Our discussion will be centered on the various chimney parts and their structures.
A chimney system comprises various interdependent parts or components. These all work to expel smoke from a house. Asides from the expulsion of smoke, a chimney draws in the air into the fireplace or stove to support combustion.
We’ll be discussing these chimney parts as well as their uses or functions performed. You’ll find the contents interesting and informative.
Chimney Anatomy: The Components & Structure
One of the best ways to explain the anatomy of a chimney is by listing them under different categories. Now, two basic categories include external chimney parts and interior chimney parts.
When it comes to importance, none can be said to be more important than the other as all are necessary for smooth functioning. Under each category are several parts as you’ll soon find out shortly.
Exterior Chimney Parts
As the name implies, exterior chimney parts are found in the exterior section or outdoors. These are easily observable when you step out of your home to take a look at the chimney stack.
These structural parts include the following;
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The Chimney Stack
The chimney stack is the most visible part of a chimney from the exterior of a home.
This is the brick structure that extends above the roof of a building. Attached to this structure are several parts. We can say the chimney stack is a summation of the other exterior chimney parts to be discussed shortly.
Right at the base of the chimney stack are the flashing and gutter.
Other components include chimney pots, caps, crickets, and crowns. The stack of a chimney is mostly built with bricks and here are common issues you may face with it.
This part needed to be discussed to serve as a base for further explanation of stack components.
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Chimney Cap
The chimney cap is also an exterior part found on the chimney structure. It’s considered an accessory that’s essential due to the benefits offered.
These are in the form of hats with some having spark arrestors or screens.
The basic function of the chimney cap is to provide a covering for a chimney opening. With this component, sleet, rain, and snow are prevented from getting into your chimney and home.
Apart from these, all sorts of debris, as well as animals, are prevented from getting in.
During combustion (especially those involving firewood), the screen attached to chimney caps serves as spark arrestors to prevent embers from getting out and igniting fires, especially on windy days.
All of these are key functions and benefits of chimney caps that make them indispensable.
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Chimney Flashing
As mentioned earlier, chimney flashing is an external part of a chimney found just below the stack. It’s found at the junction or joint where the chimney meets the roof.
The flashing sealant helps prevent the penetration of moisture or water.
Chimney flashings are made from various materials. These range from vinyl, aluminum, steel, and copper. The condition of a chimney flashing is crucial to the overall well-being of the chimney.
When a chimney flashing gets damaged and water seeps in, it creates all sorts of issues.
Roof leaks are common and could do a lot of damage to a home. You may end up spending way more on repairs than having a chimney inspected frequently.
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Chimney Crown
Like chimney caps, chimney crowns are also located at the top of the chimney.
However, not all chimney types have a chimney crown. Those without this part include factory-built or prefabricated chimneys. It’s essentially a form of covering or slab lying over the chimney.
This barrier is designed in such a way that it easily drains water. This is seen in its gentle slopes that slide out. Snow or rain won’t build up or collect due to this basic design.
However, like other parts of the chimney, the chimney crown may get damaged.
Frequent inspection and maintenance will help detect such issues and have them fixed before they worsen.
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Bricks
Chimney bricks are the building blocks of the entire structure. Your chimney’s structural integrity depends on your bricks.
These have to always be in great shape to keep out moisture. As usual, the bricks like other parts must be maintained through frequent inspections and repointing.
Interior Chimney Parts
As the name implies, interior chimney parts are found indoors.
Like the external parts, these are equally important in maintaining functional equilibrium. Internal chimney parts include the following;
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Fireplace Components
The fireplace consists of various components such as the firebox and hearth.
Others are the mantel, ornamental area, corbel, apron, surround, glass doors, and return. The fireplace in the combustion area may include a stove or insert. There are also cleanout doors, ash pit, and ash dump.
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Chimney Flue
A chimney flue is a conduit made of various materials such as clay, metal, or ceramic. These help channel out products of combustion safely.
Plus, they provide insulation to chimney walls while also protecting against corrosion.
Over time, chimney flues are likely to deteriorate. The condition of this important chimney part needs to be checked frequently through inspections.
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Smoke Chamber
Whenever combustion occurs in a chimney, smoke is generated.
Now, the part responsible for the expulsion of such smoke from a fireplace is the smoke chamber. This is found just before the flue. It has an inverted funnel shape that allows for easier movement of smoke up a chimney.
Being the first area that receives and directs smoke, the smoke chamber is likely to accumulate a lot of soot and creosote. This often brings to the fore the need for parging.
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Chimney Liner
Chimney liners cover the interior walls of your chimney. They serve as a basic protection for chimneys and help with the easy passage of combustion exhaust out the chimney.
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Fireplace Damper
With a fireplace damper, you get to open and close a chimney when it’s in use and not in use.
This important chimney part protects against strong drafts while also helping to control temperature loss. Optimal maintenance of the fireplace damper and all other chimney parts is important.
As seen above, the chimney parts discussed are very crucial to its functioning.
We’ve listed the basic components as well as the functions they perform. You’ll need to ensure these structures are in perfect working condition to promote efficiency.