Milwaukee is a diverse city with an eclectic mix of homes, ranging from centuries-old Romanesque Revival mansions and Craftsman bungalows to modern ranch-style homes and contemporary residences. Many of these homes feature one or more masonry chimneys and wood-burning fireplaces, stoves, and other heating appliances. Here in Southeast Wisconsin, we use our fireplaces regularly during the winter, which puts a lot of pressure on the smoke chamber. Cracks and other deficiencies can reduce its efficiency, making it more difficult for smoke and fumes to exit your home.
As residents ourselves, we have a deep understanding of Cream City’s masonry chimneys and the need for smoke chamber repair and parging. Our expertise in chimney inspections, sweeping, and repairs is unparalleled. You can rely on the certified professionals at Smoke Stacks to provide outstanding results for all your masonry repair needs.
What is the Smoke Chamber and What Does it Do?
Have you ever wondered how smoke from your fireplace goes up the flue to exit your house? Well, inside your chimney, between the flue and the firebox, is a narrow passageway that looks like an inverted funnel. This is the smoke chamber. Its primary role is to funnel and compress the byproducts of combustion gases from the firebox into the narrower opening of your chimney flue, for a smooth, efficient draft and preventing smoke from entering your living space.
Why Milwaukee Chimneys Need Smoke Chamber Parging:
Smoke chamber parging is the process of applying a smooth layer of refractory mortar to the inner surfaces of the smoke chamber. This critical repair addresses several issues common in older or improperly constructed chimneys, particularly those with “corbelled” (stepped) brickwork.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 211, the Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances, specifically mandates that the inner surfaces of the smoke chamber shall be parged smooth, with an insulating refractory mortar. Rough or cracked surfaces can allow dangerous heat to transfer to combustible materials around your chimney, increasing the risk of a house fire. Parging the smoke chamber smooth with an insulating layer enhances the safety of your home when using your heating appliances.
Smoke Chamber Repair Benefits
A smooth smoke chamber surface is not only required by local building codes, but it also offers several benefits for the safe and efficient venting:
- Improves Draft and Efficiency: Jagged edges or uneven surfaces in the smoke chamber create turbulence, impeding the venting of smoke and gases. A smooth, parged surface enables a more stable air flow, enhancing the fireplace’s draft and overall efficiency. This smooth surface helps ensure that smoke and dangerous carbon monoxide exhaust can exit your home.
- Reduces Creosote Buildup: Rough surfaces and irregularities in the smoke chamber attract creosote—a highly combustible byproduct of wood burning. A smooth, parged surface significantly reduces this dangerous buildup, lowering the risk of a chimney fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Strengthens Structural Integrity: Parging repairs minor cracks and gaps in the masonry, strengthening the integrity of the smoke chamber and preventing air leaks that can compromise heating efficiency.
Does Your Smoke Chamber Need Repair? Watch for these warning signs:
If you experience any of the following, your chimney’s smoke chamber may require repair or parging:
- Smoke Filling Your Living Space: Smoke is a primary indicator of a poor draft, often caused by an inefficient or damaged smoke chamber.
- Unusual odors: Experiencing smoky or acrid smells, even when the fireplace isn’t in use, can suggest cracks or significant creosote buildup within the smoke chamber.
- Visible Cracks or Gaps: During a professional chimney inspection, your technician may identify visible cracks, holes, deteriorated mortar joints, or loose or missing bricks in the smoke chamber, indicating the need for repair.
- Excessive Creosote: If you notice unusually heavy creosote buildup, more than 1/8”, even with regular sweeping, it could be due to damage or an outdated corbelled brick smoke chamber.
If you notice any of these warning signs or if you just want to ensure the safety and efficiency of your chimney and fireplace, don’t hesitate to contact us.
The Parging Process
Smoke Stacks specializes in repairing and parging damaged and corbeled brick smoke chambers, providing a clean, smooth, and heat-resistant surface for a durable, long-lasting repair. Our certified technicians utilize a cerfractory product called HeatShield from ChimneySaver. Using a trowel, we apply the UL-2505 foam to cover the smoke chamber walls, effectively filling in gaps and holes while smoothing out sharp or jagged edges. The result is like having a brand-new smoke chamber without the significant cost of rebuilding.
Smoke Chamber Repair/Parging in Greater Milwaukee
Our certified professionals at Smoke Stacks are proud to serve homeowners throughout the Metro MKE area. Whether you live in the historic Mitchell Street neighborhood of downtown Milwaukee, Menomonee Falls, Oconomowoc, Racine, Vernon, or any nearby southeast Wisconsin townships, you can trust our experienced masonry contractors to meet or surpass your expectations. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and receive an estimate. Family Pride. Exceptional Results.
