What Are the Dangers of a Fireplace Not Drawing Properly?

Fire

• Perhaps the most obvious danger of a fireplace failing to draw is the potential for fire. Failure to check that a chimney is clear of obstruction and cleaned of creosote accumulation can send smoke back into the room where the fireplace is located and possibly cause a chimney fire. Before planning a fire, inspect or have professionals inspect your chimney for possible obstructions, like bird or animal nests, branches or large clusters of dead leaves. If you do not know when the chimney was last cleaned, have it inspected for creosote accumulation. This greasy smoke byproduct is flammable and can endanger your entire house.

Gases

• When wood burns, both carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide are formed. With a brisk fireplace fire, both gases go up the chimney and dissipate into the atmosphere. If the chimney fails to heat and cold air at the top keeps combustion-related gases from leaving the home, inhabitants are in danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. Several factors, including the height of the chimney, its location and climatic conditions, can reduce chimney draw. If combustion seems sluggish or even small amounts of smoke drift into the room, examine other household ventilation for possible interaction with the fireplace and chimney. Venting associated with kitchen appliances, laundry or even the heating system can interfere with fireplace draw and thereby increase the possible accumulation of fatal gases.

Particulates

• Smoke contains particulates of soot and other materials produced by burning wood or coal in a fireplace. While mostly unsightly and capable of staining paint and plaster, smoke particulates can be dangerous to infants and the elderly, along with those who have respiratory allergies. Frequent exposure to airborne particulates can result in tissue damage and chronic breathing problems.

Structural Damage

• Although seemingly a far reach from a fireplace fire to roof damage caused by an ice dam, the two are dangerously related, according to studies conducted by the University of Minnesota. Chimneys that are drawing slowly or otherwise malfunctioning may well become warmer when a fire is in the fireplace than chimneys that work efficiently. This prolonged heat can create a melt-spot for snow on the roof, producing an ice dam that tears off roofing, rips off gutters and does other serious damage to the house.