Homeowners in regions like eastern Rhode Island and eastern Massachusetts, particularly those in older neighborhoods, may have corbeled brick chimney smoke chambers. This older technique presents unique challenges in terms of fireplace safety and efficiency. The alternating stair-step structure of corbeled brick creates numerous sharp edges and ledges within the smoke chamber. This narrow area is a prime target for accumulating flammable creosote in these crevices. This buildup inherently increases the risk of a dangerous and potentially devastating chimney and house fire. As a result, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) mandates that smoke chambers be parged smooth.
Where is the Smoke Chamber and What is Parging?
The smoke chamber is the narrow area above your fireplace opening. It is shaped like an upside-down funnel and acts as a transition zone, funneling the smoke and gases from the fireplace into the flue for venting outside your home. This area is constantly exposed to high temperatures, corrosive byproducts, and the abrasive nature of creosote, which can damage the smoke chamber.
Parging is the process of applying a smooth coat of refractory mortar to the smoke chamber’s interior masonry walls. This specialized compound is designed to withstand high temperatures and combustion gases. During the parging process, our certified technicians carefully apply the refractory mortar to the smoke chamber walls, ensuring a smooth and even surface that eliminates the sharp edges and ledges in corbeled brick.
Parging Benefits
- Restore and Repair any cracks or damage to the smoke chamber walls.
- Create a Smooth Surface to eliminate the sharp edges and ledges in corbeled brick, so the smoke chamber walls are a smooth surface.
- Prevent Creosote Buildup with a smooth heat-resistant surface to make it more difficult for creosote to adhere and accumulate, reducing the risk of chimney fires.
- Improve your fireplace’s efficiency and reduce the likelihood of smoke and dangerous carbon monoxide fumes entering your living space.
Signs Your Smoke Chamber Needs Repair
A professional chimney inspection is the only way to know whether your smoke chamber needs repair or parging. However, it’s important to be aware of the signs that this narrow area in the flue might require attention. Keep an eye out for:
- Visible Cracks or Deterioration: Cracks, flaking, or crumbling mortar in the smoke chamber walls.
- Creosote Buildup: Excessive and difficult-to-remove creosote accumulation, especially on ledges and uneven surfaces.
- Smokey Fireplace: Smoke enters your living space even when the damper is open, indicating airflow issues that could be related to a damaged smoke chamber.
- Inefficient Draft: A fireplace that doesn’t draw properly results in poor combustion and more smoke and creosote.
Smoke Chamber Repair
For effective and long-lasting smoke chamber repair, our certified professionals often utilize advanced solutions like HeatShield®. This specialized refractory sealant is formulated to repair and restore the smoke chamber. It has undergone rigorous testing and is listed per UL Subject Standard 2505.
When professionally applied by certified technicians, HeatShield offers a 20-year guarantee. Additionally, HeatShield applications comply with the stringent NFPA and International Residential Code (IRC) codes, ensuring your chimney repair complies with the local safety and building code requirements.
Call Horizon for Professional Smoke Chamber Repair & Parging
Horizon Chimney Services—Your Local Hearth Expert. For over thirty years, homeowners in Hopkinton, Medway, Norfolk, Cumberland, and surrounding areas have trusted Horizon Chimney Services for expert chimney inspections, sweeping, smoke chamber repair, smoke chamber parging, and more. We are committed to helping customers extend the lifespan of their chimneys and fireplaces. Contact us today for an inspection and estimate.