Chimney Blowback: Common Causes

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

Chimney blowback results in heavy soot damage.

This photograph was taken at a recent soot removal job. Blowback from the home’s chimney covered the entire living room.

Blowback occurs when smoke blows down a chimney and into the home. This occasionally results in a layer of soot covering walls, floors and furnishings.

Why does blowback occur? The most common causes are related to ventilation.

Chimney Height. The higher the chimney, the stronger the upward draft. If a chimney is on the short side, the upward draft is weak. Negative pressure in the home is more likely to cause smoke blowback.

Chimney Damage. Any spots on the chimney where smoke could possibly leak out will prevent the formation of a strong upward draft.

Poor Ventilation. Sometimes smaller rooms lack the necessary airflow for a fire to get a good draw. In a small room, the fire is going to draw all the fresh air out, and then it won’t be able to suck any more fresh air in to keep the draft going.

Airflow Obstruction. If a chimney is clogged, or if there is something around it that is obstructing the air from exiting it, blowback is almost guaranteed.

At SERVPRO of Burlington & Mt. Holly our team is specially trained in smoke, soot and dust removal. If your home is damaged by blowback, give us a call at 609-326-3663!