Fireplace Size and Height for good draw

We recently had a freestanding brick fireplace built in our backyard away from the house and on a large patio. We designed the fireplace froma picture in a fireplace book with what seemed traditional proportions by a local brick mason. The problem is that it does not draw. After much investigation, we determined that our construction was not done in accordance with the therrmodynamics rules of chimney building. I assume that teh firebox area in relation to the size and teh height of the flue are wrong but have not been able to find information as to the proper proportions. Does anyone have this information? Is the interior of the flue supopsed to have unidirectional flow wings that jut out from the sides to prevent downdraft? What is the minumum height required for a large firebox in order to draw properly? Can I neck it down somehow to change the flue size? Help!!! We have a beuatiful fireplace that was expensive to put in which we can't use. If anyone knows where I can get informaiton on these construction parameters, let me know.

 

HELLO
Some firer places draw better than others...why? they just do.
before you change every thing...all you may have to do is pre-heat the flue...to do this start a smal fire then take a news paper roll it up and light the end and hold it up inside the flue as far as you can so the heat will rise and start it to draw...good Luck...

 

In addition to heating the flue, you might find the info at www.carsondunlop.com/reports/fireplace.html informative and helpful.