Smoke chamber repair specialists for Bithlo homes
Chamber work in Bithlo done carefully by a locally owned crew, and if it is not right, we return and fix it.
- Licensed & insured
- Locally run
- Family owned and operated
- Same-day service available
What your chamber repair estimate in Bithlo names
Four or five lines usually tell the whole chamber story for a home in Bithlo.
- Chamber walls viewed from the damper opening
- Old parging tapped for hollow or flaking areas
- Refractory product named for the parging
- Firebox and damper work listed separately
What goes into a smoke chamber repair in Bithlo
Short reads that help before you approve chamber repair in Bithlo.
Refractory mortar and ASTM C199
ASTM C199 is the test method the code names for refractory mortars, the heat-rated mortars used inside fireboxes and smoke chambers. The code calls for parging made from mortar that conforms to it, and for firebrick linings laid in medium duty refractory mortar.
In practice, that means the product in a bucket on our job has been made and rated for fireplace heat. Ordinary masonry mortar is made for walls and weather. We name the refractory product we plan to use in the written estimate, so there is no question about what goes on your chamber walls.
The throat between firebox and chamber
Smoke leaves the firebox through the throat, a pinched opening that leads into the chamber. Section R1001.7 places the throat or damper at least 8 inches above the lintel over the fireplace opening.
Throat masonry takes direct heat and holds the damper in many fireplaces. Broken mortar, a displaced brick or an old patch at the throat can narrow the passage and give a new chamber coat a poor place to start. We repair the throat first when it needs it, then build the chamber finish above it.
Rounding the corners of the chamber
Sharp inside corners are where smoke tumbles and deposits collect. After the coat is placed, the directions we follow suggest radiusing the corners, and a straight-sided jar or bottle is one tool the maker mentions for doing it.
Rounded corners also make the finished chamber easier to brush. Our crew works each corner from the top down so the curve runs continuously into the flue, then smooths the flat faces between them with a trowel.
A rain cap to protect the repaired chamber
An uncapped flue lets rain drop onto the smoke shelf and wet the chamber walls. The chamber coating directions we follow include installing a rain cap per NFPA 211 to protect the repaired smoke chamber and chimney interior from excessive moisture.
A chimney with a sound cap needs nothing more at the top. Where the cap is missing or damaged, a cap goes on the estimate as its own line next to the chamber work, so you can see what it adds and decide.
When a crack follows movement below
Sometimes the chamber cracks because the masonry beneath it has moved, such as a hearth or firebox that has settled or a lintel that has sagged. The crack pattern often shows it, stepping down toward the weak point.
Parging over that kind of crack only hides it for a while. We look below the chamber for the cause and explain what it would take to stabilize it. The chamber finish is planned after that, so the new coat is not carrying a problem it cannot fix.
Other work in Bithlo
-
-
-
-
-
-
What people in Bithlo ask before parging
Weighing it up? Read these, then book the free chamber check in Bithlo.
Will parging fix every draft problem?
A smooth, well shaped chamber can help a fireplace draw, but draft also depends on the damper, the flue and the opening size. We check the whole passage and tell you what the chamber repair is likely to change before you book it.
Does a factory-built fireplace have a smoke chamber to parge?
Factory-built fireplaces have their own metal parts above the firebox and follow the unit's listing and manual. Parging applies to masonry chambers, so we identify your fireplace type before recommending any work.
Request your free estimate
Share the job details and arrange a free inspection with our local team.
- Free inspection
- No hidden fees
- Family owned and operated
Need an answer now? Call (352) 675-6376
Your request is received
Thank you. We will contact you to discuss the job and confirm an appointment.