Backdrafting

Signs of backdrafting include:

• Smoke stains on the outside of the firebox or below the mantle, etc.

• Smoke odors in the house

There are other conditions that, while they don’t identify a problem, should raise your level of awareness and maybe prompt you to ask some questions.

• If a fireplace has not been used in a number of years, it may be that the owners do not care about the fireplace or that possibly there was a problem.  If the owner/occupant is home, ask if there was a problem with the fireplace.

• If the chimney height is marginal, check the draft with a match or ask if there were problems in the past.

• The presence of a smoke shield should prompt a question.  A smoke shield does not shield smoke, it is a piece of metal about 4 inches deep and the width of the firebox opening.  It is installed across the top of the firebox and reduces the size of the firebox, which improves the flue to firebox ratio.

• If the throat above the damper is not relatively smooth, it may also be an indication of a problem.  Consider asking the question.