The funnel above the firebox is smoothed with a heat-rated coating, so smoke flows upward and heat stays away from the framing.
Above the damper and below the flue is a funnel-shaped space called the smoke chamber. Its job is to gather smoke from the wide firebox and guide it into the narrow flue. In many older fireplaces, the walls of this funnel are rough, stepped brick with open mortar joints. Rough walls disturb the smoke, hurt the draft and leave gaps where heat can reach the framing.
Parging coats those walls with a smooth, heat-rated mortar. The smoke flows more easily, the draft improves and the joints are sealed. It is a quiet repair with a big payoff, and it is often a key part of making a smoky fireplace work or preparing a fireplace for an insert or a liner.
It is the transition from firebox to flue. A smooth, tapering funnel guides smoke up. A rough or stepped one makes eddies that push smoke back.
A smooth surface lets smoke move freely and keeps creosote from catching in the ridges. It also seals gaps between bricks.
We clean the smoke chamber, wet the surface and apply heat-rated parging in coats, smoothing as we go. It is hard work in a tight space.
Parging often goes together with liner installation, damper replacement or an insert, because those jobs expose the smoke chamber.
Better draft.
Safe around the framing.
No gaps for heat.
Complete the job.
See the smooth walls.
Often the missing step.
Every topic has its own page with what to expect and how we approach it.
Project situationSmoke and Odor ProblemsSmoke in the room or a smoky smell in summer both have causes. Here is how we find…Learn more 
Project situationOlder and Historic HomesOlder chimneys have soft brick, old mortar and no liner. They need a gentler approach and the right…Learn more 
Project situationUnused FireplacesA fireplace that sat cold for years can heat the home again. Here are the steps and the…Learn more Enter the size of a fireplace opening or pick a stove to see the flue size and liner to plan for.
You tell us about the chimney, fireplace or stove and what you have noticed, and we set a visit that fits your day.
We look closely at the chimney, inside and out, ask how you use it and take photos of anything of note.
We explain what is urgent, what can wait and what is optional, and give you a written scope and options.
We lay drop cloths, seal the firebox and protect the roof and landscaping before any work begins.
We sweep, repair or install with the right tools and materials, checking our work as we go.
We clean up, show you what we did, share tips and set a reminder for your next visit.
It is the funnel-shaped space between the damper and the flue.
Older fireplaces were built with stepped brick and were not smoothed. It is very common.
It often helps, along with other fixes. We diagnose before recommending anything.
Often, as part of fitting a liner to the insert. We explain what yours needs.
Usually a day, plus drying time before the first fire.
Draft and Smoke DiagnosisA fireplace that smokes, a stove that will not draw or a chimney that pulls cold air down…Explore 
Chimney Liner InstallationA properly sized liner gives smoke a safe, sealed path up the chimney and protects the masonry from…Explore 
Fireplace Insert InstallationA steel or cast iron insert turns a drafty open fireplace into an efficient heater, with a liner…Explore 
Damper Repair and ReplacementStuck, warped or rusted dampers repaired or replaced, so the flue closes tightly and opens fully when you…Explore Tell us about the project and we will call you back to talk it through.
Or call (615) 357-7797 to talk now.
