Do you have a drafty chimney? If so, this is most likely a major disappointment. After all, your fireplace is supposed to add value to your home and keep your house warm and cozy during the cold winter months. The good news is that there are ways to stop a drafty chimney.

If your chimney has been drafty or if you are in need of any chimney service, our team is here to help. Best Chimney Services is an all-service chimney company and we have been serving the Greater Boston, MA area for over thirty years. Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to contact our team.

We will now explain some possible causes of drafty chimneys, along with how to stop your chimney from being drafty.

Causes of Drafts and How to Stop a Drafty Chimney

Here are some reasons why your chimney may be drafty and tactics for preventing drafts.

Chimney Cap and Damper Problems

Downdrafts are frequently the cause of a drafty chimney. Downdrafts happen when cold air from outside is able to enter the chimney and travel downward into your home.

If you do not already have a chimney cap, we recommend having one installed. Not only can a chimney cap help with downdrafts, especially with wind-induced draft issues,  but it will also keep animals and debris out of your chimney, keeping it more clear and helping to prevent dangerous blockages. If you already have a chimney cap, but it is old, it is possible that it needs to be replaced. Check out our ultimate chimney cap guide to learn more. 

Your chimney damper may also be causing this problem if it is old or not ideally positioned. Many chimneys have throat dampers, which are usually just above the firebox. These are too close to the fire and therefore unable to seal tightly enough. We recommend having a top sealing damper installed to ensure a tight seal and prevent downdrafting. 

Incorrect Usage

Sometimes, draftyness is caused by homeowners not using their chimneys correctly. Here are some tips for correct usage that will prevent drafts: 

• Close your chimney’s damper when it is not being used
• Before starting your fire, prime the flue (view our blog about how to start a fire in a fireplace for instructions) 
• Make sure that your chimney has been recently swept. Having dirty connectors from the fireplace/stove to the chimney can cause issues. We recommend having your chimney swept annually. 

Consider Installing a Fireplace Insert

Fireplace inserts are an option in both wood burning or gas. Inserts for wood burning are placed inside the firebox, so you’re not using any additional floor space, and usually have blowers that circulate the heat to nearby rooms. Inserts for gas fireplaces are super efficient and allow you to turn on/off and adjust temperature via remote control keeping your home nicely heated. Contact us if you are a Boston, MA area homeowner interested in an insert. 

Contact Best Chimney Services for Your Boston, MA Area Chimney Needs

Best Chimney Services can help you identify the cause of your chimney’s drafts and stop the drafts from occurring. Don’t hesitate to contact our team to ask questions or to schedule an appointment.