Double-sided hearth too smoky to make use of

The fireplace has two chimneys that we opened every time we made a fire. Is there anything you can suggest to get this fireplace drawing?

A: A wood stove in the fireplace? That’s crazy. There are a number of things that you can try to resolve your problem.

First of all, it is important that you understand some basic laws of thermodynamics. First hot air rises and cold air sinks. Second, fire requires combustion air. Simply put, in order to function properly, a fireplace needs cooler air to enter the firebox to replace the hot air, smoke, and gases exiting the chimney. The right ratio of cold and warm allows the fireplace to pull.

We can think of a number of reasons why your fireplace would smoke you out. You’ve done with the first pair by running a chimney sweep and making sure the hatch is open. Here are some other causes and possible cures:

– Wood should be dry and aged for at least a year. Hardwoods are best. They are denser and give off less smoke. Split the wood so it burns efficiently. Avoid building rubble as it is impossible to predict what chemicals it might contain. Even when chemical-free, Douglas fir and pine burn hot and quickly and form creosote in the chimney. If you regularly burn pine or fir, have the chimney sweep cleaned annually.

– The rack on which you will place the wood should be placed directly under the damper. Raising the grate on bricks will help create more combustion air under the fire and bring the fire closer to the chimney opening.

– Double sided chimneys have inherent problems with draft. They are haunted by drafts on both sides. Installing glass doors can solve this problem by cutting off air from one side of the fireplace for starting and containing the hot air once the fire starts.

– Have an experienced bricklayer check the height of the chimney. Increasing the height of the chimney should improve draft.

– If it is cold and / or raining, the air in the chimney is probably cold and heavy and is blocking the smoke outlet. Every time you start a fire, prime the chimney by rolling up a newspaper and lighting it. Then hold the lit end close to the open hatch in the firebox to heat the air in the chimney. This has the effect that the warm air is directed in the right direction – outside, not into the house.

– Turn off the heating when starting a fire. Gas stoves also need combustion air – the same air that the fireplace needs. When the heating is on, there is competition for the same air. If the oven wins you will be fumigated.

– Houses are being built or retrofitted much narrower than in the past. The air pressure inside the house can be different than outside. This can slow down the air drawn through the fireplace and limit the combustion air, resulting in a smoky fire. When you start a fire, open a window or door until it starts.

– Finally, consider hiring a bricklayer to install an outside air duct into the firebox.

Our advice is to do the free things first, then try the glass doors and if you don’t get the result you want, consult a good bricklayer about general layout and chimney height. We wish you many more cozy evenings and let us know how it turned out when you get the chance.