Here’s what you can expect to pay in Vancouver:
Simple solutions: $300-$800 for chimney cap upgrades or minor adjustments
Moderate solutions: $800-$2,500 for chimney extensions, specialized caps, or air supply modifications
Complex solutions: $2,500-$6,000 for smoke chamber rebuilds, firebox modifications, or major structural changes
Comprehensive assessment: Free with any service, or $150-$300 for detailed analysis with recommendations
We don’t guess—we test. We examine your entire system including chimney height, flue size, firebox dimensions, smoke chamber, damper, and house air pressure. We may use smoke tests to visualize airflow patterns.
Downdraft often has multiple contributing factors. We identify all issues, not just the obvious ones, to ensure our solution works completely.
We present multiple options when possible, explaining the pros, cons, and costs of each approach. We recommend the most cost-effective solution that will actually work.
Our WorkSafe BC certified team implements the solution properly using quality materials and proven techniques. We don’t use gimmicks or temporary fixes.
We test the system after our work to verify proper draft. We don’t consider the job done until your fireplace works correctly.
Adding height improves draft and gets the chimney top above wind turbulence zones. We extend chimneys using matching masonry or stainless steel extensions.
Specialized caps use wind energy to create updraft instead of downdraft. These work well for wind-related problems.
Traditional pots add height and can improve draft, especially on heritage homes where they’re architecturally appropriate.
Providing dedicated combustion air prevents the fireplace from competing with exhaust fans and eliminates negative pressure issues.
Reducing the fireplace opening height can improve draft by increasing velocity. Simple but often effective.
These seal at the chimney top when not in use, preventing cold air downdrafts and improving energy efficiency.
Installing a properly sized liner in an oversized flue improves draft by maintaining higher flue gas temperatures.
Correcting firebox dimensions and angles ensures proper draft development from the start.
Quality glass doors with adjustable air intake can help control draft and reduce smoking.
If your chimney is too short relative to your roofline or nearby structures, wind creates downdraft. Solution: Extend the chimney to proper height above the roof peak and surrounding obstacles.
Tall trees, neighboring buildings, or hillsides can redirect wind down your chimney. Solution: Install a wind-directional cap or chimney pot that deflects wind and improves draft.
Modern tight homes create negative pressure, especially with exhaust fans running. Air gets pulled down the chimney to equalize pressure. Solution: Install outside air kit or make-up air system to provide combustion air.
A flue that’s too large for your fireplace can’t maintain the temperature needed for good draft. Solution: Install a properly sized liner or modify the firebox opening.
Wrong dimensions or angles prevent proper draft development. Solution: Rebuild firebox to correct specifications or install a smoke guard to reduce opening size.
Cracks or improper construction in the smoke chamber disrupt airflow. Solution: Repair or rebuild smoke chamber with proper corbelling and smooth surfaces.
No cap or a flat cap allows wind to blow directly down the flue. Solution: Install a draft-inducing cap designed to create updraft in wind.
Exterior chimneys or unused chimneys stay cold, preventing warm air from rising. Solution: Pre-warm the flue before lighting fires, or install a top-sealing damper to prevent cold air infiltration.
Hot air rises. When you light a fire, hot gases rise up the chimney, creating lower pressure at the fireplace. This draws in fresh air to feed the fire. This continuous cycle is called draft.
Anything that prevents hot air from rising or forces air down the chimney disrupts this cycle. Cold chimneys, wind turbulence, negative house pressure, and improper dimensions all interfere with natural draft.
Taller chimneys create stronger draft because there’s more vertical distance for the pressure difference to develop. This is why extending chimneys often solves problems.
The greater the temperature difference between inside and outside the flue, the stronger the draft. This is why draft is better in cold weather and why cold chimneys draft poorly.
We’ve solved hundreds of downdraft problems. We understand the physics of draft and know what actually works versus what’s just marketing.
We use proper diagnostic techniques to identify root causes. This ensures our solutions work the first time.
We offer various approaches at different price points. We’ll find a solution that fits your budget and actually solves the problem.
BBB Accredited and WorkSafe BC Certified. We follow proper safety standards and building codes.
If our solution doesn’t solve your downdraft problem, we’ll make it right. We stand behind our work.
We offer special pricing for seniors on all downdraft solutions.