Questions about your chimney? Call our receptionist, Kari, at 320.414.0191. She picks up weekdays, 9 to 5.
A fireplace that puffs smoke into the room when you light it, or keeps doing it all evening, isn't drawing, and there's nearly always a reason we can find. Most of the time it's one of four things.
The flue is blocked or choked down
A nest, leaves, fallen flue tile or heavy buildup narrows the flue until the smoke can't get out fast enough. That's something we see on the inspection.
The damper isn't all the way open
A rusted or warped damper that only opens partway does the same thing, and so does one that's been left half shut.
The wood is wet
Wet wood makes a cool, smoky fire, and cool smoke doesn't rise well. Dry, split wood burns hotter and draws better.
The house is pulling air the other way
A tight house with the bath fans, the dryer or a range hood running can pull air down the chimney instead of up it. Cracking a window near the fireplace when you light it is the quick test.
If it's still smoking after that, the flue or the chimney top is the likely cause, and that's where we look.
If any of this sounds like your chimney, call 320.414.0191. We'll come out, climb up, take pictures of what we find and show you before we quote anything.
Related: What our chimney inspection covers · Chimney repair in the north metro