For your fireplace to function, it needs to have a chimney. To the casual observer, the chimney may seem like just a hollow masonry or stainless steel tube. In a sense it is that – but with quite a bit going on inside.
The chimney is the vertical structure that channels smoke from your fireplace or stove to the great outdoors. And it contains parts that work together to make the chimney functional and safe. If one component is broken, worn, or otherwise impaired it will almost certainly impact the ability of the chimney to do its job.
Having your chimney inspected annually and kept in good repair will help prolong the life of the system as a whole and keep your chimney serving you well.
What Are the Components of a Chimney?
While there can be some differences from chimney to chimney (particularly when distinguishing between a masonry and a prefabricated chimney), this is some of the basic vocabulary we’re working with:
- Chimney Cap. The chimney cap sits at the peak of your chimney. It serves to protect against precipitation, debris, and animals entering your chimney system and causing havoc.
- Chimney Crown. Just below the cap is the crown, a sloped masonry slab that sits atop the chimney proper. It also protects from moisture by directing rainwater away from the chimney’s masonry. Without it, you’re much more vulnerable to the effects of the freeze-thaw cycle.
- Flashing. The metal seal that connects your chimney top to the roof is called the flashing. It guards against leaks at the roofline. If flashing is damaged or poorly installed it can lead to rust, rot, and corrosion. In contrast, a strong, water-tight seal will help protect your home and chimney structure.
- Damper. The damper is a metal plate that’s designed to be opened and closed. It’s usually located just above the firebox, although top-sealing dampers are also available. It helps regulate airflow in the chimney: you open it to allow smoke and gases to exit while the fireplace is in use, and close it afterwards to keep warm air in and cold drafts out.
- Flue. The flue is the interior passageway of the chimney that gives smoke and gases space to travel out of your home. The flue may also be protected with a flue liner to help promote clear passage and guard against heat and corrosion. It’s imperative that the flue be kept clear of obstructions, or smoke and combustion gases can back up into your living space.
- Smoke shelf. This flat, horizontal surface is just above the firebox at the base of the smoke chamber. It works hard, guarding against downdrafts, catching debris that might fall down the chimney, and working with the smoke chamber to funnel smoke and gases up into the flue.
- Firebox. You might think of the firebox as the inside of your fireplace itself. This is the chamber that actually contains your fires. It’s usually lined with fireproof bricks or stone to contain heat and keep the surrounding structure from damage.
Prefabricated vs. Masonry Chimneys
The two main types of chimneys a homeowner might encounter are prefabricated (factory-built) chimneys and masonry chimneys.
- Prefab chimneys are made off-site in a factory, shipped in pieces, and assembled on-location. An advantage of this process is that with much of the manufacturing done before it reaches your home, prefab chimneys can be installed comparatively quickly. Prefabricated chimneys are used pretty commonly in modern homes precisely because of this convenience, and because of their relative affordability.
- Masonry chimneys, in contrast, are built on-site with traditional materials like brick or stone and mortar. This process is more labor intensive and requires more installation and curing time. They also require more maintenance over their lifespans. However, they’re all typically more durable and have a longer lifespan than factory built chimneys.
The components of a prefabricated chimney will be different from a traditional masonry one. It will also have a flue liner, flashing, and metal chimney cap, but will have prefabricated metal pipe sections, a chase cover (boxed-in structure housing the chimney pipe), termination kit (containing the chimney cap and other parts), firestops where the chimney passes between floors of the home, and section connectors.
We’re Here To Help: Call Today
Of course, it’s not enough just to have every piece in place. Having each component of your chimney in good shape and well installed is vital to their operation.
If you have concerns about any part of your chimney’s anatomy, never fear. You won’t need to launch into a mega-sized game of Operation. All you need to do is give us a call – we’re your local experts in all things chimney. Not only can we inspect your chimney to give you a clear, helpful diagnosis, we can oversee the entire process from the development of solutions to expert implementation.
A clean, safe, efficient chimney is attainable, so don’t settle for less! Let us help you enjoy your fireplace to the max with a system that serves you for all its worth. Call or reach out online now.
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