Sealing my fireplace cracks backfired big time

I patched up some gaps in the brickwork with fresh mortar to keep the drafts out. Now every time I start a fire, smoke just billows back into the house. It’s like I completely blocked the proper draw up the chimney. Honestly, what was I thinking trying to handle this myself?

4 comments

4 Comments

thomasb411mo ago

Check the lower part of the fireplace for any fresh air vents you might have covered. Smoke needs that incoming air to create a draft and go up the chimney. Try chiseling out a small section of mortar near the floor to restore the airflow.

dakota_miller931mo ago

Dealing with that smoke backflow is the worst.

clairep101mo ago

My friend Sarah redid her basement and covered the old floor vents with laminate, then had the worst smoke smell every time she used the fireplace. It was so bad they couldn't even stay in the room. Her dad came over and told her she probably blocked the air supply, so they cut out a small piece of the new flooring near the hearth. Sure enough, there was a little metal vent grate under there. Once they cleared it, the smoke went right up like it should. She felt so silly for not checking before.

flores.mark14d ago

Yeah, that fresh air vent thing is real. I did the same with a rug once.