Problems With Chimneys

Fire Keeps Going Out

• If the fire in your living room keeps going out or doesn't draw properly, the flue on your chimney may be obstructed. The problem also may be due to voids at the base of the chimney, preventing the fire from drawing. Draught excluders fitted at the base of doors and double glazed windows also may be the source of the problem, as they can restrict the air flow necessary for a fire to ignite and sustain itself.

Excess Soot

• The presence of soot in your living room is not only unpleasant, but also can be a fire hazard. If your fireplace is throwing out large amounts of soot, it is probably due to the chimney flue with an incorrect diameter for the breadth of the fireplace. It also may be due to a flue with poor insulation, which can prevent fumes from rising efficiently and cause sooty deposits to be thrown out of the fireplace.

Fumes

• Fumes emanating from fireplaces contain carbon monoxide and can be fatal if ingested in high quantities. Fumes returning into the room are most likely to be caused by a chimney blocked with excess soot and dirt. If your chimney has gaps in it, fumes and smoke also can drift into upstairs rooms. Examine carpets for smoke stains to see if fumes are drifting into upstairs rooms.

Hot Chimney Breast

• A hot chimney breast indicates that the chimney has suffered structural damage or has deteriorated with age. You also can identify this problem by checking if any walls that are near the chimney are hot, too. A deteriorating chimney breast can be afflicted by acids and tars that erode the brickwork. Substantial structural work can be required to make the chimney safe again.