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9107 Industry Drive STE F, Manassas Park Virginia 20111

Smoke Chamber Parging | Chimney Repair in Northern VA

Improve chimney safety and efficiency with smoke chamber parging. Serving Manassas & Northern Virginia. Code-compliant repairs for cracked or corbelled smoke chambers.

Your Local Chamber Parging Experts

Reliable Scheduling & Team Support

We’re not just on time—we're right on schedule. Our team is prompt, professional, and easy to reach, with online booking and real-time updates.

Full-Service Masonry Expertise

From repointing to full chimney rebuilds, our skilled masons use time-tested techniques and the highest quality materials to ensure long-lasting results.

Precision Brick & Mortar Matching

We’re Northern Virginia’s only chimney company creating custom mortar samples in-house to perfectly match your home’s existing color and texture.

Certified Chimney Specialists

Our CSIA-certified technicians are trained in all levels of inspection and fire safety, delivering quality work you can trust—every time.

Smoke Chamber Parging & Repair | For Safer & More Efficient Fireplaces in Manassas & Nothern VA

What Is the Smoke Chamber & Why It Matters

The smoke chamber is the area of your chimney located just above the firebox and below the flue. Its job is to funnel smoke smoothly from the fire into the flue.

Many older chimneys have corbelled (stair-stepped) brick smoke chambers, which create turbulence and creosote buildup. Others are cracked or poorly sealed — a major fire hazard.

That’s where smoke chamber parging comes in. It smooths and seals the surface using high-temp mortar or insulating cement to improve draft and safety.

Smoke Chamber Parging

Did you know that 9/10 chimney fires occurs in the smoke chamber. The smoke chamber is the area directly above your firebox. This is located between the firebox and the lining of the chimney. The smoke chamber starts off as wide as your firebox is and narrows the the dimensions of the flue above. The smoke chamber is approximately as tall as the firebox is wide. As the smoke chamber narrows from the standard firebox (36” wide) down to the size of the standard flue tile lining approx. 13 inches. In order to reduce in size the brick has to be stepped in gradually.

When these bricks step they can prevent the smoke from flowing well. The smoke bounces back and hit turbulence with each step out. In addition to the the mortar between the bricks can fail allowing for creosote accumulation. They also do not allow you to use bricks that are cored (holes in them) and firebrick is recommended. New codes requires the smoke chamber to be fully parged smoothe so that the smoke can flow an escape safely from your home. This is not only recommended but required by Irc Codes. This is required per IRC 100.8. Below are pictures before and after of smoke chamber that we have parged to show the difference in how they look.

Signs You Need Smoke Chamber Parging

You fail a Level 2 chimney inspection when selling or upgrading

Your chimney has creosote buildup or poor draft

You’ve experienced a chimney fire

Your fireplace smokes when burning

You see gaps, cracks, or uneven bricks above the firebox

Book A Consult Now

How we resolve these issues

Chimney inspection and photos of existing chamber

Cleaning and prep of brick surface

Application of parge material to fill gaps and smooth walls

Final shaping for optimal smoke flow

Post-repair inspection and safety check

In some cases, we can apply sprayable insulating coatings if full access is limited.

Need a smoke chamber parged?

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Benefits of Parging Your Smoke Chamber

- Increases chimney safety and reduces fire risk

- Improves draft and smoke evacuation

- Reduces creosote buildup (less cleaning needed)

- Ensures code compliance for real estate & insurance

- Extends the life of your chimney system

Book Online

Any time Call Us

(703) 565-2333

FAQs About Smoke Chamber Parging

Is parging required by code?

Yes — all smoke chambers must have smooth, sealed walls under current NFPA 211 code. Corbelled or cracked chambers are not compliant.

How long does parging last?

When done properly, parging can last 20+ years with regular chimney maintenance.

How much does it cost?

Most parging jobs in Northern VA range depending on height and access. We offer FREE estimates to let you know what need to be done.

We’re proud members of the Mid-Atlantic Chimney Association, CSIA-certified, and carry full liability and workers’ compensation insurance. We believe in giving back—supporting local events, hiring local, and delivering dependable service to our neighbors.