Drafting Done Right: Improving Chimney Airflow Using SmokTite®

The smoke chamber is a narrow space directly above the firebox and below the flue, resembling an upside-down funnel. Its primary purpose is to compress and direct flue gases produced during combustion, pushing smoke and exhaust efficiently up the flue to vent at the top of the stack. When soot and creosote, natural byproducts of combustion, accumulate in a corbeled brick or damaged smoke chamber, airflow is severely restricted. This restriction builds backpressure, which can cause a dangerous backdraft that forces smoke, hot debris, and toxic gases into your living space.

What Is SmokTite®?

SmokTite® is a proprietary, spray-applied ceramic refractory coating designed specifically to smooth, seal, and restore damaged or corbeled brick chimney smoke chambers. Applied by an authorized technician, SmokTite® creates a smooth, seamless ceramic shell that dramatically improves chimney draft, seals structural leaks, and reduces fire and health hazards.

SmokTite® vs. Traditional Hand-Parging: Which Is Better?

For decades, masons have parged smoke chambers by hand using refractory mortar and a trowel. While many professionals still rely on traditional parging, it can be difficult to apply thoroughly in tight or confined smoke chambers. As a result, this manual application can leave an uneven coating or a surface that isn’t uniformly smooth.

Traditional hand-parging features:

• Designed to withstand standard fireplace operating temperatures.
• Offers only moderate improvement to chimney draft.
• The porous mortar allows soot and creosote to accumulate.
• Requires several days to dry and cure completely before you can use the fireplace.

On the other hand, SmokTite® is much easier to apply, providing a seamless, uniform coating over the entire smoke chamber surface and filling cracks, gaps, and crevices:

• Thermal Protection: Rated for up to 2,290°F.
• Airflow Efficiency: Significantly improves chimney airflow.
• Creosote Resistance: Its non-porous surface resists soot accumulation.
• Cure Time: Typically cures within 24 hours.

The SmokTite® Application Process

Restoring a smoke chamber with SmokTite® is a specialized process performed by certified chimney technicians:

1. Inspection & Prep:The chimney is thoroughly swept and inspected to remove loose soot, creosote, and crumbling mortar.
2. Setup & Masking:Dampers and surrounding areas are masked off to prevent spray overage and keep the hearth clean.
3. Spray Application:Using a specialized high-pressure spray system, the technician applies the ceramic coating evenly across all interior walls of the smoke chamber, reaching tight corners and gaps that hand tools cannot reach.
4. Curing:The material forms a lightweight, highly resilient ceramic shell that bonds permanently to the existing brick and mortar.

SmokTite® Benefits for Parging Smoke Chambers

A damaged or uneven smoke chamber significantly increases the risk of chimney fires and exposure to dangerous carbon monoxide. SmokTite® offers many benefits, including:

• Improved Airflow: Reduces turbulence, allowing smoke and gases to exit the home more efficiently.
• Extreme Heat Resistance: Withstands temperatures up to 2,290°F, far exceeding standard building code requirements for thermal insulation.

• Minimizes Creosote Buildup: Prevents creosote from adhering to the smoke chamber walls.
• Faster Repair: Instantly fills cracks, voids, and deteriorated mortar joints to prevent heat and carbon monoxide from leaking into surrounding walls.
• Minimal Disruption: Eliminates the need for expensive masonry tear-outs, saving time and labor costs.

Where to Buy SmokTite® Near Me

SmokTite® is a fast, cost-effective, and long-lasting ceramic solution that outperforms traditional mortar parging. Manufactured exclusively by Approved Industries, a leader in advanced thermal protective coatings, SmokTite® is applied through factory-authorized chimney professionals to ensure optimal safety and performance.

To find a certified SmokTite® installer near you or to learn more about our advanced line of thermal protection systems, visit Approved Industries.