So, the FEC100 was designed for cooking bbq competitions. And the flue was left straight out the side so that you could place chicken on the bottom rack and then spray them with a spray bottle without opening the door. Because of this wind can blow into the flue or push more up through the flue depending on how the wind is blowing. By putting a 90 degree elbow on it, it resolves most of the issue. I like to turn it down so no air coming off a roof or other down draft can effect it. Hope that helps.