Does An Outdoor Fireplace Need A Smoke Shelf

Factory built fireplaces do not usually have a smoke shelf or smoke chamber above the damper.

Does an outdoor fireplace need a smoke shelf.

I have an outdoor fireplace that needs parging to smooth out the corbelled bricks in the smoke chamber. A smoke shelf is a design feature not necessarily needed but when incorporated into the firebox design it is certainly a plus. Look above the damper for evidence of a smoke shelf and look at the walls of the smoke chamber if possible. Advice is free lessons begin at 75 bucks an hour.

Masonry fireplaces that do not have a smoke shelf or smooth throat in smoke chamber may suggest amateurish workmanship. The smoke shelf serves the same function of helping to create a convection loop inside the flue regardless of whether the chimney and fireplace are inside or outside the house. To reduce eliminate the problem a smoke shelf must be put in in all wood burning fireplace calculate your flue size properly and chimney should be high enough to help with air flow basically hire a mason. It is however a standard part of most masonry fireplaces.

Cool outside air travels down the flue strikes the smoke shelf mixes with warm air from inside the room or firebox and returns up the chimney taking fireplace smoke with it. The walls of the smoke chamber may have a minimum required thickness of 51 2 or 6 inches. Since most of these fireplaces draw quite nicely the need for a smoke shelf is questionable. 1 answer from this member.

Do i need to parge my smoke chamber if it s an out door fireplace with nothing combustible whatsoever. Kreh sr an author and masonry consultant in frederick maryland replies. I seen your you tube video and would like to ask if you have the mixture.