FAQs

FAQs

This is our frequently asked questions pages, if you can’t find what you are looking for, please click on our Contact Us Page and give us a call, we’d love to hear from you.

At Hoffman Construction, our premier team of industry leading service professionals is here to serve each and every one of your masonry contracting needs. We have been established in the greater bay area for nearly 30 years and we have developed many wonderful business relationships within our Northern California community. Whether you’re just inspecting an investment property or planning a gorgeous addition to your dream home, Hoffman Construction is here to help.

Though we are your universal masonry contractor, Hoffman Construction specializes in fireplace and chimney inspections, repairs and rebuilds. This includes the retrofitting and remodeling of fireplace faces and hearths as well as the installation of gas and wood burning inserts along with other appliances. We can provide you with all your fireplace accessory needs; gas logs, fireplace grates, glass door enclosures, top-mounted dampers, and nearly anything else. Our masonry specialty also includes patios, walkways, wainscoting, pillars and retaining walls. So please browse our site, and let us know what Hoffman Construction can do for you!

Why is my chimney smoking inside my house?
-Be sure the damper is open in your firebox.

-Is the Heater in your home turned off? Cold air return in the chimney will create a down draft, returning smoke into your house.

-Open doors and windows can also create a down draft effect.

-The type of grate used effects the draw, so make sure the grate is pushed all the way to the rear of the firebox. Grates put up on blocks or bricks do not help the chimney air flow. We recommend using a Sampson grate.

-The type of wood you use also effects the way your chimney draws, we recommend using oak wood. We do not recommend the use of manufactured waxed base logs (ie Duraflame) as they do not create enough heat for a fireplace to draft properly.

-A very cold night can create a down draft effect. A nice trick before you start your fireplace is to crumple paper near the damper and light it. Watch the direction of smoke, and ensure that it moves in the proper direction.

-If all else fails and your chimney continues to smoke, we recommend having an inspection by a licensed contractor and having them put glass doors on the fireplace.