Chimneys Explained #11 - Smoke Chamber

Smoke chambers are design to transition hot gases from a burning fire that travels through the damper opening and flows up to the chimney liner. IRC code R1001.8 require the smoke chamber to be parged smooth to quickly draft the smoke up the chimney which reduces creosote.

[@Forbidden_Word]

Chimneys are cool, dressing dapper is cooler.

[@patrickbowen9395]

Oh, how sweet it is to be assured that the last chimney smoke chamber I built, was not only dimensionally perfect, and WAS, but really didn't need to be parged because it wasn't corbeled and built with firebrick. 3 smooth sides, 30 degrees off vertical in 3 feet without it collapsing aint easy, I promise! Took me three days, alot of double-miter cuts, and got cussed out by my boss for the extra time it took but, eh, it was worth doing it just to see it done. If your knowledgeable of it, would be nice to see some videos of thermodynamics and stack effect calculations for chimneys. Example, is draft more dependent on buoyancy, temperature, and pressure of smoke or cross-wind exit draft?

[@AStepInTimeChimney]

Great comment - there are building codes and then there are actual testing. Unfortunately, testing of chimneys is not as much as there was before 1930s because they changed to different fuel source. I wish I also had that data.

[@redsresearch]

how do you air seal and insulate chimney in attic?

[@mgn5667]

thanks..

[@visano.]

Can you explain on the problem with Indian style chimneys as we're having a lot problem with smokey fireplace. It's casually built by head masonry's without any professional guidance

[@AStepInTimeChimney]

I am really not an expert on non conventional fireplaces but my friend chat may be able to help: In the context of Indian kitchens, an "Indian style chimney" refers to a kitchen chimney designed to handle the heavy frying and grilling that is typical in Indian cooking. Indian cuisines often involve the use of spices, tadka (tempering), and deep frying, which can release a significant amount of smoke, grease, and aromas. The chimney helps in extracting these, ensuring a cleaner and more breathable kitchen environment. Here are some features and aspects of Indian style chimneys: 1. **Powerful Suction**: Given the amount of smoke and fumes produced in Indian cooking, these chimneys typically have powerful suction capabilities. 2. **Baffle Filters**: These are specially designed filters suitable for Indian kitchens where oil content in food is generally high. The filter uses a unique mechanism to separate oil and spice particles from the smoke. 3. **Auto-clean Function**: Some modern Indian kitchen chimneys come with an auto-clean function which helps in cleaning the oil and grease collected in the chimney, reducing the manual cleaning effort. 4. **Size**: The size of the chimney is also essential. For Indian kitchens, a wider chimney might be more effective in capturing the rising smoke. 5. **Design**: While functionality is crucial, design also plays a role. Indian style chimneys are available in various designs, including wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, and built-in models. 6. **Noise Level**: Some high-end models come with a reduced noise level feature, which can be helpful given the chimney might need to run for extended periods during long cooking sessions. 7. **Durability**: Given the heavy-duty requirements, these chimneys are built to be durable and to withstand the rigors of intense cooking. When considering an Indian style chimney, it's essential to choose one that matches the size of the kitchen and the cooking habits of the household. Regular maintenance and cleaning are also crucial to ensure its longevity and effectiveness.

[@CHIMNEYSWEEPSERVICE]

Try extending your chimney - the taller it is, the better the draft👍

[@detroitsurvivor4989]

My fireplace is unusable due to smoke coming back into the house. Chimney guy said my house is sealed up to tight and the return to my furnace is basically in a straight line to the fireplace (even though it's at least 50ft away in the other room with stairs in the way) so it sucks the smoke in. Does this sound right to you, or might i have an issue with the way the chimney was built?

[@detroitsurvivor4989]

Of course, he tried to sell me a $4,000 propane insert right after.

[@jgarcia1133]

Interested for an update. Did you ever get it fixed?

[@detroitsurvivor4989]

@@jgarcia1133 unfortunately not. So far down in the list I haven’t gotten to it yet.

[@dubjohnston]

Fire needs to suck oxygen from somewhere. If your house is super air tight then you could put an air inlet in from the floor perhaps. I've seen old wood stove designs which get air from a small inlet tube

[@detroitsurvivor4989]

@@dubjohnston actually have a small tube in the back of the fireplace that I can open and an ash dumb. Both open to the outside. Doesn’t work still….🤷‍♂️

[@Ddavog]

what flue tile weighs 100lbs? 20lbs maybe but 100?

[@AStepInTimeChimney]

www.rumford.com/flues.html 13x13= 66lbs, 13x18 = 99lbs

[@eastexasupdates2559]

100bls every two feet.. the mathematician says at 20 ft that would be 2,000 lb.. Lol.

[@mgn5667]

@@AStepInTimeChimney plus the mud ,..things add up

[@leticianabaysa800]

I understand less...

[@kevinbenoit8488]

Your saying us brick masons can't do math. Then you go on to say each tile ways 100 pounds, 20 ft. would be 2000 pounds,.... flue tiles are two ft. long. that would make it 1000 pounds. So either you did'nt know a flue was 2 ft. long. or YOU can't do math.... Just saying.

[@AStepInTimeChimney]

Kevin - congradulations! You got me. All the brick masons in heaven are cheering for you right now. Except for the ones who don't know how to angle the smoke chamber properly. They did not catch that error! Anyways, seriously, good job Kevin. You got me!

[@GlobalDrifter1000]

Hat is silly small

[@jolldoes1515]

He won’t reply just talking talking clean suit hat and let not forget clean hands !!!

[@AStepInTimeChimney]

Glad I could say hello.

[@richardprice5978]

give it a break it's the old uniform 🥋of a sweep and if he did show up dressed like that it would put me at ease as there's a good chance he likes his craft and is good at it

[@intrafisicas]

Your illustration is not helpful- you need to use better graphics for each point you make.

[@Diddley_Squat]

Also pointing would help

[@southernproud8514]

I don't give a *#'& about government control building codes