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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.

FAQ: Smoke and Draft Problems

As a homeowner you want your fireplace or stove to be an efficient heating system. If you have noticed a smoke or draft problem, then your heat system is probably not working correctly. This means the gases aren’t rising fast enough through the chimney. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) mentions 100 reasons your fireplace doesn’t work and most of them could be brought back to smoke and draft problems.

What Causes Smoke and Draft Problems?

The cause of a smokey chimney can be as simple as a household appliance competing with the chimney’s ventilation or the house being too tight for the gases to vent. It can be more tricky than this sometimes, however.

For instance, if a chimney is leaky or dirty, the smoke can be obstructed and won’t rise as fast. This can be a fire hazard, because the debris left on the walls of an unclean chimney is highly flammable. When the gases and smoke from the fire rise too slowly, the heat can ignite this debris called creosote.

This can also be a problem if proper wood isn’t being burned in the fireplace or appliance. If wood isn’t properly seasoned it won’t burn completely, causing more debris buildup, and causing the smoke to rise too slowly.

What Does it Mean?

If your chimney is releasing smoke into your home you may experience health hazards such as a range of asthmatic symptoms, cough, itchy eyes, and even hospitalization. It also means your chimney is less efficient, and a possible fire hazard.

What Can I do if I Suspect a Problem?

If your chimney system is less efficient or if you have a smoke problem, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS). An experienced chimney sweep should be able to diagnose a problem and recommend a fix. As a homeowner you should remember to schedule regular cleanings and annual inspections of your chimney. Having your chimney swept is an important factor in chimney safety and efficiency.

How Can We Fix it?

A professional not only can diagnose your chimney smoke and draft problems, but can also make the necessary repairs to get your system back to highest safety and efficiency. At Chief Chimney Services we are experienced in repairing smokey chimneys for problems ranging from: flue obstructions, creosote buildup, improperly-functioning damper, poorly-designed fireplace, airtight homes, and competing appliances.

The most important thing a homeowner can do is to schedule an appointment with a certified professional who will offer professional services and expert advice. When you depend on your fireplace for home heat during the winter, you want it to be efficient and safe. Don’t wait to make an appointment to have your smokey chimney diagnosed today.