Red Brick Chimney Services

Chimney Downdraft Solutions Vancouver

Smoke pouring into your room instead of going up the chimney? Cold air blowing down your fireplace? You have a downdraft problem.
Chimney downdraft makes fireplaces unusable and uncomfortable. Red Brick Chimney Services has been solving downdraft problems across Vancouver since 2013, using proven techniques that restore proper draft and let you enjoy your fireplace again.

Do I Have a Downdraft Problem?

Here’s how to tell if downdraft is affecting your chimney:
Common downdraft symptoms:
What causes downdraft:
Not sure what’s causing your problem? We’ll inspect your entire system for free and identify the exact cause of your downdraft issues.
Years Of Experience
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What Do Downdraft Solutions Cost?

Here’s what you can expect to pay in Vancouver:

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.

Your free estimate includes:
We offer senior discounts on all downdraft solutions.

How We Solve Downdraft Problems

Comprehensive Assessment

We test the entire chimney system, including airflow, dimensions, dampers, and smoke patterns.

Identify Root Causes

Downdrafts have multiple causes; we address all issues to ensure a complete, lasting solution.

Solution Recommendations

We offer options, explain pros, cons, costs, and recommend the most effective, affordable solution.

Professional Implementation

Our WorkSafe BC certified team delivers quality, lasting solutions using proven techniques—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.

Vancouver’s Top-Rated Masonry & Roof Repair Experts Vancouver’s Top-Rated Masonry & Roof Repair Experts Vancouver’s Top-Rated Masonry & Roof Repair Experts Vancouver’s Top-Rated Masonry & Roof Repair Experts

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 Draft Physics

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.

Understanding these principles helps us design effective solutions for your specific situation.

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 Without Fixing Downdraft?

Living with downdraft problems means:
Downdraft problems don’t fix themselves. They require proper diagnosis and appropriate solutions.

LOCATIONS

Serving the Lower Mainland Since 2007 We provide rapid-response repairs in the following cities:

Common Questions About Downdraft

Variable conditions like wind direction, outside temperature, or exhaust fans running can cause intermittent problems. We identify which conditions trigger your downdraft.
Sometimes temporarily, but it’s not a real solution. We find permanent fixes so you don’t have to open windows in winter.
Yes. Severe downdraft can push carbon monoxide into your home instead of venting it outside. This is a serious safety issue.
Building codes require chimneys to be at least 3 feet above the roof penetration and 2 feet higher than anything within 10 feet. But sometimes even code-compliant chimneys need more height.
Maybe. If height is the issue, yes. But if the problem is negative pressure or firebox design, a taller cap won’t help. Proper diagnosis is essential.

Ready to Enjoy Your Fireplace?

Get a free assessment and expert recommendations for solving your downdraft problem. We’ll identify the cause, explain your options, and give you a fair price.