Chimney Leaking Smoke Into Attic

This may make the smell of smoke more apparent in upstairs rooms as it leaks out of its ow2n flue and into other unused flues.

Chimney leaking smoke into attic.

Water leaking into a chimney increases the chance of damage to the chimney flue or chimney structure. It s hard to see them but the chimney needs to be free of any downdrafts. Another event that could happen although i have never heard of it actually happening is that you could get so much moisture in your attic that it could condense and roll down the stringer onto your chimney. Code requires a chimney have a cricket if it is thirty inches or wider.

Often ponding water will rust a hole in the simple flashing found on most chimneys. Don t let one observation at a chimney distract you or convince you that further up close inspection is not needed. If you see water entry in the attic on the uphill side of the chimney we know a chimney cricket is needed so water is not ponding in this area. Smoke a little like water can end up in places where you would not expect.

Sometimes a leak can occur without visible problems making the correct fix hard to identify. If you have no smoke coming into your attic or other fireplace you ve confirmed. This blocks the wind from coming down the chimney while at the same time allowing for the smoke to exit the chimney. If the top of the chimmney is below the roof line downdrafts could be swirling down toward the chimney.

Solving chimney leaks can be difficult as there are many potential spots that could cause the leak. Once the outer walls of the flue start to leak then action is imperative if you plan to keep on using the fireplace. If you ever had a chimney fire i wouldnt rely on the render stopping further damage. Gas fireplaces give off fumes with moisture due to the lower temperatures and of the correct liner isn t installed that moisture can build up and seep through your chimney walls.

Leaks may come from the chimney crown through the flue opening cap through the brick and the flashing is always a potential leak. There is tremendous heat from chimney fires i have seen stacks split from the heat so for peace of mind get a liner in preferably by a hetas registered installer. Chimney leaks caused by condensation happen when a chimney is converted from wood burning to gas burning and isn t fitted with the proper liner. Have a certified chimney sweep inspect the chimney and make recommendations.

Start a small test fire and this time open a window in the same room as the fireplace with the restored chimney.