There are a lot of components to your chimney system. You probably know the functions of components such as chimney caps, dampers, and chimney crowns, but do you know the function of your chimney’s smoke chamber? Since your smoke chamber is not visible and not discussed much compared to other parts of your chimney system, it can sometimes be easily overlooked. At Northeastern Masonry and Chimney, we want to tell you why your smoke chamber is a critical component of your system and why the addition of sealant to it can increase the efficiency of your chimney and fireplace.
What is your smoke chamber?
Your smoke chamber is an inverted, brick and mortar, funnel that is located directly above your firebox. Its job is to gradually funnel smoke and gases produced from your fire when fuel is burned, into your flue and out of your home. Its funnel shape allows smoke and gas to be compressed gradually before guided into the flue.
The funnel shape of the smoke chamber is very important because it allows smoke, heat, and gases to be expelled from your firebox quickly and smoothly. If the smoke chamber didn’t have its funnel shape, smoke, heat and gases would stay in the chamber too long. This would give the gas plenty of time to cool and condense inside your chimney, leading to creosote build up.
Dangers of an improper working smoke chamber
This is also true with gases such as carbon monoxide. When carbon monoxide stays in your chimney system too long, it is more likely to seep into your home through holes or cracks in your chimney, potentially putting your family at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Finally, if heat is not quickly expelled from your chimney system, it may build up and heat up your chimney to the point that it could cause your home to catch fire.
Because of its location, above the firebox, your smoke chamber is exposed to harsh conditions. Extreme heat and corrosive gas may cause your smoke chamber masonry to start cracking and crumbling. When this happens your smoke chamber gradually lose its funnel shape and allow smoke and gas to stay in your chimney system longer.
We have solutions to fix your smoke chamber!
At Northeastern Masonry & Chimney, we can help fix these issues by sealing your smoke chamber. Sealing a smoke chamber consists of hiring one of our CSIA-certified masons. They come and apply a sealant to the inside of your smoke chamber. This sealant fill in any holes and cracks in your smoke chamber and help your smoke chamber keep its smooth, funnel-like shape.
The best way to know if your smoke chamber is operating correctly is to have it inspected by a Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified chimney technician. If you think your chimney is not operating at full efficiency, call Northeastern Masonry & Chimney at 518-767-9314, or schedule an appointment online today!