Why is my chimney kicking smoke back into the room?

Question

I had it prfessionally cleaned and inspected before I ever built a fire and can't understand why that would happen.
2nd question:How do you get a rank smokey smell out of a room?

Answer 1

If you're postitve that nothing is blocking the flu, and you've never used the fireplace, it may be a problem with the "opening" being too high. This will affect the "draw", where the updraft is not pulling the smoke up the chimney.

You can try this.

Take a folded strip of Aluminum foil, about 6 inches wide, and long enough to stretch across the fire place.
Place it at the top of the opening and tape along the top edge as well as each end, so it is sealed. The result is that the opening is diminished in height.
You may need a wider strip in some cases.
If this solves the problem, there are brass plates available which can be anchored into the brick and gives a decorative effect as well.

As for the smoke odor, check with a restoration company. They may be able to sell you a product.

Answer 2

I would honestly recommend moving out if you can and finding new roommates if possible because there's nothing worse than second-hand smoking. As for the smell, unless you have a separate vent system, and no cracks to your room door, that smoke it going to find it's way into your room whether you like it or not. Ask them to smoke outside for your sake!! You can always put a towel under your door, and tape up your vents. For carpets, you can get scented powder to lay on, and then vacuum up. Use candles around the room. I would also recommend putting a small window fan in your window so all the air in your room is blown out. Right now, that may be crazy if you live in a cold area. If you have hardwood floors, you can use any wood cleaner like pine-sol. I love the smell of it! What else? You're right about the vinegar, however, personally I dont feel that vinegar smells all that great. You can use just dish-soap and water to wash down your walls. Nothing like having tar on your walls due to the smoking roomates. Hope this helps

Answer 3

When you build a fire you need to make sure the flue is adjusted to suck the air up the chimney otherwise the smoke has no way of getting out and will back up into the house.

Set out a few large bowls of household ammonia for a few hours. Just be careful if you have kids or pets that they don't drink the liquid. The ammonia will actually kinda absorb the smoke odor - I'm not sure how or why but it usually works.

Peace...

Answer 4

Check the damper and chimney. Is the chimney built correctly; tall enough to catch a draft?
As for the smell, wash everything and shampoo the carpets. You will always smell smoky when burning wood.
I also use a humidifier which helps filter the air.

Answer 5

Don't know how long you have used this fireplace but check to see if damper was open. If you have just moved into the house you may have a bad chimney,it may not be tall enough to carry off the smoke and allows for a down draft.

Answer 6

whom ever cleaned your chimney couldn't have done the job properly.If they used a vacuum type cleaner & didn't also use a chimney brush too,there may well be a build up of soot further up the chimney or some kind of obstruction (loose brick,bird nest etc.) I think the only way to stop smokey smell is to get plenty of fresh air in room or redecorate plus stop building fires until you get your chimney properly checked out.

Answer 7

is the damper open? you should check up there for animals like the first answer. and the smoky smell will be tough. you need to open all your windows and let the room air out. try some febreeze too. good luck.

Answer 8

A squirrel or a bird might have built a nest in your chimney AFTER you had it inspected.

Check again.

Answer 9

santa got stuck up thr!

thts y i didnt get ne presents this year! =]

Answer 10

Perhaps it has the Flu!