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.

Does an outdoor fireplace need a smoke shelf.

Look above the damper for evidence of a smoke shelf and look at the walls of the smoke chamber if possible. Kreh sr an author and masonry consultant in frederick maryland replies. On exterior fireplace any wind will down draft your fireplace and probably force smoke out. Do i need to parge my smoke chamber if it s an out door fireplace with nothing combustible whatsoever.

Advice is free lessons begin at 75 bucks an hour. 1 answer from this member. I seen your you tube video and would like to ask if you have the mixture. A smoke shelf is a design feature not necessarily needed but when incorporated into the firebox design it is certainly a plus.

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. Masonry fireplaces that do not have a smoke shelf or smooth throat in smoke chamber may suggest amateurish workmanship. It is however a standard part of most masonry fireplaces. Factory built fireplaces do not usually have a smoke shelf or smoke chamber above the damper.

Poor draft is the possible implication. The walls of the smoke chamber may have a minimum required thickness of 51 2 or 6 inches. 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.