Will wood burner backdraft if the flue hasn't been fire cemented?

Answer 1

Typically smoke can blow back into the house from a wood stove or fireplace if air pressure outside is higher than air pressure inside. Vent fans running inside, chimney of wrong height, prevailing winds, etc. The real issue with flues are safety- an unlined flue can develop small leaks, permitting sparks to enter the house. MAJOR problem during a chimney fire. If your flue does not have a clay liner in good condition, then it should be lined with metal or refractory mortar (fire cement). I do not think you CAN clean an unlined flue properly. Have a good chimney man inspect what you have, and check the design of the chimney, height above surrounding structures, size and condition. If in doubt about their recommendations, get a second opinion. There are a lot of variables, and I can't give you a single answer- sorry.