
What is a metal chimney cover called?
The metal cover that is installed on top of the wood-framed chase is called the chase cover. These metal chimney coverings are also commonly referred to as “chase tops”.
What is the Crown of a chimney called?
The top of a masonry chimney is called the crown. It should be gently sloped toward the edge, causing rainwater to run off. The flue liners should extend above the crown at least two inches (maybe more, depending on the local building code), so you might be able to see the tops of the liners from the ground.
What is a chimney made of?
The insulation material is usually placed between two metal layers so that the exchange of heat through the metal is significantly reduced. The chimney is constructed in a way that it looks like a stainless steel pipe or cylinder placed or installed within a bigger pipe or cylinder.
What is a masonry fireplace chimney?
Masonry Fireplace Chimneys: A masonry chimney is generally constructed on-site by brick masons using brick or stone, cement block, mortar, and clay flue tiles for liners.

What are the different types of chimneys?
3 Types of Chimneys: Factory-Built / Prefabricated. Masonry Brick or Stone....Types of Freestanding Stove ChimneysGas.Wood.Pellet.
Do chimneys have to be brick?
There are two main types of chimneys: masonry chimneys built from stone and mortar, bricks, or blocks, and prefabricated metal chimneys. While brick chimneys are what come to mind for many people as the most typical installation in a home, metal chimneys can be designed to reflect the homeowner's style.
What is the chimney thing called?
Chimney FlueChimney Flue The flue is a vertical shoot that allows combustion materials to exit your home.
What material is used in chimneys?
Flues can be made from terracotta clay, concrete, or stainless or galvanized steel. Clay and concrete flue sections (called tiles) are square or rectangular in cross-section; clay tiles are usually 24 inches long, while concrete tiles are shorter.
Are metal chimneys safe?
They Are Lightweight – Metal rarely poses a structural threat to any property. If you have an upstairs fireplace, a metal chimney is the safer bet to keep the floor or ceiling from collapsing.
Can a wood burning fireplace have a metal chimney?
A prefabricated metal chimney unit may be the best choice for wood stoves or fireplaces in these homes.
What is the metal around a fireplace called?
A spark arrestor is typically a metal/mesh covering that when properly fitted to your chimney's cap will prevent embers or sparks from popping out of the flue (from a burning fire in the fireplace below) while also stopping animals or debris from getting inside.
What are the parts of a metal chimney?
Parts Of A Chimney - Chimney Cap, Flashing, Liner, Crown, & Damper.
What holds a chimney up?
chimney crownA chimney crown is a concrete slab that sits on top of your masonry chimney protecting the chimney around the flue. Crowns are sloped to guide water away from your chimney protecting the internal chimney parts and masonry.
What is a metal flue?
A flue pipe is a metal pipe that is run inside of a masonry chimney or run as a stand-alone chimney pipe leading from a furnace or heating stove. The flue pipe carries smoke and noxious fumes out of the living space of a building and vents the fumes into the atmosphere.
What type of chimney is best?
Summary With The 10 Best Chimney models With Price ListS No.Product Name1Faber 60 cm 1200 m³/hr Curved Glass, Autoclean Chimney (HOOD EVEREST SC TC HC BK 60, Filterless technology, Touch Control, Black)2Elica 60 cm 1200 m3/hr Filterless Auto Clean Chimney (WDFL 606 HAC MS NERO, Motion Sensor Control, Black)8 more rows
What does a masonry chimney look like?
0:085:09Chimneys Explained #01 - Masonry Chimneys - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf the inside of your fireplace is all brick and it looks like brick. Then it's a masonry fireplace.MoreIf the inside of your fireplace is all brick and it looks like brick. Then it's a masonry fireplace.
Why are chimneys made of brick?
The inner part of most chimneys, called chimney liners, are often made of chemical-resistant brick which can combat the effects of both acid and thermal shock that come from gas fireplaces.
Why do new houses not have chimneys?
Homes that were built before the mid 20th century were designed to be heated by wood. This meant that a home had to have an adequate ventilation because in order for a wood fireplace to work adequately, they need what is called draft. Modern homes do not have enough draft in order to keep a wood fireplace lit.
Does removing a chimney stack devalue a house?
They offer a traditional and cosy feel that's attractive to many homebuyers. Therefore, if you remove your chimney, you're likely to remove what many consider an asset. This will result in your home's value decreasing. You'll also make it more difficult to sell.
Are chimneys hollow?
The chimney flue is the long, hollow tube that comprises the majority of your chimney. The chimney crown or chase cover. The top of your chimney, it is surrounded on the outside by a chimney crown or chase cover.
