Local chimney and fireplace work in Switzerland

A fireplace that sends smoke into the room is telling you the flue is not pulling hard enough, and the causes fall into a short list we check in the same order on every Switzerland call. First is the damper, which may be partly closed, warped, or missing a plate that has dropped off its pivot.

Second is a cold flue, because smoke rises only when the column inside the chimney is warmer than the room, and a cold masonry flue can push back until it warms. Third is a blockage, such as a nest, fallen debris or heavy creosote narrowing the passage.

Fourth is house pressure: a kitchen hood, bath fans or a clothes dryer pulling air out of a tight house can draw air back down the flue, which is why the Florida Building Code asks for an outside air supply to a fireplace unless the room is mechanically kept at neutral or positive pressure. Fifth is geometry, where the opening is too large for the flue area or the chimney is too short for the roof around it.

Each cause has a different fix, from a new damper to a change at the top of the stack, and none is priced until the cause is known. Two quick checks help before we arrive. Crack a window near the fireplace and see whether the smoke stops, and note whether it happens only while lighting or all through the fire.

If smoke appears in the house with no fire burning, or the carbon monoxide alarm goes off, get everyone out and call 911 before anything else. A smoke problem that started after a remodel, a new range hood or new windows points toward house pressure. A chimney that suddenly smokes after years of drawing well can point to a change inside it, such as a fallen damper plate.

Damper work, smoke chamber repair and the other fixes are priced as separate lines, so you can approve them one at a time. Switzerland homeowners can call (904) 920-5495 for a same-day visit when the schedule allows.