Our Company Blog

The Purpose of a Smoke Chamber

Smoke chambers are the unsung heroes of the chimney system. With the majority of the chimney obstructed from view, people don’t realize that the chimney system is a complex structure. It is full of different parts designed to help smoke travel up and out of your chimney without creating backdrafts. The smoke chamber, in many people’s minds, is one of the most crucial elements of the chimney system.

The Function of the Smoke Chamber

The smoke chamber sits just above the firebox and damper. It serves as a gateway to the chimney flue. In traditional masonry fireplaces, the smoke chamber is angled on the sides and front and vertically flat at the back. This construction is intended to serve as an upside-down funnel. It draws the smoke neatly from the wider firebox space to the narrower chimney.

Common Problems with Smoke Chambers

Masonry smoke chambers are problematically constructed from rectangular bricks. This means that the surfaces of the smoke chamber are rough, with many 90-degree angles and factory-made holes in the bricks. These steps and holes become the perfect collection points for soot and creosote. For that reason, many smoke chambers become filthy over time, which is especially dangerous considering the flammable nature of creosote. Additionally, the many sharp angles prevent smoke from traveling neatly from the firebox to the flue. Instead, the smoke hits the jagged edges and is forced into swirling motions, causing smoke to draft backward into the firebox or prevent it from being drawn efficiently up and out of the chimney.

Solving Smoke Chamber Problems

Smoke chamber problems caused by corbeled bricks are most often solved with a process called parging. Parging involves smoothing the surface of the smoke chamber with masonry materials designed just for the job. Parging brings several benefits, such as providing a smooth surface over which the smoke can pass on its way to the chimney. In addition, it eliminates nooks and crannies that can collect creosote and soot. Additionally, parging can help to insulate the chimney so that it better retains heat, which helps smoke to draw more efficiently up your chimney. Parging also can be used to resolve an improperly sized smoke chamber or a smoke chamber that was built asymmetrically. Finally, parging can fill in any holes or cracks that have formed in the walls of your smoke chamber.

If your chimney doesn’t seem to be drafting properly, and you get smoke in your home when you light a fire, your smoke chamber could be to blame! If you’re ready to correct your smoke chamber with parging for safer, more effective chimney function, call Your Chimney Sweep to schedule an appointment today!

By Joe Sauter on November 27th, 2017 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Leave a Comment

Schedule Your Chimney Sweeping Early

Too often, people put off their home service appointments. Why? Usually it’s because they dread finding time to be home to have that service performed. Annual chimney sweepings and inspections often fall under this category. Unfortunately, many homeowners put off their annual chimney maintenance for that reason. Did you know that you could enjoy easier scheduling of your chimney sweeping? Simply schedule it early!

Why early scheduling matters.

The vast majority of homeowners wait until fall to schedule their annual sweeping and inspections. This means, when you wait until the fall, you’re competing with everyone else for an appointment date and time. That can leave you struggling to find an appointment time that will fit within your schedule, so that you don’t miss out on any of the fire-burning season.

When you call to schedule your annual chimney sweeping and inspection early, you beat the rush. You’ll be able to schedule an appointment sooner. By doing this, you don’t have to worry about not being able to get your chimney swept and inspected before fall. Since you won’t be rushed, you will be able to pick a date and time for your chimney sweeping that works better for you!

Other benefits of early scheduling.

A less rushed, more convenient time table isn’t the only reason to schedule your chimney sweeping and inspection before fall. What if your chimney inspection turn up any signs of damage or need for repair? Scheduling now will leave yourself plenty of time to have your chimney and fireplace repaired. Plus, the summer weather is ideal for chimney maintenance. Also, if you have your chimney inspected before the rush, you won’t have to combat with all of the other homeowners scheduling appointments!

What’s another benefit of early scheduling? It gives you time to contemplate improvements to your fireplace or chimney. No matter what you have in mind, you’ll have the time to discuss these improvements with your sweep. Not to mention, you’ll have plenty of time to schedule those improvements before the fire-burning season begins.

Schedule your chimney sweeping and inspection today!

Don’t wait to get caught in the fall rush. Enjoy the benefits of an early chimney sweeping and inspection! Add convenience, and plenty of time for repairs and improvements, by calling to schedule your annual chimney sweeping and inspection now! You can schedule your appointment with Your Chimney Sweep by calling our office at (317) 243-9687 or by filling out the appointment request form found on our website.