If your fireplace smokes or has draft issues when the wind blows it is usually because the chimney is too short (or too close to nearby structures) Don’t worry, you don’t have to replace the chimney. This can be corrected in a variety of ways; Mike’s Mobile has special wind blocking caps or flue extender caps that can fix this problem at a reasonable cost to you.

Although it’s a small piece of equipment, a fireplace grate should not be overlooked. Fireplace grates maintain consistent airflow around a fire which aids in complete combustion (a cleaner burning fire!). If your chimney tends to smoke towards the end of your burning season, you may be in need of a new fireplace grate. A fireplace grate also performs a variety of other important fire burning and safety functions.

Fire place grates are usually available seasonally at your local hardware store (be sure to get the correct size for your fire box opening) or, we carry a full selection of high quality grates all year around! To get the correct size grate, measure the smallest width of your fire box (usually the back).

It is good practice to check if your damper is open before EVERY fire. Some dampers become loose and can close on their own. Sometimes a relative or child can close a damper without informing other members of the household. If you find a rusted, warped or worn damper when you check it – Call Mike’s Mobile! We have a replacement damper with an AIR-TIGHT seal that mounts on the TOP of your chimney. Old-style metal throat dampers can cost you over $200 a year in lost energy. Upgrading to a Lock-Top damper keeps air inside, so that no heat or air-conditioning gets lost up your chimney.

If you’re having smoking issues you may have a cold chimney. Exterior masonry chimneys are known for giving homeowners fits. However, a little knowledge can go a long way. Exterior masonry chimneys collect moisture when not in use (GREAT reason to have a chimney cap!) and are often much colder than the rest of your house when starting a fire. If fireplace gasses cool off before the smoke exits the chimney, a draft is going to be weak or non-existent. It is important to get a good draft and a strong fire going right away. If this is an issues you are having you will notice that starting fires gets easier the more often you use your chimney since it dries out throughout the season.

Is your chimney clean or dirty? When was the last time you’ve had your chimney cleaned? If you burn often, your chimney should be cleaned after every cord of wood that is burned. Soot and creosote buildup can seriously affect the performance of your chimney. Birds, small animals, leaves, twigs, bees, etc are some of the things we see on a daily basis clogging up chimneys. Chimney caps help without outside debris, but there is no replacement for an annual chimney inspection or cleaning.