Whether you’re trying to relax at the end of a long day, throwing a holiday party, or just looking to set a festive mood for a small gathering of friends and family, lighting a fire in the fireplace can be the perfect way to set a pleasing aesthetic in your home. That is unless smoke starts backing up into your living space! There are a number of reasons why you might be experiencing this issue, and fortunately for homeowners in the Franklin, Brentwood, Nashville, and all of their surrounding cities, the Sweeps & Ladders team has solutions for every scenario.
Learn more about ways to resolve this issue below, then reach out to our crew today to receive the top-notch care and personalized attention you deserve. We’re always happy to help!
Check Your Damper
The first thing you should do when you notice smoke entering your living room is to check your damper. Many homeowners simply forget about it, and if this is the case for you, the solution to your problem is simple and free – just open it! Once a clear pathway is created, you’ll be able to get that fire going with no foreseeable issues.
Unfortunately, many homeowners attempt to open their damper only to discover it is stuck shut. Whether outside debris has piled on top of it or it has rusted itself shut, finding a fix is a must before putting your system to use again. If you find yourself in this situation, we suggest investing in a top-sealing damper. These devices are installed at the top of your flue, rather than the throat, and they seal with a rubber gasket ensuring no downdrafts will be making their way in any time soon.
They are also effective at keeping out water, animals, and outside debris, and you should never have any problems with it sticking shut. All in all, this is a solid investment and one we strongly recommend. We have a wide range of options for you to explore, so contact our team today to learn more!
Invest In A Sweeping
Another major reason homeowners experiencing smoke in their homes is because of clogs and obstructions in their chimney. Over the summer months, it’s not uncommon for birds, squirrels, and other creatures to drag sticks, leaves, and all kinds of nesting materials into your chimney, and all that debris can build up quickly. Before you know it, your system will be completely blocked up, meaning smoke, gases, and other fumes won’t be able to properly escape.
A thorough sweeping might be all you need to clear things out and get your fireplace running as efficiently as possible again. Our experts use specialized tools and brushes, and we guarantee to bring you the mess-free, in-depth care you are looking for. If you’re ready to work with the best, then reach out now before lighting any more fires. We’ll set you up right!
Looking for an effective way to prevent build-up from recurring down the line? Invest in a chimney cap! Chimney caps are affordable, and when properly installed by a qualified professional, they are extremely effective at keeping out curious animals, as well as excess debris. Another big plus is that they help to stop downdrafts, which is another big cause of smoke reversing down the chimney. All in all, they’re a worthwhile investment and, if you don’t have one, the time to talk to our sweeps is now.
Consider A Rebuild
If your chimney is free of debris, cleared out, and everything seems to be in order, then the problem may, unfortunately, be due to the size or height of the structure. It could be too small, too big, or too short, all of which cause draft issues and could be the reason behind smoke entering your home.
In these cases, it may be necessary to invest in a rebuild or in some reconstruction work. Other times, having a new liner installed will do the trick. Regardless of the issue, finding a solution that works for your unique needs, wishes, and budget is a must. Our team can do an in-depth analysis, then provide you with all possible solutions.
Invest In Necessary Repairs
If you have gaps and openings throughout your structure, you’re bound to experience draft and airflow issues. If air can easily work its way in, it won’t be long before it starts pushing your smoke back inside. Another scenario is that the smoke is escaping through holes in the chimney before it has the opportunity to escape outside. Whatever the case is, you’ll need to invest in repair services, such as tuckpointing, brick replacement, relining work, and more before putting your system to use again.
We have the tools and training to get the job done right, so don’t hesitate to reach out! Along with smoke back-up, damage throughout your masonry can lead to carbon monoxide exposure, house fires, chimney fires, deterioration, and more. It’s not worth taking any risks, so rely on our pros to help you out today.
What Are You Waiting For?
As we said, there is a long list of reasons why you may be experiencing poor draft and smoke back-up. If you’re at a loss, the best option would be to get an inspection booked with our experts right away. We’ll look things over, find the problem, and do everything we can to resolve it, so you can get back to enjoying the holiday season to the fullest. Call today – we’re eager to speak with you soon!
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