Smoke Chamber Repair & Parging Near Charlottesville, VA
The smoke chamber is one of the things that many tend to forget about, but that doesn’t make it any less important. In fact, your smoke chamber needs to be functioning well and parged smooth if you’re hoping to get that first-rate performance from your fireplace and chimney. Fortunately, The Chimney Guys can assist with it all smoke chamber repair and parging services near you. Call or book online today.
Where Is My Fireplace Smoke Chamber? What’s Its Purpose?
Your smoke chamber sits in between your firebox and your chimney, and its main purpose is to assist the flow of smoke through your flue. It allows smoke to gradually adjust to the smaller space within your flue, so that it doesn’t hit any walls or corners and bounce back into your firebox. This ensures that it keeps moving up and out, rather than backtracking into your home.
Smoke chambers can be damaged by heat and moisture over time, which can reduce the speed with which smoke travels up into the flue. As a result, smoke could travel back into your home or spend more time in your smoke chamber, where it could settle and trigger the buildup of corrosive creosote.
What Is Smoke Chamber Parging?
Now, in order for smoke chambers to send smoke safely up and out, they need to be smooth. Many smoke chambers were built with a corbeled design, and other might be facing damage, so they need to be parged to ensure efficient operation.
Parging is the process of filling all of the voids and imperfections in your smoke chamber and leaving a smooth, sealed surface, so that smoke doesn’t get caught up anywhere. Once everything is smoothed out, airflow will improve and smoke will move along smoothly and seamlessly, guaranteeing better results from your entire system overall.
When Do Smoke Chambers Need to Be Parged?
Your smoke chamber will need parging in the following circumstances:
- The surface of the smoke chamber is damaged. Deterioration can come in many forms. Whether it’s cracking, crumbling, big holes, or any other malfunction, it needs to be addressed. Anything but a flat, smooth design will hinder airflow. Additionally, when smoke chambers crack or undergo other types of damage, they can allow heat, smoke, hot ash, and sparks to access nearby framing and walls. This is a big fire hazard, so the smoke chamber must be sealed and r esurfaced.
- The smoke chamber is corbeled or stepped. This is more common in older systems. It used to be the norm to have this area built with jagged steps going up into your flue, but with newer models it’s recommended that everything be smoothed out. This gives smoke the cleanest and easiest path up your chimney.
Schedule Your Fireplace Repair Services With Us
A damaged or stepped fireplace smoke chamber can seriously impact the safety and enjoyment of your home. If you’re experiencing any of the issues associated with a damaged smoke chamber, schedule a chimney inspection with The Chimney Guys. We’ll take a look, and if your smoke chamber needs parging, we can take care of it for you quickly and professionally.
We’re a family-owned business, so we promote safety and satisfaction above all else. And because we’re always improving on our already exceptional level of professionalism, you can expect the best possible experience. If you live in Charlottesville, Ivy, Afton, Madison, or anywhere nearby, reach out by phone or schedule an appointment online today.
