Quote:
Originally Posted by welch100
Last fall we had the chimney cleaned and a cap installed at our island cottage. Ever since, the fireplace has been smoking like crazy. We called the chimney guy who said neither the cap nor cleaning should make a big difference in how the fireplace draws. It always smoked a little, but now it's terrible.
Looking on the internet, I see something called a baffled chimney cap. Does anybody have any experience with that? Any other suggestions?
Thanks!
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Oftentimes, a new cap will be installed with a new "spark screen". (Old "spark screens" rust and break up, allowing an
efficient fire
). Burning a quick fire with newspaper or high-clay-content paper (catalogues or magazines) will clog the "spark screen" and smoke will find its way through tiny openings in the chimney pipe.
If this is the case, "someone" will need to inspect the cap (and "spark screen") on the rooftop.
I'm
not saying to throw away the "spark screen".
If that's not the problem, you might block the cap on the side that faces the strongest winds. Wind direction and shape of the roof can play havoc. We get smoke with
easterlies, but no other winds.
