Possible Reasons Smoke Is Backing Up Into Wood Stove

Smoke won't escape if you have a weak updraft.

A wood-burning stove can provide a warm, homey ambiance to a room, providing heat, light and beautiful flames. The effect can be slightly less pleasant, though, if your chimney isn't drawing properly and the room your stove's been installed in is rapidly filling up with smoke. If you're having problems with your updraft, a process of elimination should lead you to the cause.

Blocked Chimney

One of the most common reasons for smoke backing up in a wood stove is a chimney blockage. Over time, soot, ash and other residue from your wood-burning stove can build up in the chimney. This can restrict the space available for smoke from your stove to escape or even result in a total block. There's also a chance your chimney could be blocked by something a little more unpleasant, such as a dead bird. You should have your chimney cleaned at least once a year by a professional chimney sweep to prevent blockages.

Restricted Chimney Pot

Anything obstructing the airflow around your chimney pot --- the point where smoke from your stove leaves your house --- can have a negative impact on your updraft. Cutting back any trees or moving any man-made obstructions should improve your chimney's performance. If this isn't possible, talk to your builder about extending the height of your chimney.

Chimney Lining/Insulation

An uninsulated chimney that has a lot of leaks and cracks in it can seriously affect your stove's draw. Installing a lining will not only make your chimney airtight, it will also help to increase the temperature of the flue gases, which will in turn improve your stove's draw.

Ventilation

Poor ventilation in the room where your stove is located can also result in downdraft. Open a window close to your stove. If it starts to draw more efficiently, chances are you have a poorly ventilated room. The answer is to either always open a window when your stove is burning, or install a purpose-built ventilation unit.

References

• The Chimney Sweep; The Importance of Clean and Safe Chimneys; Don Crole
• Find a Property: Wood-burning Stoves: A Beginner's Guide
• Stoves Online: Continuously Smoking Chimney/Stove