Fireplace Smoke Chamber Repair in Kansas City: Book With Sleep Easy

Smoke Chamber Parging Near Me: What Does Parging Mean?

If you’ve checked out anything about smoke chamber repair, then you’ve probably seen the word “parging” come up a lot. Parging is the process of applying a thin coat of mortar or cement-like material to a masonry surface. In the context of your smoke chamber, it’s the process of smoothing out its walls.

When would a smoke chamber need to be parged? If your fireplace is older, there’s a good chance that your smoke chamber is corbeled, which can lead to issues, like creosote building up in the nooks and crannies, as well as backflowing of smoke. In addition, a smoke chamber that’s facing damage could be repaired with a parging service.

Professional chimney technicians, like the crew here at Sleep Easy, use high-temperature, fire-resistant materials for parging to ensure durability, long-lasting results, and compliance with safety codes. In fact, many modern building codes require that smoke chambers be parged smooth.

All in all, whether it’s part of new construction or a retrofit for an older fireplace, smoke chamber parging is a practical step toward improving draft, enhancing safety, and prolonging the life of a chimney system. We use industry-leading Chamber-Tech to make repairs and seal cracks, fill holes, smooth rough patches, and leave you with a completely smooth, sealed, insulated smoke chamber.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Fireplace Smoke Chamber Damage?

Now, some smoke chambers were simply built incorrectly from the get-go, but other times parging is needed to repair damage. How does this area, that’s hidden away and seemingly not exposed to much, experience damage?

• Moisture: Moisture from the fire (when the flames burn through wet wood and create acidic byproducts), as well as moisture from chimney leaks, can lead to cracks and decay within the smoke chamber. Once cracked and damaged, the smoke chamber can allow heat and byproducts of combustion (including stray sparks and hot embers) to access wooden framing, insulation, and other nearby combustibles.
• Heat Damage: Other times, cracks and gaps are created from heat damage. Like with water damage, these openings can also allow gas, heat, and smoke to enter the home, which could lead to carbon monoxide exposure, smoke inhalation, or fire hazards. Likewise, a damaged smoke chamber can slow the exit of smoke and lead to backdrafting.
• Creosote Buildup: Creosote is a tacky and flammable deposit that forms as wood is burned. The less smooth your smoke chamber is, the more areas creosote has to cling to and form. These deposits can be tricky to remove, especially if multiple layers have built up…but if it isn’t removed it can break down the smoke chamber’s materials, or potentially cause a rapidly spreading chimney fire.
• Flawed Design: Another common cause of smoke chamber safety and performance issues is a flaw in design. For many years, smoke chambers were built with corbelled brick steps, which caused resistance for exiting smoke. This design resulted in smoke problems, as well as the build up of even more creosote in the chimney system.

Call Today For Smoke Chamber Repairs Near You

Is your smoke chamber damaged? Don’t light another fire in your fireplace until you have your smoke chamber repaired. Our team will do the work right, so you can enjoy long evenings by the fire with peace of mind. Call or request an appointment online today. We’re happy to help!