Asked on Jan 02, 2014
How do I keep smoke from pouring into house from 2 sided fireplace
by Sandi Z
+8
fireplace is a 3 sided one that opens on 2 sides. Is there a trick to keeping smoke from flowing out into house?
8 answers
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two sided fireplace - cool! As I understand it, lots of factors can cause smoke to return into the house when burning a wood fire... These include but are not limited to the fire not burning hot enough (wood too wet), not getting a sufficient draft started before burning, I've even heard about issues with roof design and wind direction at the time of the fire. In my house for my antique stone fireplace - my chimney guy had suggested extending the face of *my* fireplace downward may help. Chimney and Draft Fans are available but do seem pricey ... but absolutely worth a google or two. Good luck. I discussed some of this on our blog. Maybe it helps >> http://www.buildingmoxie.com/2012/02/wood-fireplace/
![Building Moxie]()
Building Moxie
on Jan 02, 2014
- See 1 previous
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is the flute open?
![Rena Rowley]()
Rena Rowley
on Jan 03, 2014
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I have a 2 sided FP that divides 2 rooms. Either both sides have to have the doors open, or both sides have to have them closed.
![Emma Taylor]()
Emma Taylor
on Jan 03, 2014
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crack a window for air supply
![Higgins const.]()
Higgins const.
on Jan 04, 2014
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If this is happening when you first start the fire, it may be caused by a down draft. Befor lighting the fire, we always use a long match or something similar to hold under the flue to make sure the air is actually going up & out the chimney rather than down the chimney and into the house. You can tell by the reaction of the flame. If you do have a downdraft it usually takes less than a minute of this small flame to reverse the air flow. And, make sure all of your exhaust fans ( bathroom & stove) are off. You can usually turn these on again after you get your fire started.
![Stacy Taylor]()
Stacy Taylor
on Jan 07, 2014
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There could be something clogging the chimney. Did you have the chimney cleaned before using? If not, it should be done every year before you use it. Animals sometimes build nests in chimneys. If there is a cover on top outside, perhaps there is a problem with that. Was the chimney built by the home owner or a pro? If a homeowner, it is probable it was constructed incorrectly. Did the previous owner use the chimney a lot-the inside of the box would have been blackened quite a bit.
![Christina]()
Christina
on Jan 25, 2015
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glass doors would work if all those other options don't.
![LindaK]()
LindaK
on Jan 07, 2016
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be sure dampers are open
![Cyndadouglas]()
Cyndadouglas
on Mar 18, 2016
Building Moxie
on Jan 02, 2014
Rena Rowley
on Jan 03, 2014
Emma Taylor
on Jan 03, 2014
Higgins const.
on Jan 04, 2014
Stacy Taylor
on Jan 07, 2014
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