Flue + Canopy fitted in fireplace 6 months ago. It doesn't work, what can we do!?

Higemmalea

Hi everyone,

Thanks for the replies.

We have tried raising the basket with bricks (2 deep) but it didn't help.

We've also tried all variations of window/door openings possible, to no avail.

The basket is too small too, it looks like an 18'' Valencia basket. You would find that it burns better with something like this....

Rustyboy, so is the basket too shallow or too narrow? Also, I'm the wife! Though apparently he made is very clear that he had no idea where it should sit. I don't think they should have asked, they should tell you where it needs to go.

We got a call from the owners wife today saying that he's out on site but she will ensure he calls us back over the next couple of days. OH informed them that we've started looking at how we could escalate the problem to a formal body. I'm hoping that will give them a bit of a shove!

muckybutt

Have you tried just lighting a small fire with just dry kindling ? and have you had the flue / chimney swept ?

Cold Chimneys are a real problem this time of year, if a chimney hasn't had a fire for a while it gets cold, cold chimneys never draw well to begin with until they have warmed up. Put too much fuel on to begin with and you'll be smoked out ! you want really dry kindling or thin pieces of wood to begin with, once the chimney gets warm then it will draw heaps better. I kid thee not btw with the term cold chimney - we sweeps know all about em !

Definitely get it swept though as well just to make sure.