I resently had a gas insert installed into the area where the old fireplace resided. The installer ran stainless steel pipe up the chimney to vent the insert. When the weather is windy I cannot use the insert because the wind comes back down the chimney and ss pipe causing the flames of the gas insert to be blown out. Did the installer miss something during the install? Is there something I can now do to block the wind from coming back into the insert?
Yes, call the installer and explain your problem. If they are legit they should make it right at no additional cost.
I am not so certain he missed any thing since the chimney must be open to operate the gas insert safely. You must have an incredibly strong wind coming down the chimney to blow that fire out during full operation mode.
Have the original guy come out and take a second look at his install first. He may find something he overlooked that is casuing this problem (ie. forgot to put the chimney cap back on, or didnt put the damper back in properly)
If this is not the case you may want to consider a baffled chimney cap. My father had an issue with this in his woodstove as wind was deflecting off trees and forcing smoke to backdraft into the living area of the home. A baffled chimney cap (looks like a puff ball mushroom) from Lymance fixed it.
One thing to consider also is how much draft you fireplace allows in when the fireplace is not in use. If this is an issue you may want to consider a chimney balloon to seal the flue when the fireplace is dormant. This is especially helpful if you find you have a tired old damper.
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