OK guys. I have solved the issue, and it is not what I would have expected. I went up onto my roof and took mesh and cap off to find about 3 feet of straw packed into the chimney. I took a photo of what I pulled out with my hand, which was about 1 foot from the top of the liner. Since I had just had someone inspect and clean the chimney and paid them $200, I was shocked to find that they didn't even clear the birds nests from the chimney! Needless to say I said more than a few obscenities. I can't believe someone would do this poor of a job.
The name of the company I used is "Sygnatur Chimney Repair". I won't ever call them again and if I were you I would do so at your own risk.
https://plus.google.com/111969885205963540658/about?hl=en
I appreciate the help everyone added. Sorry for this wild goose chase I just didn't think this could possibly be the root cause. I am pissed about the $200 but glad I didn't start a serious fire.
(broken image removed)
The name of the company I used is "Sygnatur Chimney Repair". I won't ever call them again and if I were you I would do so at your own risk.
https://plus.google.com/111969885205963540658/about?hl=en
I appreciate the help everyone added. Sorry for this wild goose chase I just didn't think this could possibly be the root cause. I am pissed about the $200 but glad I didn't start a serious fire.
(broken image removed)