried for 6-12 months) ensures a cleaner, hotter burn with less smoke.

How to Prevent Smoky Chimneys

Here are some proactive steps to keep your chimney smoke-free:

• Schedule Annual Inspections and Cleaning: Regular chimney inspections and cleaning by qualified professionals remove built-up creosote and other debris, preventing blockages and ensuring proper airflow.
• Burn Seasoned Firewood: Using firewood that has been seasoned or dried for six to twelve months will burn cleaner at hotter temperatures due to its low moisture content.
• Maintain Proper Ventilation: Ensure your fireplace damper is open before lighting a fire and closed only after completely extinguishing the fire. It allows for proper airflow and prevents smoke from entering your home.
• Preheat the Flue: To prevent smoke backdraft, warm the flue before lighting a cold flue for the first time. Roll some newspaper into a cone, light one end, and wave it under the flue. Once you notice the draft reversing and the smoke rising, light the kindling and the fireplace logs.
• Repair Masonry Damage: Missing or cracked bricks and deteriorating mortar can create air leaks that disrupt airflow and lead to a smoky chimney. Replacing missing or damaged bricks and tuckpointing to fill in mortar joints will help your chimney to stop smoking.

We Can Fix Your Smoky Chimney in Eastern Pennsylvania

If your chimney has a smoking problem, we can help! Our professional inspection and cleaning services will clear clogged vents, remove flammable creosote and debris, and ensure proper airflow, allowing your family to enjoy a smoke-free fireplace! Contact Wells & Sons Chimney & Fireplace Services today to schedule a visit for your home or business! We proudly serve residential and commercial customers in Allentown PA, Reading PA, Norristown PA, King of Prussia PA, Ardmore PA, Horsham PA, Malvern PA, Schwenksville PA, Morgantown PA, Glenmoore PA, and surrounding townships.