Chimney and Fireplace question

Wineguy

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One of our fireplaces had a nice burn going, then the room actually got a little smokey. Three days later with a little rain, we could smell a smokey tinge when we walked into the room. Does this indicate it needs to be swept? It is a ground floor, 15 foot chimney, and we are burning red hickory in it, a very hard wood. Any suggestions? It has probably not been cleaned in at least 7 years. No problems in the other 2 chimneys. Thanks.

:shrug:
 
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DuckDogs

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7 years:scared :scared

If you don't want to do it yourself, get someone in there to clean it for you

If you had a blockage- the "smokey" condition would be constant I would think. Is it possible it was just wind gusts impacting the draw periodically?

I would definitely get that cleaned though- just to be safe
 

The Joker

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My wife and I know of a family that had their house burn to the ground this Christmas.

The fire started in the fireplace, burned THROUGH the brick and caught the attic space on fire.

I never knew that fire could burn through brick. :shrug:
 

Morris

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Next time open a window when you use the fireplace. If you don't get smoke in the room then it is a flow problem. I would definately get it cleaned though.
 

Old School

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cut,split ,burned.... and sold as many as 300 cords one winter..when I first started business nearly 12 years ago

clean every 2 years without fail..

$150.00 tops and legit chimney sweep will clean and inspect for problems both inside and out

make sure that red hickory is good and seasoned..

if it's me burning it around 6 months of seasoning if already cut and split when stacked to season..

less seasoned wood has a tendency to smoke more so draft thru the stack need to be just a little stronger on the upswirl..

Ideally you have an stove insert and that not only will heat the house but fans are adjustable.

search a thread we did years ago on fireplace inserts..I think I went into bigger detail in that thread..

for nearly 10 years I heated my 2 story 9 room home with red oak and maple..

good luck..

get it cleaned like yesterday..
 

Old School

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Next time open a window when you use the fireplace. If you don't get smoke in the room then it is a flow problem. I would definately get it cleaned though.
:0074

going to buy you a cold one one day..

you one good dude.
 

Wineguy

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Wow, Gentlemen, thank you very much for the advice. The Boys article scared the bejeezus out of me! I am getting it cleaned immediately before using again. The wood is definitely seasoned, but maybe it needs more???? Fortunately this winter, there has hardly been a need for using any fireplace. Nor the heating.


Again, thank you all.:0008



:0069
 

saint

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:0074

going to buy you a cold one one day..

you one good dude.

Aren't you in NC? I get about a cord or so every year (I know, in NC :facepalm: :mj07: ). If you're close I'd throw the business your way, not happy with my current supplier
 

saint

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If it happens at the start of the fire, it could be back flow of air down the chimney. It's due to pressure differences inside and outside, like a vacuum. It happens more today because homes are better insulated. With this, you know when it will happen because even lighting starter wood, fatwood, lighter the smoke will come directly down into the room. The remedy, as Morris correctly pointed out, is to open windows for a minute or two to let pressure equalize.

If it's mid-fire....get that thing cleaned!
 

Old School

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Wow, Gentlemen, thank you very much for the advice. The Boys article scared the bejeezus out of me! I am getting it cleaned immediately before using again. The wood is definitely seasoned, but maybe it needs more???? Fortunately this winter, there has hardly been a need for using any fireplace. Nor the heating.


Again, thank you all.:0008



:0069


good sesasoned wood will have cracks on the ends..

the wood cracks as the water is eliminated..
 

THE KOD

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One of our fireplaces had a nice burn going, then the room actually got a little smokey. Three days later with a little rain, we could smell a smokey tinge when we walked into the room. It has probably not been cleaned in at least 7 years.

not sure how I missed this thread


but what a total dumb ass you are and continue to be

putting your family at risk not getting the fireplace swept for 200 bucks

Geeezz Louise :142smilie
 
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yyz

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On the course!
not sure how I missed this thread


but what a total dumb ass you are and continue to be

putting your family at risk not getting the fireplace swept for 200 bucks

Geeezz Louise :142smilie



How many days a week do you need to be a complete asshole?
 
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