What is a freestanding wood burning stove?
The freestanding type of wood-burning stoves can be connected to special chimneys that are made from masonry materials. Another alternative is the prefab chimney that is specifically designed and tested for wood-burning stoves.
What type of chimney is used for a wood burning stove?
Most wood-burning stove chimneys are metal, stone, or prefabricated depending on the type of stove chosen as the chimney must withstand the high heat generated from the stove.
How does an air insulated chimney work?
Air-insulated chimneys. These prefab chimneys work by minimizing the air flow by trapping the air held between the metal layers and providing insulation.This way, the heat from the chimney doesn’t dissipate.
What is a chimney used for?
A chimney is a pipe-like structure integrated into a residential or commercial building. It is used for expelling smoke from fireplaces, furnaces, or stoves. If you are planning to build a property or remodel your existing one, a warm and cozy fireplace will be an excellent addition. After all, there is nothing quite as homely as an open fireplace ...
What is a prefabricated chimney?
Prefabricated chimneys are contemporary designed structures that are most often found in newly-built homes. These chimneys have innovatively designed fireplaces that are fabricated using sheet metals.
What is an air cooled chimney?
Air-cooled prefab chimneys. These chimneys are similar to the air-insulated types as they also consist of multiple metal layers with space in between each layer for air flow. But the major difference lies in the fact that these chimneys let the air out rather than keep it in.
How thick is a chimney?
A masonry chimney is built directly on the smoke chamber. It consists of a liner and wall, which must be at least 4 inches thick between the liner and the surface of the exterior. The materials used for the wall construction of the chimney are either 100% stone, block, or brick, or have holes for airflow.
What is a prefab chimney?
Prefab chimneys offer the ability to vent a wood-burning fire and are made of sheet metal (stainless steel and galvanized steel) rather than thousands of pounds of masonry.
What are the different types of freestanding chimneys?
The 3 types of freestanding stove chimneys are: Gas. Wood. Pellet. If the height and position of the stove’s flue collar permit it, then freestanding stoves can also connect to an existing fireplace chimney. With this type of installation, the stoves may be called “ Hearth Stoves “.
What is a chimney chase?
Many modern homes are designed with a chimney that blends in nicely with the house. When metal prefabricated systems (factory-built) are installed in a home they’re often concealed for an aesthetically pleasing look that can increase the resale value of your home. The system is encased in wood framing and often finished with siding that matches the house. This is called the Chimney Chase. For obvious reasons it is commonly referred to as the “wood-framed chase”.
What is a Masonry chimney?
Masonry Chimneys are a kind of chimney that is built on-site from accessible, non-combustible materials. Assembled or constructed using bricks, blocks or stone, and always mortar. These components are weather-resistant, capable of handling medium temperatures, and extremely durable.
What is a factory built chimney?
A factory-built or prefabricated type is a metal chimney and this type is typically made of stainless steel and can be double or triple walled. Older air-cooled chimneys used three walls and a thermosyphon design to bring outside air in and back out again to keep the chimney from getting too hot and catching the chimney chase on fire. Double-wall air-cooled chimneys introduce cooling air into the chimney pipe outer wall just above the fireplace, this air is expelled just below the chimney cap at the top of the chimney.
How long does a firebrick chimney last?
a steel or cast iron lintel at the top of the fireplace opening. When well maintained, these types of masonry chimneys can last for hundreds of years.
Why do chimney top chase covers work?
No matter what you call it, the purpose of your chimney top chase cover helps protect the top from rain and acts as a fire prevention device to stop sparks or embers from landing on your roof. When installed correctly, essentially eliminating that as a fire hazard.
How does a chimney stack work?
The Chimney Stack. The smoke from a furnace is carried through the roof and into the air by the chimney stack. There is a long tube that guarantees smoke is pumped up from the room and out the window. A masonry or steel structure is commonly used to support it above the roof. After combustion in the engine, it functions similarly ...
What is a chimney used for?
Parts of a Chimney (with Full Diagram) Steve Updated May 12, 2021. April 24, 2021. A chimney is a device that is used to evacuate smoke from a fireplace or furnace. A draft is often created and maintained by a chimney, which provides air to the fire. A fireplace is made up of many components that must work together for you to experience its ...
What are chimney liners made of?
Liners made of aluminum and stainless steel were imported and assembled. On the inside of the chimney, cast-in-place and Terra-Cotta liners are hand-built.
What is a cast liner?
Cast-in-Place Chimney Liner: A cast liner is a lightweight, sealed device that is mounted within a chimney to provide a clear, streamlined path for flue gasses to comfortably exit your house.
What are the different types of chimney liners?
