Knowing a little about your chimney’s components can go a long way in helping you notice when something’s not as it should be – these sturdy workhorses are probably more complex than you think. Simple diligence and a good maintenance schedule can help guard your chimney against premature wear, structural damage, and unsafe operation.
Chimneys have many parts that work together to draw combustion byproducts like smoke, gases, smoke, and other particulate matter out of your home. Since you don’t want these backing up into your living space, you want each chimney component working well so it can operate smoothly. Need to book an inspection to ensure all is in order? Call or reach out online today.
What Are the Parts of a Chimney?
Here are some of the components of a typical chimney:
Chimney Cap & Crown
These comprise the tip-top of your chimney system, and they work together to keep the elements from damaging it. The chimney crown is a concrete or stone slab designed with a slight slope to marshal water away from the chimney itself. Atop it, the chimney cap sits and serves multiple purposes. It keeps animals from entering the flue, it prevents rain from causing damage, and it diminishes downdrafts so cold air doesn’t rush into your home.
Flue Liner
Hidden from view, the flue liner is nonetheless a crucial component. As its name suggests, it lines the flue, which is the interior passage that smoke and gases travel to escape. The flue liner helps contain combustion byproducts and helps diminish the buildup of harmful creosote, which can contribute to chimney fires.
Chimney Chase
A chase is the structure that surrounds the flue in prefabricated chimneys. The chase most importantly serves as a barrier which protects both the flue and the structure of your home, and it also adds visual appeal to your chimney.
Fireplace Damper
The damper is a flat panel that can be moved to control airflow in the chimney. Opening it lets smoke escape, and closing it when the fireplace isn’t in use prevents heat loss.
Smoke Chamber
Above where you build the fire, the smoke chamber tapers to guide the smoke up to the flue. In a masonry chimney, a smoke shelf will sit at the bottom of the smoke chamber to further aid ventilation.
Firebox
This is where fires are actually made. The firebox is made to withstand the rigors of high heat exposure.
Chimney Flue
The flue is like a highway for smoke and gases. It’s the interior, vertical passageway that allows for these combustion byproducts to make their way out of the home, from the firebox up through the roof. It’ll typically be lined to enhance its resilience against heat and corrosion.
Masonry Chimney vs. Prefabricated Chimney: What’s the Difference?
- Masonry Chimneys: Masonry chimneys are the traditional brick or stone ones that probably first enter your mind when you hear the word chimney. These are durable and have a natural aesthetic appeal that graces many styles of architecture. Masonry chimneys are the standard in older homes. Inside the brick or stone exterior, the chimney flue is usually lined with clay tiles or a metal liner, and the chimney crown is often poured concrete.
- Prefabricated Chimneys: Prefabrication (often called prefab) chimneys are built in factories off-site, then transported to and installed in homes. This more modern option is designed for efficiency and convenient installation. In prefab chimneys, a metal flue liner is housed in an outer casing called the chase. The chase is covered in something non-combustible, like brick veneer or siding, to give it a polished look.
So, how are they different?
The primary difference between these two categories of chimney lies in their construction and installation. Masonry chimneys are constructed on-site by skilled labor. Unsurprisingly, this makes them most costly and time-consuming to install. Prefab chimneys are pre-assembled in a factory, so installation is much quicker and more affordable.
Both types of chimney are made of durable materials, and both will last longer with good maintenance. The typical lifespan of a masonry chimney, however, will usually extend decades beyond that of a prefab one. During that lifespan, masonry chimneys may require more repairs, such as repointing or relining. All chimneys should be inspected by a qualified professional annually, regardless of what type of chimney they are. Along with helping ensure safe operation, having experienced eyes scanning your chimney helps alert you to any component that might need to be fixed or replaced. Being attentive to this type of maintenance will help your chimney last longer and work better.
Partnering for Excellence in Chimney Maintenance: Trust Our Team
If you have chimney components that need to be replaced, the impact will be felt throughout your chimney system. Whether your chimney is masonry or prefabricated, our seasoned professionals know what it takes to keep it working at peak safety and efficiency. From top to botttom and inside-out, we’ll put our experience to work for you.
Chimneys all need TLC from time to time. Damaged flue liner? Cracked chimney crown? Compromised cap? We can help with that. Whether you need routine cleaning or a major repair, we’ll help ensure your system is safe, reliable, and long-lasting. Call or book online today.