Eliminating Smoke Chamber Draft Problems
When your chimney isn’t working properly, there could be a hundred reasons why! Many of the problems with a chimney are hidden, so they’re not only hard to catch, but impossible to diagnose. If your system has a draft problem and you’ve troubleshooted on your own, a professional should be your next call. An experienced technician may start by checking your smoke chamber–a common site for draft problems.
What is the Smoke Chamber?
The space above the firebox and at the base of the flue is called the smoke chamber. It is the area where the smoke and heat mix so it can rise up the flue and leave the home. The smoke chamber has a very specific shape and size for efficiency. It should have a smoke shelf which prevents the smoke from falling back into the fireplace and into the home. It also has a slanted wall which funnels the smoke into the flue.
Common Smoke Chamber Problems
The smoke chamber endures high temperatures and corrosive chemicals on a constant basis while a fire burns in the fireplace. The walls and smoke shelf can become coated in soot and creosote. Soot can deteriorate the masonry inside the smoke chamber and can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and draft issues that drop efficiency and raise fire risk.
As the draft slows and the air stalls in the smoke chamber, more creosote and soot will build up in the system, particularly in the smoke chamber. As the buildup occurs, it will only worsen over time. A damaged smoke chamber should be repaired as soon as damage is apparent in order to avoid serious danger and costly damage.
Choose the Professionals
When it’s time to have your chimney system inspected, cleaned, or repaired, you should trust the professionals. All the technicians at Chief Chimney Services are CSIA-certified, having completed classroom and field training to offer the best services to our customers in and around Suffolk County, New York.
A Chief Chimney Services sweep can inspect your smoke chamber, paying close attention to the shape of the space as well as the smoothness of the walls. If the refractory mortar has become damaged, the bricks may be exposed, and their corners catching creosote and soot, slowing airflow and leading to a buildup. Your chimney sweep may recommend a smoke chamber parge in which the walls are smoothed, masonry is properly insulated, and space is properly sized for optimal efficiency.
Scheduling your chimney inspection today will ensure there is time to make the necessary repairs before the fall. The first fire of the season is just around the corner, and you don’t want to use a smoky or dangerous fireplace. Call Chief Chimney Services today and schedule an assessment or repair with a professional today. Call 631-863-2460 or schedule online.