Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - bad fireplace draw

Wondering if anyone has experience with this. Our fireplace does not have appropriate draw even after priming the flue. Our chimney is lower than our roof and our neighbors so we are wondering if extending our chimney would resolve this or if installing an insert would do it. The fireplace is an older brick one and is like having a big hole in the wall in terms of losing heat through it.

Any one have a similar experience?

Thanks,

Betsy

Extend the chimney to provide a minimum of 2 feet clearance to all roof surfaces and structures within 10 feet of the chimney and 3 feet above the highest point that the chimney penetrates the roof (i.e. the side of the chimney furthest up the roof slope). This is a national code, outlined in section FG503.5.4 of the International Fuel Gas Code. Consult with a certified chimney professional.

What he said, plus install glass doors that have an adustable vent.

And once you get it drawing properly it will suck even more heat up the chimney, so don't really count on it as a heating source except near the hearth. An insert would be the way to go, but generally requires a chimney/flue in good condition or at least one that has a good liner material.

Thanks for the information

Just to clarify, will the insert take care of the bad draw as well as help with heat loss without having to extend the chimney?

Thanks again for your help.

Betsy

I doubt the insert will affect the draw one way or the other; it's mostly about chimney design as twelvepole details.

Hi Betsy,

I presume you are referring to an insert stove not a liner ?

As pointed out by twelvepole you have a basic design / construction fault in your chimney that must be resolved before considering insert stoves or a liner.

If still in doubt after contacting local chimney professional, contact your local building code office.

What the others said. Also remember that air must come into the room to allow a proper draw. If your house is very tightly sealed and allows little air penetration, this could be a factor.