Fireplace Expert Needed

[Edwin Kraft]

We need an expert in design of fireplaces.  We have a gas fireplace that does not draw properly and would like to modify it so that it does draw.  If you know of someone with that expertise, please contact us.  Ed Kraft 6846-0912

[Arthur Singer]

Hola, Ed

 I was a mason in the States for 25 yrs, specializing in fireplaces, I am sure I can help but am busy until early next week, I'll give you a call then.

[Keith Woolford]

Just wondering if you folks realize this post is 4 years old.

[Hil]

Well, something is wrong with the site or someone reposted or someone opened it up again. I didn't see the dates on it for sure!!!

Hil Jenkins

[Hil]

You need minimum of 18" above the highest point on the roof for the chimney or pipe. If you don't have that it will not draw properly. If it isn't that high above the apex play with the damper. And, If you can see down in it look for obstructions. Ken is correct. My neighbor back in the states is a fire place builder and installer. He expained this to me.

Cheers,

Hil Jenkins

[Bob Brunelle]

Air that is cool and damp in the chimney will need to be heated to create a draft.You can take some dry newspaper and light it on fire and hold it up in the chimney to heat the air.I haven't tried it,but a hair dryer would probably work too. Turn on your gas burner or if you are burning wood have it ready to go as soon as you heat the air in the chimney.You may have to do it a couple of times.Good luck and be careful not to burn yourself.

[Michael Guterman]

You might also look into a top of chimney Stainless Steel exhaust fan. I have used these successfully in older homes after I reduced the interior volume of the chiminey with an incert.

good luck

[joseph]

LOL... I am not an expert! Similar problem with a wood fp... did some research... often negative pressure... some troubleshooting you can do - check for openings above the fp allowing air to escape from the house (warm air rises), but an opening near the fp allowing air to enter may help. Be sure the flue is not blocked. Draft may be improved by reducing the size of the fp opening. Try reducing the size like with a damp towel (don't want a fire) and see what happens.
I make sure the upper windows are closed and had glass doors built for the fp opening. They effectively allow me to control the opening, plus close it off at night (wood burner). Not a 100% solution (wind) but a vast improvement.
Remember, not an expert, just sharing...

[Edwin Kraft]

Thanks Joseph. All good suggestions.

[Ken Thompson]

Hi Edwin, Without seeing you situation it is hard to tell but usually the key to a good draft for either wood or gas burning is the height of outside flue. If it is lower than the pitch of the roof it will not draft properly.
You can look up online the installation of flue for wood stoves and see some good examples of this.

good luck
Ken