About Chimney Updraft
The downdraft has positive pressure, whereas the updraft has negative pressure. Because hot air has a lower density than cold air, it naturally migrates to locations with lower pressure. This is the primary reason why hot air rises. When there is a drop in pressure, the liquid will flow upward, similar to what would happen if you sucked on the straw while drinking from it. This is because drinking from a straw creates negative pressure.
If you apply positive pressure, the liquid will not come up the straw; instead, the liquid will be pushed out and bubbles will be created. In a similar manner, the air that is drawn in from above the chimney has the effect of drawing the smoke upward.
The updraft is significant for a variety of different reasons. To begin, some people like the aroma of a fire to be comforting, but the overwhelming odor of smoke is something that no one wants to be exposed to. An open fireplace has an updraft that allows for a huge amount of draw; hundreds of cubic feet of air are pulled through the chimney and pushed out into the cold air. This enables for a hot fire to burn without the inhabitants of the residence being overtaken by fumes produced by the fire.
How can you tell if there is a problem with your chimney and what should you do about it? Even when the fireplace is not in use, if you are overcome by the smell of smoke or fumes, which cause you to feel queasy, it is possible that you have a problem with the chimney’s updraft. You may have difficulties with downdrafts or some other problem that has to be corrected if you sense air being pushed the incorrect way (through the chimney back into your home).
Having your chimney inspected regularly is essential in order to identify any issues at an early stage. This is the most effective method for preventing problems from becoming even more severe and causing damage to your chimney without your knowledge.
What are the Roots of the Updraft Problem?
At all times, Mother Nature makes an effort to restore pressure balance. In other words, it is nature’s method of attempting to replace the same quantity of air that is lost with the same quantity of air that is gained by ventilation.
If the chimney is one of the more accessible entry points, you may experience a downdraft that is accompanied by a powerful whiff of smoke if it is one of the more accessible entry points. When pressure causes a draw of air downward from the chimney into the home, this phenomenon is referred to as a downdraft.
Because of the stack effect, the air in the lower levels of your home will likely be significantly colder, and the pressure will be significantly lower. The reason for this is that heated air has a propensity to ascend. It is possible that a downdraft will be an ongoing problem if the fireplace is located in one of these lower regions. If you open a window in the room that contains the fireplace, it’s possible that you’ll be able to solve this issue. This is a particularly typical issue for homes that have more than one fireplace.
One further thing that might be causing issues with the updraft in the chimney is the presence of an obstruction within the chimney itself. In this scenario, the blockage can be located at the opening of the chimney. It’s possible that an overhanging limb is obstructing a portion of the chimney, which would have an effect on the pressure.
Better to be safe than sorry. Let the experts handle your chimney troubles like Chimney Cleaning Georgetown and repairing. Call Local Chimney Sweep Cleaning today.