Smoking chimney help

Maglight

I just had a new fireplace put in a single story extension. The architect has made a complete hash of it and the fire smokes like crazy the whole time. We have added rotary cowls, but that hasn't solved the problem. There is a cold draught down the chimney the whole time, even with the cowls. I don't believe the architect has a clue how to fix the problem.

Can anyone recommend a chimney expert in the Dublin area who can give us a professional view?

SAS - the chimney is lower than the peak of the roof, so one option is to extend the flue. But I'm worried if I do that I'll have a huge chimney stack. Would it matter if we extended the chiimney stack with a metal flue? Does the flue need to be insulated to work properly?

Wazzoraybell - the opening is quite large - 60cmx60cm. The flue has a diameter of about 15cm.

Stapeler - I think extending the flue is the only way to go. We have opened a window to increase the draught on the fire. It helps a bit, but it's still smokey. Gets worse when the fire guard is up.

crosstownk

Have a look at the link and see if it can shed any light on your problem.

http://www.solidfuel.co.uk/pdfs/curing_chimney_problems.pdf

sas

Is your chimney higher than the peak on your roof?

wazzoraybelle

What are you burning in your fire?
Peat briquettes smoke a lot and can add to the problem.
We had this problem last year( we are in a very exposed location) and changed from peat briquettes to compressed wood briquettes makes a big difference.

Other causes might be that your fireplace is too large for your flue. to check buy a dozen firebricks and line the back and sides of your fire.
Or your flue might need heating up prior to a fire. light a firelighter in the grate and just leave it burn itself out then start your fire.

Hope this helps.

stapeler

The experts recommend that the flue extends about 1meter above the pitch to prevent down draught.
Also recommended an insulated flue but they are expensive.
Perhaps a silly question but is there an open vent in the room or have you tried opening a window prior to lighting the fire.

wall

I got a H shaped cowl fitted to my family`s house last winter as they had trouble with smoke coming down the chimney into the room, it worked, they had tried a rotary cowl which didnt work.

Maglight

Thanks Wall, was the flue of the chimney higher than the apex of the roof before you put on the H cowl?

wall

Hi Maglight, it was about the height of the apex, dont know if it was higher or lower, will try to find out over the weekend.

Maglight

yeah, I think the chimney stack is too low and the air turbulence caused by the roof of the main house is pushing the smoke back down the chimney. Time to get a chimney expert in for a second opinion I think. Thanks for all the advice everyone