Comfort with Chimney Downdraft Solutions
Chimney downdraft makes fireplaces unusable and uncomfortable. Red Brick Chimney Services has been solving downdraft problems across Lower Mainland since 2013, using proven techniques that restore proper draft and let you enjoy your fireplace again.
Do I Have a Downdraft Problem?
- Smoke enters your room when you light a fire
- Cold air blows down the chimney even when not in use
- Difficulty getting fires started
- Fires that won’t stay lit or burn poorly
- Soot and ash blown into your fireplace
- Chimney too short relative to roof height
- Nearby trees or buildings blocking wind
- Improperly sized chimney for the fireplace
- Damaged or missing chimney cap
- Incorrect firebox or smoke chamber design
What Do DowndraftSolutions Cost?
Here’s what you can expect to pay in:
Simple: $300–$800 for cap upgrades/minor fixes. Moderate: $800–$2,500 for extensions, specialized caps, airflow changes. Complex: $2,500–$6,000 for rebuilds/major changes. Assessment: free or $150–$300 detailed analysis.
- Complete system inspection and draft testing
- Identification of all contributing factors
- Multiple solution options with pros and cons
- Clear pricing for each approach
- Expected results and guarantees
How We Solve Downdraft Problems
Comprehensive Assessment
Test chimney airflow, dampers, smoke patterns.
Identify Root Causes
Downdrafts have many causes; we fix all for lasting solutions.
Solution Recommendations
Present options, pros, cons, costs; recommend solution.
Professional Implementation
WorkSafe BC team delivers lasting, quality solutions—no gimmicks.
Testing & Verification
We test the system after our work to verify proper draft. We don’t consider the job done until your fireplace works correctly.
Proven Downdraft Solutions
Chimney Height Extension
Adding height improves draft by raising the chimney above wind turbulence, using matching masonry or durable stainless steel extensions.
Draft-Inducing Chimney Caps
Specialized caps use wind energy to create updraft instead of downdraft. These work well for wind-related problems.
Chimney Pots
Traditional pots add height and can improve draft, especially on heritage homes where they’re architecturally appropriate.
Outside Air Kits
Providing dedicated combustion air prevents the fireplace from competing with exhaust fans and eliminates negative pressure issues.
Smoke Guards
Reducing the fireplace opening height can improve draft by increasing velocity. Simple but often effective.
Top-Sealing Dampers
These seal at the chimney top when not in use, preventing cold air downdrafts and improving energy efficiency.
Flue Liners
Installing a properly sized liner in an oversized flue improves draft by maintaining higher flue gas temperatures.
Firebox Modifications
Correcting firebox dimensions and angles ensures proper draft development from the start.
Glass Doors with Air Supply
Quality glass doors with adjustable air intake can help control draft and reduce smoking.
REVIEWS
What Your Neighbors Are Saying
Common Downdraft Causes & Solutions
Chimney Height Issues
Short chimneys cause downdraft; extend above roof and obstacles for proper airflow.
Wind-Related Downdraft
Obstructions redirect wind down chimneys; install wind-directional caps or pots to improve draft.
Negative Air Pressure
Tight homes cause negative pressure; outside air kits supply combustion air, preventing down-drafts.
Oversized Flue
Oversized flues reduce draft; install a correctly sized liner or adjust the firebox opening.
Improperly Designed Firebox
Incorrect dimensions hinder draft; fix by rebuilding the firebox or adding a smoke guard.
Damaged Smoke Chamber
Cracks or poor construction disrupt airflow; repair or rebuild smoke chamber with proper corbelling and smooth surfaces.
Missing or Inadequate Cap
Without a cap, wind enters the flue; install a draft-inducing cap to create updraft.
Cold Chimney Syndrome
Cold chimneys block warm air; pre-warm flue or install top-sealing damper to prevent drafts.
Understanding DraftPhysics
How Draft Works
Hot air rises, creating draft that draws fresh air to feed fire.
What Disrupts Draft
Cold, wind, pressure, or improper dimensions disrupt natural chimney draft.
Why Height Matters
Taller chimneys boost draft, as greater height enhances pressure difference, solving issues.
Temperature’s Role
Stronger drafts occur with bigger temperature differences; cold chimneys draft poorly.
Why Choose Red Brick Chimney Services?
We’re Downdraft Specialists
We’ve solved hundreds of downdraft problems. We understand the physics of draft and know what actually works versus what’s just marketing.
We Test, Not Guess
We use proper diagnostic techniques to identify root causes. This ensures our solutions work the first time.
Multiple Solutions Available
We offer various approaches at different price points. We’ll find a solution that fits your budget and actually solves the problem.
We’re Certified & Accredited
BBB Accredited and WorkSafe BC Certified. We follow proper safety standards and building codes.
We Guarantee Results
If our solution doesn’t solve your downdraft problem, we’ll make it right. We stand behind our work.
Senior Discounts Available
We offer special pricing for seniors on all downdraft solutions.
What Happens WithoutFixing Downdraft?
- Unusable fireplace that you paid to have
- Smoke and soot damage to your home
- Cold drafts increasing heating costs
- Potential carbon monoxide hazards
- Reduced home value from non-functional fireplace
- Frustration every time you try to use your fireplace