Camden County, New Jersey
Fireplace and Smoke Chamber Care in Somerdale, NJ
We repaired the smoke chamber on a Somerdale fireplace, restoring the transition area above the firebox.
Dr. Sweeper has completed a project in Somerdale, Camden County: smoke chamber repair on a fireplace and chimney system, restoring the transition area above the firebox. The project is shown below.
Somerdale is mostly owner-occupied and detached: about 67% detached and 71% owner-occupied. The median build year is 1965, about 13% of homes predate 1950, and the ACS median home value is about $225,000.
The smoke chamber is the least visible part of a fireplace, and one of the most important.
Our work
Our work in Somerdale
Smoke Chamber Repair in Somerdale, NJ
Somerdale, NJ · Smoke chamber repair
Smoke chamber repair on a Somerdale fireplace and chimney.
Read the projectLearn
Smoke chamber parging
Parging restores the surface by coating the chamber's walls with masonry material, working from the damper up to the flue. It fills gaps, covers rough corbelled brick and leaves a smooth, sloped surface. It is skilled work in a confined space, done from the firebox.
Signs you may need it include smoke that does not draw well, soot stains that keep appearing above the opening, and damage seen with a mirror above the damper. See smoke chamber parging, the smoke chamber explained, smoke coming into the house and the Somerdale project.
Housing profile
What the housing mix means in Somerdale
Somerdale is mostly detached and owner-occupied, with a median build year in the 1960s. At that age the smoke chamber above the damper may be original, so it is worth a look even when the firebox looks fine.
What we look at
What the smoke chamber does
Where it sits
Above the damper, below the flue.
What it does
Narrows the opening so smoke can enter the flue smoothly.
How it ages
Mortar and surfaces break down with heat, moisture and time.
Why it matters
Rough or damaged walls can disturb smoke and leave gaps.
Checklist
Looking at it yourself
- Use a flashlight and a mirror held above the damper.
- Look for crumbling mortar or gaps.
- Look for soot trails that stop at one spot.
- Photograph anything unusual.
- Do not climb into the firebox while it is warm.
Symptoms
| Symptom | Possible cause | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Smoke rolls into the room | Several possible causes including the smoke chamber | Inspection |
| Soot stains above the opening | Smoke spilling | Inspection |
| Crumbling mortar above the damper | Chamber breakdown | Parging |
| Rough, stepped surfaces | Original corbelled brick | Parging |
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What did the Somerdale job include?
Smoke chamber repair, per its project page.
Can I see the smoke chamber?
Partly, with a light and a mirror.
Does parging fix every smoke problem?
No. Smoke has several possible causes. The inspection narrows them.
Service areas
Other areas we serve
Chimney Academy
Guides that go with this page
Questions about your chimney in Somerdale?
Call us, or send a scheduling request. We will contact you to confirm. Your appointment is not confirmed until we do.