Liners come in various forms; Clay tiles, metal, and cast-in-place chimney liners are the three most common types. Clay Tiles Chimney Liner: Clay tiles are amongst the most widely used materials for chimney liners. If properly treated, clay tiles are cheap, easy to maintain and provide a decent value. Metal Chimney Liner: When upgrading ...
Why do you need a chimney liner?
The chimney liner can keep your house safe by allowing heat from a fire to escape without spreading to nearby flammable materials . Unlined chimneys will allow heat to pass easily through your home’s flammable materials, potentially causing a fire.
How many flues does a chimney have?
Metal chimneys have only one flue, while brick chimneys can have several flues.
How many vertical passageways are there in a chimney?
Inside a chimney you’ll find one or more vertical passageways called flues. Ideally, each appliance connected to the chimney (such as each fireplace, each furnace, each wood stove) has its own, separate flue. More than one flue might be contained in one masonry chimney. So if you have a furnace and a fireplace connected to the same chimney, there should be at least two vertical passageways up the inside of the chimney.
What are chimney liners?
In a modern masonry chimney, the inner wall of the flue is lined with some type of material for safety, ease of cleaning, and improved performance. Among the most common types of liners are: 1 Terra-cotta : Baked clay liners, also called terra-cotta or tile liners, are generally about 5/8″ thick, and look like two-foot long square, rectangular, or round tubes. They are cemented end-to-end up the inside of the flue to form a continuous, smooth lining. 2 Other modular liners : Terra cotta is not the only material used to make modular liner tubes. Some are composed of refractory cement, volcanic pumice, or a combination of fireproof materials. 3 Stainless Steel : Especially useful in re-lining existing chimneys (But used in new construction, as well), stainless steel liner systems incorporate a metal tube, rigid or flexible, with some type of insulation around it. The metal tube provides a continuous, even lining, and the insulation forms an additional layer of protection and helps keep the flue warm. 4 Aluminum : Some installations of gas-fired equipment allow for the use of lower-cost aluminum liner systems. 5 Cast-in-place : Cast-in-place chimney liners are, in essence, a thick layer of a highly durable, insulative, cement-type material applied to the walls of the flue. One method (but not the only one) for installing a cast-in-place lining involves inserting a removable rubber tube the full length of the flue and pumping the liner material in. The tube is later removed, leaving a smooth-walled, cast-in-place flue liner.
What is the top of a chimney called?
The top of a masonry chimney is called the crown . It should be gently sloped toward the edge, causing rainwater to run off. The flue liners should extend above the crown at least two inches (maybe more, depending on the local building code), so you might be able to see the tops of the liners from the ground.
What is the vertical passageway in a chimney called?
Inside a chimney you’ll find one or more vertical passageways called flues . Ideally, each appliance connected to the chimney (such as each fireplace, each furnace, each wood stove) has its own, separate flue. More than one flue might be contained in one masonry chimney.
What is stainless steel chimney liner?
Stainless Steel : Especially useful in re-lining existing chimneys (But used in new construction, as well), stainless steel liner systems incorporate a metal tube, rigid or flexible, with some type of insulation around it. The metal tube provides a continuous, even lining, and the insulation forms an additional layer of protection and helps keep the flue warm.
Where is the cleanout door on a chimney?
At the base of each flue you should find a small, metal cleanout door. When your chimney professional cleans the flue, the soot and debris will be removed through this cleanout access. The exception is a fireplace, which needs no door, since the soot is cleaned out right at the fireplace opening. If you find a door in the cellar centered below the fireplace, it is probably an ash pit door. We will talk about that in the section on fireplaces.
What is a cast in place chimney liner?
Cast-in-place : Cast-in-place chimney liners are, in essence, a thick layer of a highly durable, insulative, cement-type material applied to the walls of the flue.
Why is it important to have your chimney inspected?
In the winter months, your chimney and your fireplace are very important to the comfort of your home. A malfunctioning chimney could mean a risk to the safety of your home and the health of your family. While it is standard procedure to have your chimney inspected annually, issues could happen in between inspections.
What are the parts of a fireplace?
In addition to the chimney, there are a number of components that make up a fireplace. These include: 1 Firebox: The part of the fireplace where the fire is made. 2 Hearth: The fireplace floor. 3 Mantel: What was once a smoke catcher in medieval times, the mantel is now a decorative frame that surrounds the fireplace.
What is the purpose of bricks in a fireplace?
The Bricks. While it’s very obvious that bricks are a part of a chimney, they serve a much more important purpose than you may think. Put simply, the bricks are the foundation of the chimney’s stack. When they’re not in optimal condition, your fireplace cannot perform appropriately and the safety of your home is at risk.
