Smoke Shelf Repair
Restoring the smoke shelf above the damper.
Learn moreThe smoke chamber is the tapered space above the damper that funnels smoke from the wide firebox up into the narrow flue. Smoke chamber repair parges and smooths that space — filling gaps and coating rough corbelled brick — so it drafts cleanly and safely.
The smoke chamber is the tapered space above the damper that funnels smoke from the wide firebox up into the narrow flue. Smoke chamber repair parges and smooths that space — filling gaps and coating rough corbelled brick — so it drafts cleanly and safely.
A rough or gap-filled smoke chamber traps creosote and disrupts the draft that carries smoke up the flue. Smoothing and sealing it improves how the fireplace drafts and removes ledges where dangerous buildup collects — a fix that's easy to overlook because the smoke chamber is out of sight.
We assess the smoke chamber's surfaces and any gaps.
We clear buildup so the parge coat bonds.
We apply a smooth, code-appropriate parge coat to the chamber walls.
We confirm the fireplace drafts better once the chamber is smoothed.
Older masonry fireplaces around Pittsburgh were often built with the smoke chamber's brick left rough and stepped. Parging those chambers smooth is a common upgrade that noticeably improves how these vintage fireplaces draft and how safely they burn.
It's the tapered area directly above the damper and below the flue. You can't see it from a chair in the room, which is why its condition often goes unnoticed until an inspection.
A smooth smoke chamber lets smoke flow up into the flue with less turbulence and gives creosote fewer ledges to cling to — better draft and better safety.
Restoring the smoke shelf above the damper.
Learn moreFreeing or fixing a damper that won't seal or open.
Learn moreRepairs that make a tired fireplace safe and usable again.
Learn more
Removing soot and creosote to keep your flue drafting safely.
Learn moreRebuilding cracked firebrick and joints in the firebox.
Learn moreTalk to a Pittsburgh-area chimney and fireplace pro today.
412-459-7788