Ohhhh the draught !

Nthkentman · 2012-02-14T22:34:43+00:00

Cold air tumbling down the chimney through the flue is causing the room to be colder than I'd like it.Apart from lighting the fire, cutting things up with an angle grinder to plug the gap, or stuffing a chimney balloon up it (I really do like the fire you know)1890 cottage, standard chimneys up through upper floor to roof .Only 1 with a "Real" fire all others blanked properly.Older type "Back boiler" multi-fuel fire with a plate inside at the top acting as a damper only (Fire was donated by a friend who didn't need it and it is only used as a secondary room heat source to the gas CH in cold weather and when "The Management" want to feel cosy ;-) . (and for roasting chestnuts or doing toast)What can I do to reduce the downdraught?

Ohhhh the draught !

Feb 14, 2012 22 Replies

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Davey 14 years ago

So, what was the decision?

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Rick 14 years ago

why not build in a steel 'trap door' across chimney ... closed when fire not in use.

But as others point out you should have updraught .. not down. You must have a hell of a leakage of air elsewhere that is causing the

-ve pressure. Do you have a non balanced boiler, or non room sealed gas fire somewhere ?

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Davey 14 years ago

Why go to that bother and expense?

No and no, but: The house is several hundred years old, and has lots of leaks and nooks and crannies and underfloor gaps, and a cellar. Take your pick! Also, the local prevailing wind goes along the house from one end to the other, acting as a venturi between us and the house opposite, only a few yards away. The negative effect in the room with the chimney is reduced considerably if we close the door to the adjoining study. Sorry you asked?

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