What is a chimney liner?
Liners are usually made of stainless steel, aluminum, or clay. Clay liners are the least durable, as they are typically the original lining of the flue.
Why do you need a cap on a chimney?
Its purpose is to prevent water from seeping into the chimney system. The cap is what covers the rest of the opening where the smoke escapes. It is absolutely essential to keep the crown of a chimney in good condition, as it is the primary barrier between your chimney and the outdoor elements.
Why is a chimney liner important?
The chimney liner is an absolutely crucial part of the chimney to ensure the safety of your home. Their purpose is to protect the combustible parts of a home from the intense temperatures that fires give off. Put simply, a chimney liner limits the fire to the chimney and keeps it from entering the rest of your home.
What is the vertical shoot of a chimney?
Subpar brick and mortar also impairs the structural integrity of your entire chimney. 2. The Flue. Located in the interior of the chimney, the flue is the vertical shoot that combustion materials from the fires exit your home. Although often confused with the liner, the chimney flue is different.
Why do you need to have your chimney flue inspected every year?
Remember to have your flue inspected every year with a chimney inspection because it can become lined in soot and pose a fire hazard if not taken care of.
Why is my chimney getting moisture?
If the brick and mortar on your chimney is deteriorated or damaged, it can allow moisture into your chimney. As a homeowner, you know that anytime moisture gets into your home it’s a problem.
What makes up a chimney?
The Bricks. Obviously, you know that bricks are what make up a chimney, but they’re more important than you may think. The bricks are the foundation of your chimney’s stack and if they’re not in good condition, your fireplace won’t perform well and your home’s safety will be at risk. If the brick and mortar on your chimney is deteriorated ...
What is the difference between a fireplace and a chimney?
Many people think of only fireplaces when they hear the word chimney. While the fireplace is where the actual fire takes place and is what everyone’s paying attention to, there’s much more to a chimney than just a fireplace. There are multiple important components to the exterior of a chimney that are absolutely crucial to ...
Why is it important to know the parts of a chimney?
There are many different parts of a chimney and all need to be taken care of in order for your fireplace to be safe and efficient. Knowing what each part is and its purpose will help you spot problems and be able to explain them to a chimney repair service. When you do need to contact ...
Why is the chimney cap important?
It’s crucial to keep your chimney crown in good condition because it’s the main barrier between the outside and your chimney. The crown slightly slopes on the sides to help prevent rain and snow from building up on top of your chimney.
What is smoke chamber?
The smoke chamber is an area with sloped walls to help create an easier path for smoke to pass through to the flue. In the chamber lies the smoke shelf which is a flat area that collects any moisture or debris that may enter through the top of your chimney.
What are the parts of a fireplace?
The parts of a fireplace include: 1 Firebox: Where the fire actually burns 2 Hearth: The floor within the fireplace 3 Mantel: Now a decorative frame around the fireplace, it used to serve as a smoke catcher in medieval times 4 Glass doors: Besides giving you a nice view of the fire, glass doors serve as a protective barrier 5 Fireplace insert: A fireproof box that fits into an existing fireplace 6 Ash dump: A door in the middle of the firebox that allows for easy removal of ash 7 Ash pit: A compartment at the base of a fireplace that catches ash 8 Cleanout door: A door in the chimney that’s behind the fireplace or outside the house where debris can be removed
What is a chimney liner?
Chimney Liner. A chimney liner confines fire to the chimney, preventing it from spreading through your home. Clay tiles are the most common liners because they’re a long-lasting, economical choice. Liners aren’t one-size-fits-all, so you might need to add a new liner if you’re installing a new fireplace.
Why is it important to maintain a damper?
Maintaining your damper is important for safe fireplace and chimney operation. If your damper is broken it will not allow smoke to escape your home if it is stuck in the closed position and in the open position, it may cause drafts.
Why is it important to know about chimneys?
Why It’s Important to Know about Fireplace and Chimney Parts. The main reason homeowners and renters need to know about the parts of a chimney stack and fireplace is safety. After all, you’re dealing with fire and smoke, two things that can cause damage to your home and your health. Fortunately, when you know about the various parts ...
What is an ash dump?
Fireplace insert: A fireproof box that fits into an existing fireplace. Ash dump: A door in the middle of the firebox that allows for easy removal of ash. Ash pit: A compartment at the base of a fireplace that catches ash. Cleanout door: A door in the chimney that’s behind the fireplace or outside the house where debris can be removed.
What is the purpose of chimney flashing?
The purpose of chimney flashing is to protect your chimney, roof, and the rooms below from moisture penetration and leaks. If you want to learn more about chimney flashing, you can read our blog post here.
