Chimneys

A chimney is a vertical pipe or duct which is designed to draw out of the house the smoke and gasses created by your stove or fireplace. Traditionally, chimneys are made of bricks, concrete blocks, or stones stacked one on top of the other. This type is what we call a masonry chimney. But there are also those built from metal and other materials. This one is known as factory-built chimney. This is the type you order from a factory or store to be delivered and assembled at the site.

The basic parts of a chimney are as important as the whole thing. The FLUES is the one or more vertical passageways found inside the chimney. For the modern masonry chimneys, flues have LINERS which are added to flues to make it safe, easy to clean, and for it to perform better. Another form of protection for a chimney is a CROWN. It is a cap found on top of a chimney to shield it from rainwater. As for the cleaning, a CLEANOUT DOOR is created on the base of each flue where soot and debris are removed except of course with fireplaces where it is not needed because it already has an opening.

Regular checking and thorough cleaning of the chimney is needed to maintain its efficiency. Do not also forget that chimney fire can be prevented if you examine chimney for creosote build-ups. Incomplete combustion of fuel like wood or coal creates a substance called creote which can cause ignition and fire when left to accumulate inside the chimney wall. Call a chimney professional when you can’t do the job. Ideally, a once a year check-up and clean-up are recommended for homeowners. But in some cases, chimney professionals recommend more. Just think about this: it is better safe than be sorry.

Back 12.06.2007.