Master essential chimney terminology with our comprehensive guide. Know the basics so you can maintain safely. Read more!
When it comes to chimneys and fireplaces, you should know the industry jargon. This knowledge will help your chimney function properly and prevent chimney fires or carbon monoxide buildup. In this post, we’ll review chimney terminology, the parts, and their functions so you can understand your existing chimney and system.
1. Masonry Chimney and Fireplace
A masonry chimney is built with brick, stone, or concrete. It has chimney walls and a smoke chamber to direct flue gases up and out of the chimney. Masonry fireplaces are also common, with a fireplace damper frame assembly to control airflow. The metal or masonry construction of chimneys keeps the heat in, so they work for traditional wood burning and modern gas heating appliances.
2. Chimney Crown and Cap
The chimney crown is the protective layer at the top of the chimney to keep water out. The chimney crown is the concrete structure. It’s a barrier to the elements to protect the metal flue pipes and surrounding structures. The chimney cap, usually stainless steel, goes over the top of the chimney top opening to keep debris, animals, and rain out of the chimney. It also helps control airflow and reduce heat loss. Without a chimney cap, your chimney is open to moisture damage and blockages from animals or debris.
3. Flue Liners and Flue Gas Temperatures
A flue liner is a part of every chimney, a smooth surface for the flue gases to flow through. These liners come in different materials, such as clay tiles and stainless steel, which are used in relining masonry chimneys. Flue gas temperatures tend to vary depending on the type of appliance, woodstoves, or gas appliances, and should always be monitored for safe operation. High flue gas temperatures can cause corrosion of the liner or creosote buildup, so proper ventilation and maintenance are key.
4. Smoke Chamber and Smoke Shelf
The smoke chamber is above the firebox, where the smoke collects before it goes into the chimney. The smoke shelf is below the smoke chamber, deflects the smoke up, and prevents soot or creosote buildup. Together, they direct the smoke and gases out of the home and help combustion efficiency.
5. Ash Dump and Ash Pit
The ash dump is a feature in some chimneys that removes ash from the fireplace or firebox. The ash pit is below the firebox and is a storage area for the ashes to keep the fireplace clean and debris-free. Removing ash regularly keeps gas stoves heating the fireplace running efficiently and reduces the risk of a chimney fire from creosote buildup.
6. Chimney Flue and Multi-Flue Chimney
The chimney flue is the vertical passage that carries smoke and gases from the fireplace to the outside. Some chimneys are multi-flue chimneys with more than one flue to vent different appliances like gas stoves and wood-burning stoves. A multi-flue chimney cap seals off multiple flues to ensure proper ventilation and prevent heat or smoke from transferring between flues.
7. Flue Gas Environment and Carbon Monoxide
Flue gases are the byproducts and products of combustion, smoke, and gases such as carbon monoxide. It’s important to vent flue gases properly to avoid danger. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, deadly gas that can build up if the chimney or duct system is clogged. Regular chimney cleaning and inspections are key to keeping flue gases flowing out of the home safely. Using a chimney sweep log can also help reduce creosote buildup and prevent danger.
8. Relining Flues and Suitable Chimney Flue Liners
Chimney liners can deteriorate over time and need to be relined with newer materials like stainless steel for safety and efficiency. When choosing chimney flue liners, make sure they can withstand high flue gas temperatures and the corrosive flue gas composition of wood or gas burning. The right liner keeps flue gas temperatures consistent and can lower flue gas temperatures, reducing the risk of pressure changes or blockages.
9. Chimney Cleaning and Maintenance
Chimney cleaning is key to prevent creosote and soot buildup, which can cause a chimney fire. Chimney cleaning tools and devices clean the inside only the flue opening and walls and keep it running optimally. Using a chimney sweep log or chimney sweep fire log can also keep the chimney clean and reduce creosote buildup. Keeping your chimney system clean also prevents the buildup of odorless, deadly gas like carbon monoxide that can seep into your home if the chimney isn’t working properly.
10. Other
- Fireplace hearth: The hearth is the floor or base of the fireplace.
- Chimney Pipe: The pipe that carries flue gases up the chimney is usually a stainless-steel pipe or metal.
- Clay Tile Flue: This is the traditional clay liner used in older chimneys. It provides good insulation but requires maintenance over time.
- Flue Shut: This device closes the flue when the existing fireplace itself is not in use, keeping the existing fireplace warm and preventing cold air from entering.
- Chimney Repair: Ongoing maintenance and repairs to chimney cleaning tools and devices prevent leaks, cracks, or any other issues that can compromise the safety and efficiency of the chimney sweep system.
Ventless Fireplaces don’t need a chimney but still need ventilation for safety, especially when using liquid propane gas.
Conclusion
Knowing chimney terminology is important for homeowners and professionals. Whether it’s the structure of a masonry fireplace and chimney, the materials used in chimney liners, or the importance of chimney cleaning and flue gas temperatures, every part plays a big role in the safety and efficiency of your fireplace system. Regular inspections by a professional chimney sweeper are key to making sure your chimney and fireplace system runs safely and efficiently for years to come. Regular maintenance and staying up to date with the latest products and techniques, like stainless steel chimney pipe or flue gas sealing, can extend the life and safety of your chimney system.
FAQs
1. What are the components of a chimney called?
The main components of a chimney are the crown, single-flue chimney cap, smoke chamber, ash pit, chimney liner, and chimney flue.
2. What is chimney vocabulary?
Keywords are masonry chimney, chimney cap, flue liner, chimney cap designed smoke shelf, chimney flue, chimney crown, and chimney terminology ash damper, and ash dump.
3. What is flue terminology?
Flue means the passage or duct for conveying flue gases from the fireplace or stove to the outside. Related terms are flue liner, interior flue walls, gas, flue temperatures, and chimney flue.
4. What do you call the top of a chimney?
The top of a chimney is called the chimney crown or chimney cap.