Where is the throat damper located?
Fireplace Damper or Throat Damper. Dampers are also referred to as throat dampers because they’re located in the throat of the chimney above the firebox. The damper seals the fireplace when it’s not in use so that heated air in your home doesn’t escape through the chimney.
How tall is a flue extender?
Taller chimneys will provide better draft and increase performance to the appliance, and usually add 18" to 36" in height.
Why are flue gas temperatures low?
Low flue gas temperatures keep moisture in the flue gasses from evaporating and being eliminated up the flue.
What is a chimney?
CHIMNEY. A structure made of masonry or metal, that usually surrounds and supports the flue for venting hot flue gases or smoke from a fireplace, furnace, stove or insert to the outside atmosphere. Chimneys are typically vertical, to ensure that the gases flow smoothly.
How does a thimble work?
A thimble allows you to pass a single wall stove pipe from the living area or basement through the combustible material of a wall and into a brick or metal chimney. The thimble reduces the amount of clearance needed from 18" to 2".
What is a chase chimney?
CHASE. A chase is a wood-constructed chimney. It has a decorative surrounding that covers the multi-wall insulated metal flue inside the chimney. The box is typically covered with vinyl, aluminum or wood siding, or sometimes simulated stone.
What is a boot adapter?
This will allow a round liner to attach directly to the appliance. The adapter collar angles back to give it a smaller profile. The collar can also be changed to a 30 degree or 10 degree tilt.
Where is the damper on a wood burning fireplace?
Wood-burning fireplaces usually have a damper installed in the upper part of the firebox. The damper is designed to be shut when the fireplace is not in use and can be easily opened when it is. It's common to forget to close the damper after a fire goes out, however, and that leaves a big hole through which heated or cooled air can escape the house. Even when a fireplace damper is closed, the sealing is often not very effective.
What is the purpose of a chimney?
Chimney. A chimney provides a safe passageway for waste smoke and gases from a fire to leave the fireplace and be removed from a home. The chimney starts at the top of the firebox and extends vertically through the roof of the house. The chimney must protrude a certain distance above the roofline of the house to ensure sufficient draw on ...
What is a firebox?
The firebox is the main part of the fireplace where the fire is built. It’s usually rectangular or square in shape, and is surround by fireproof materials such as firebricks.
What is the mantel in the living room made of?
The mantel in our living room is made from concrete, while the mantel of the fireplace surround I removed from our kitchen is made of wood.
What is the purpose of glass doors in a fireplace?
Much like a damper, glass doors can help to prevent heat loss from a home when the fireplace isn’t in use .
What is a fireplace surround?
Surround. A fireplace surround is similar to the face of a fireplace, but is usually more of a decorative feature. It can be found around the opening of a fireplace, but isn’t always found as a non-combustible material like the face of a fireplace. Before redecorating our kitchen, there was a gas insert in the kitchen fireplace with ...
Why do you put a screen on a fireplace?
A fireplace screen is placed onto the hearth to help prevent any hot embers from getting into the room. Read more about fireplace screens here. You can also read my complete guide to fireplace hearths, including examples of materials used as hearths, and regulations for sizes and depths.
What materials are used in a fireplace?
Common materials used as a hearth include granite, marble, stone, concrete, brick, ceramic and quarry tiles. All solid fuel burning fireplaces are required to have a hearth, and the size and depth of a hearth must comply with your local building regulations and code.

Types of Chimneys According to Purpose
Types of Chimneys According to Materials
- 4. Metal Chimneys
Metal is an excellent heat conductor, and as such, metal chimneysmake a good option. Metal is highly durable, doesn’t corrode or rust, and it’s abrasion-resistant. This material is especially ideal for high humid climates, hence the reason why many stone chimneys use metal flue liners. Stain… - 5. Brick Chimneys
The most common type of chimney for residential construction is the brick chimney. These chimneys have long been preferred for their durability and visually appealing design. Brick chimneys can withstandextremely high temperatures, which makes them a practical option for …
Types of Chimneys According to Shape
- 7. Paired Chimneys
Paired chimneys are also referred to as double chimneys that have a decorative and vintage look. These chimneys are ideal for Colonial homesin Georgian style for an artistic design. Most chimney installers tend to place the paired chimneys on the center of the roof, where the heat ab… - 8. A Play of Angles Chimneys
If your home’s roof has attractive or unusual angles, a play of angles chimneywill be the perfect option. When installing an oversized play of angles chimney, it must face a 45-degree angle. And for the crown of the chimney, you can use several rows of the decorative corbel. Keep in mind th…