Stop Chimney Downdraft

By peter hotton globe correspondent january 19 2014 12 00 a m.

Stop chimney downdraft.

The current created draws air from the fireplace surround feeding the flames as it passes the fire. Check these possibilities before going to the extent of making an h top. But remember that true downdraft is rare and providing that the manufacturers chimney specifications are followed in most cases negative pressure is caused by other factors. The h top is the only cowl which may reduce the effects of true downdraft.

Five ways to stop a cold downdraft in your fireplace. To stop chimney odor reverse the downdraft. 5 solutions for chimney air leaks. Using downdraft solutions like flue stretchers vacu stack chimney caps.

To understand why a downdraft happens you need to know a little about the operation of the chimney. From the first stone rings stacked around the campfire to the modern factory built fireplaces with carefully engineered dimensions there has been a steady evolution of design parameters to. Draft is the force behind flow while capacity is the capability to handle flow. Chimney downdrafts occur when something disrupts the natural air flow of a chimney.

It all depends on hot air rising the hotter the fire the faster the air rises. When a downdraft occurs exhaust from the fireplace that should be vented outside the home backs up into the living space making your indoor environment not only uncomfortable but dangerous. There are actually two distinct though related factors affecting chimney performance. Make sure there is sufficient air supply to your furnace and water heater.

The air pressure in the lower zones can be lower than atmospheric pressure and if the fireplace is located in one of these zones the chimney may have a permanent downdraft. See how to stop downdraft in chimneys here chimney workings. If your appliances are not vented to the outside you may be reducing the air pressure making the problem worse.