Smoke coming through wall??

[DaydreamJay]

My neighbour has installed a multi-fuel stove and ever since he did we have been getting smoke in our house.

We are a semi-detached, brick built, about 1895 and our stairs adjoin to the neighbours lounge. We can feel the warmth on the wall from his fire and there is a strong smoke smell and very occasionally we can see smoke in our steps. All the windows are closed so it's not coming from outside, can it be coming through the wall?

There is a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector in the stairs and neither have been triggered.

Is the smoke simply seeping through the wall?

What is the solution? Is it a case of asking him to get his chimney lined? I know that it's expensive and he isn't working at the moment and I don't really want to fall out with him about it but it obviously needs sorting somehow.

Is this a common problem in old houses?

 

[Burnerman]

Yep, the smoke is coming through the wall because his chimney isn't in good condition and may need sweeping too.....elderly properties are notorious for this as the cement parging inside the flue has probably gone by now.
It sounds like the chimney now needs a liner suitable for solid fuel, and whatever the situation it needs resolving - and quickly.
John

 

[DaydreamJay]

Thanks. What's the target price for a liner installed?

 

[Burnerman]

I really can't answer this one, but it needs to be installed by a HETAS registered company and the price will depend on how long the flue is, how good access is and the condition of the chimney above.
John

 

[joinerjohn]

And, if your neighbour needs a chimney lined, then he should be paying for it. I'd contact the local council environmental health dept to come out and see this smoke for themselves.