For A Safer, Better-Performing Chimney System, Leave Smoke Chamber Repairs To Chim Chimney Sweep
Do you deal with smoke problems and draft problems every time you try to light a fire in your fireplace? It could be a problem with the smoke chamber. The smoke chamber isn’t a part of the chimney that you regularly see, so if it’s damaged or poorly constructed, you probably wouldn’t know it. It’s just above the firebox and just below the flue, and its sole purpose is to contain the smoke and byproducts produced by the fire and direct it all up into the flue so it can exit the home.
Unfortunately, smoke chamber problems are relatively common. Here’s how and why smoke chamber damage occurs…
As you can imagine, being directly above the firebox has its downsides: your smoke chamber is located in one of the hottest spots in the chimney. All of that heat — paired with the corrosive and acidic gases and byproducts produced by the fire — can really do a number on the smoke chamber, leaving it riddled with cracks, gaps, and rough spots. Even more damage can occur if the chimney is not properly protected against chimney leaks and water makes its way down into the smoke chamber.
But what’s the real problem with a damaged smoke chamber?
Well, when cracks, gaps, and holes are present in the smoke chamber, they can allow heat, hot ash, stray sparks, smoke, and gases to access nearby walls and framing. This can lead to a house fire, carbon monoxide exposure, a smoky fireside experience, and damage to other areas of the home.
Additionally, each crack, gap, hole, and rough patch slows the passage of smoke on its way up into the flue, which means you’ll likely have:
- more smoke and other air-polluting byproducts in your home
- more creosote buildup in your fireplace and chimney (creosote is a highly flammable and highly corrosive substance that’s produced as smoke cools and settles)
This is also an issue when the smoke chamber is built with a corbeled or stepped design, as is common. Each step and rough edge increases resistance and slows the passage of smoke.
But the good news is that the solution to both a corbeled smoke chamber and a damaged smoke chamber is relatively easy and affordable.
Here at Chim Chimney Sweep, we use a high-quality, highly-insulating smoke chamber restoration system to fill in cracks, gaps, and holes, smooth over rough spots, and reshape the smoke chamber. When we’re finished, you’ll be able to light a fire with confidence, knowing your smoke chamber is smooth, insulated, and shaped for maximum efficiency — and you won’t have to worry about heat transfer or a smoky fireside experience.
Is Your Smoke Chamber The Problem? Find Out With Chim Chimney Sweep
Is it time to give your smoke chamber a little TLC? Find out by scheduling an inspection with the Certified Chimney Professionals here at Chim Chimney Sweep. We’ll carefully and thoroughly inspect your smoke chamber, and if it’s in need of repair, we’re confident you’ll be more than happy with the results! Call 508-875-3874 or request an appointment online today.
Our chimney repair services include fixing leaky chimneys, no matter where the problem is coming from.
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