Anatomy Of A Chimney
While most of us think of our chimneys are basic towers of bricks and mortar, they are surprisingly complex structures with a number of different – and important – components. Understanding the anatomy of a chimney can help you realize the importance of chimney maintenance as well as give you the tools to better understand how your chimney works.
The following are NUMBER important parts of your chimney. While the names or purpose of some may be unfamiliar, they are all important in keeping your fireplace and chimney operating safely and efficiently.
Chimney cap
Chimney caps are metals covers that cover and protect the top of the flue. Sitting on top of the chimney crown, chimney caps keep moisture, debris, and animals out of your flue. Chimney caps that are improperly installed, ill-fitting, or damaged can lead to water damage or chimney blockages.
Chimney crown
The chimney crown is a masonry slab that seals the top of the chimney – the remainder of the flue pipe comes out of the chimney crown and is then covered and protected by the chimney cap. Because chimney crowns are exposed to moisture and the elements, they are prone to cracking and spalling.
Chimney chase cover
For homes with prefabricated or factory built fireplaces, the chimney chase cover acts in place of the chimney cap and crown to seal and protect the top of the flue. Chase covers are typically made of metal; cheaper, galvanized metals may deteriorate due to exposure to the elements. Rust stains on the side of your home or chimney can be a sign of damage to the chimney chase cover.
Damper
Traditional throat dampers are located at the top of the firebox and seal it off from the flue. Dampers are open or closed using a lever or pulley and should always be open any time the fireplace is in use. More and more homeowners are opting to replace their throat dampers with top mounted dampers; located at the top of the flue, top mounted dampers replace the chimney cap and seal off the entire flue from outside air.
Flue and flue lining
The chimney flue is the interior portion of the chimney through which gas, smoke, and other byproducts of combustion are vented. Flues should be lined in order to protect the surrounding building materials from gasses and heat from the chimney. While many masonry chimneys are built with clay tile liners it is extremely difficult to reline a flue using this material. Instead, most flues are relined using metal or cast in place liners. Relining the flue is done in cases of damage, deterioration, or when the flue needs to be resized due to a new fireplace installation.
Learning more about the structure of your chimney and the function of all of its components can help you better understand the dynamics and purpose of the parts of your fireplace system. For more information on the anatomy of your chimney, contact Guaranteed Chimney Service today!