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.

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. Since most of these fireplaces draw quite nicely the need for a smoke shelf is questionable. 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. Rod sarmardin on october 29 2019 at 9 44 pm.

Masonry fireplaces that do not have a smoke shelf or smooth throat in smoke chamber may suggest amateurish workmanship. Advice is free lessons begin at 75 bucks an hour. The walls of the smoke chamber may have a minimum required thickness of 51 2 or 6 inches. It is however a standard part of most masonry fireplaces.

Poor draft is the possible implication. I seen your you tube video and would like to ask if you have the mixture. On exterior fireplace any wind will down draft your fireplace and probably force smoke out. Kreh sr an author and masonry consultant in frederick maryland replies.

Do i need to parge my smoke chamber if it s an out door fireplace with nothing combustible whatsoever. A smoke shelf is a design feature not necessarily needed but when incorporated into the firebox design it is certainly a plus. 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.