Open fireplace problems

[EdJ]

We have an open fire in our lounge but as soon as we light it (using logs) smoke fills the room. The only way to stop this is to open a window to create some "draw" but obviously that makes the room freezing and sort of defeats the purpose of having a fire.

I presume I need to have the logs nearer the chimney opening, but are there other options or something I can easily do myself? I've had the chimney swept by the way.

Thanks in advance.

[Ferg]

It will draw much better if warmed. Cold air may well be stopping it.
We warm chimneys before flow testing with a blowlamp.
Bear in mind that if a gas fire fails a spillage test we test again after 5 minutes for this very reason.

[Bill]

Sounds like your house is too well sealed. I have a similar problem in that our woodburner won't light if the extractor is on (It's an open-plan space). Once the fire is properly alight it should draw ok with the window shut though?

[DBSV8]

EdJ said:

We have an open fire in our lounge but as soon as we light it (using logs) smoke fills the room. The only way to stop this is to open a window to create some "draw" but obviously that makes the room freezing and sort of defeats the purpose of having a fire.

I presume I need to have the logs nearer the chimney opening, but are there other options or something I can easily do myself? I've had the chimney swept by the way.

Thanks in advance.

What type of fire place do you have ? any pics

How wide is the throat opening , as posted there are many fireplaces that have been rebuilt or re-opened up and are simply not efficient either by design , or do not have sufficient draw ( ventilation ) is there an air intake fitted nearby that is perhaps blocked ? , if not can you install one ?.

it is recognised that the most efficient fireplaces follow the Rumford design
info here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rumford_fireplace

if it turns out your fireplace is not efficent you could install a chimney liner,

info here

http://www.chimneys.com/burning_secrets/chapter_4....

Another option is to install a chimney liner and flue with backplate direct to a wood burner , with open door so you still get that open fire look with better heat efficiency , Esse have a good range of open door burners
I have an Esse 200 fitted inside my chimney openning ,

photos in this thread

http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t...

good luck

[Simpo Two]

EdJ said:

We have an open fire in our lounge but as soon as we light it (using logs) smoke fills the room. The only way to stop this is to open a window to create some "draw" but obviously that makes the room freezing and sort of defeats the purpose of having a fire.

My parent's fire (probably installed in about 1950) had its own fresh air inlet about 12" x 3" which emerged just in front of the grate, and was controllable. That way the fire got fresh air without affecting the rest of the room.

It seemed a very good solution, but I expect it's illegal now for some reason.

Funny to think that 100 years ago everybody could work fires but now the knowledge is becoming forgotten.

[CraigW]

on a similar vein we just moved into a new house 2 weeks ago & we have an open fire. I've noticed in the last day or so, huge cracks in the render inside the fireplace. Now.. a house built by same builder 2 doors away had all their render fall off last week (making a bloody huge mess).. i have obviously contacted builder this am and waiting for him to get back to me.. but my question is, why would this happen & also, once render comes off, is it ok to use fire if just bricks exposed inside?

[FlossyThePig]

Simpo Two said:

EdJ said:

We have an open fire in our lounge but as soon as we light it (using logs) smoke fills the room. The only way to stop this is to open a window to create some "draw" but obviously that makes the room freezing and sort of defeats the purpose of having a fire.

My parent's fire (probably installed in about 1950) had its own fresh air inlet about 12" x 3" which emerged just in front of the grate, and was controllable. That way the fire got fresh air without affecting the rest of the room.

It seemed a very good solution, but I expect it's illegal now for some reason.

Funny to think that 100 years ago everybody could work fires but now the knowledge is becoming forgotten.

We had a new fireplace istalled a couple of years ago. The new regulations insist on ventilation which meant either through a wall or floor. I put one in the floor hidden by the TV.

[EdJ]

Thanks for all the replies - I will post a photo shortly. I think a chimney liner is the way to go.

[saleen836]

CraigW said:

on a similar vein we just moved into a new house 2 weeks ago & we have an open fire. I've noticed in the last day or so, huge cracks in the render inside the fireplace. Now.. a house built by same builder 2 doors away had all their render fall off last week (making a bloody huge mess).. i have obviously contacted builder this am and waiting for him to get back to me.. but my question is, why would this happen & also, once render comes off, is it ok to use fire if just bricks exposed inside?

Sounds like they just used normal render for the inside of the fireplace,once the fire is lit the heat will cause it to crack and fall away.

[CraigW]

I think you're right, will it harm the bricks?

[TooLateForAName]

EdJ said:

Thanks for all the replies - I will post a photo shortly. I think a chimney liner is the way to go.

Only if you install a woodburner. Otherwise you are restricting the flue size further and will get more smoke in the room.


Does the fire draw OK once it is going or does it continue to smoke the room out?

[saleen836]

CraigW said:

I think you're right, will it harm the bricks?

Yes the bricks will incur the same fate, they will become brittle due to the heat.

[CraigW]

even if firebricks?

[saleen836]

CraigW said:

even if firebricks?

No because they are designed/made to withstand the heat.