Fireplace and chimney

chuck_6

A bit of the main street, but more than a year ago we had a new roof put on our house along with some stacks at the top. When we used the fireplace last year there was some backdraft. We had the chimney cleaned and the guy recommended that we either take the stacks off and put a 13"x13" screen at the top or we pipe into the chimney and use gas. We have steam heat (natural gas).
Any thoughts as to which is better - open up the top of the chimney or pipe with gas. What are pros and cons of each. The chimney guy said piping should not be too difficult - not sure if it is easier to remove stacks.
Thanks,
Chuck

Big Ed

Stacks?

What do you mean by stacks? What changed to create the down draft? Roof height?Is the chimney high enough ?

chuck_6

Sorry about the terminology.
Instead of a 13" x 13" opening with a screen at the top of the chimney, the roofers put in some fancy tops, which reduced the amount of space the smoke could go through - resulting in some back draft. I hope this helps. Thanks.

Gordy

Fireplace

What else has changed besides the chimney caps? How old is the fireplace/ home? Try opening the door or a window the next time you light a fire. If it does not back draft then you may have a problem with supply air meaning your house envelope is tighter than it use to be. Any installation of new doors, windows, caulking ect? Was this a problem before. I assume the chimmney sweep inspected everything.

Gordy

chuck_6

Gordy:
Nothing has changed other than the chimney caps. The house is about 75 years old. I think the new chimney caps are restricting the outflow from the fire place.
Again, is it better to remove those caps or run a gas line?
Thanks,
Chuck