Originally, chimney pots were solely meant to extend the smokestack for a better draft.
This slowly changed as more uses were found for it. Today, the chimney stack doesn’t only serve the purpose of smokestack extension for efficient drafting, but also to show design trends.
The preferences and tastes of the homeowner are reflected or seen by the type of chimney pot he has installed.
It’s important to note that apart from improving the draft, the chimney pot helps block out falling debris or leaves from getting into the chimney flue.
This article will be discussing all chimney pots.
A Clear Benefit of Chimney Pots
Due to the style they bring or add to a home, chimney pots make homes more attractive to buyers. In other words, a home’s resell value is significantly improved by simply installing a chimney pot.
So, apart from its primary uses such as insulation, more efficient drafting, and covering for the flue, it also enhances your property’s value.
How does the chimney pot improve your home’s value?
Before buying a property, an interested buyer tends to first have a look at whether the building’s architecture is appealing or not.
It’s no secret that a chimney pot sitting on top of your stack improves or adds to the style of the building.
The stature and elegance they bring to a home will improve its value. So, when buying a chimney pot, you’ll need to get one that adds a certain feel to your home’s exterior.
Types of Chimney Pots
When it comes to the varieties of chimney pots, there are four main types to choose from.
They include metal chimney pots, masonry chimney pots, manufactured chimney pots, and mixed chimney pots. What’s the difference between these? Probably the material they’re made from.
Let’s take a look.
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Metal Chimney Pots
Metal chimney pots mostly accompany metal chimneys.
These are mostly round in shape with a design that consists of two layers of stainless steel. There’s insulation between the two layers that helps trap any heat not absorbed by either of the stainless steel layers.
However, not all metal chimney pots have such insulation. Some are air-cooled. So, instead of insulation between these two layers, air freely circulates between them, thus helping with cooling.
Again, other chimney pot designs are air-insulated.
What does that mean? Air insulation simply translates to a situation where air doesn’t freely circulate between the layers but is trapped, thus creating insulation for the chimney pot.
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Masonry / Terra Cota / Clay Chimney Pots
As the name implies, a masonry chimney pot is mostly made of clay material.
Now, you might have had the idea of a brick or stone material but that isn’t the case. Although pottery chimney pots have their advantages in terms of the use-value they provide, there are downsides as well.
The mortar used in building or constructing masonry chimney pots will steadily deteriorate or corrode over time. Some form of maintenance work is required to put the chimney pot back in shape.
In terms of its use, terra cotta chimney pots have pretty much the same uses as the other types.
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Manufactured Chimney Pots (Pre-Fab/Decorative)
Like some types of chimney (factory built) designs, chimney components such as pots are also factory-built. These pre-manufactured pots easily fit the chimney and mostly look like part of the structure.
The type of decorative chimney pot you use will be determined by the type of fireplace installed in a building.
What more? A clear benefit of using manufactured chimney pots is the fact that they require no maintenance.
They’re more durable and serve a long time.
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Mixed Chimney Pots
Ever heard of mixed chimney pots before?
This type of pot utilizes multiple technologies as well as designs to provide efficient drafting and heat insulation. So, does it fit your fireplace?
You’ll have to find out by consulting with a chimney contractor.
Installing A Chimney Pot
Chimney pots are best installed by professionals or trained chimney technicians. This isn’t to say such installation cannot be done as a DIY project.
While it’s possible, the chimney pot will be installed much better by a chimney technician. There are steps to follow when installing this chimney component.
First off, you’ll need to get the right chimney pot size for your chimney.
Next, choose a design that fits or blends with your home’s architecture. With the help of a wire mesh and caulk seal up the top of your chimney to help keep out debris from getting in.
Next, excess construction materials such as cement or tiles need to be removed before chimney pot placement. With these materials out of the way, mortar is added to the flue base before placing the chimney pot on it.
You’ll need to have some masonry skills to pull off this job excellently. Although this installation process sounds pretty much straightforward, it’s not as easy as it sounds for persons without basic masonry skills.
If you fall into this category of persons, it will serve you best to have the installation work performed by a pro.
What Do the Experts Say?
When it comes to chimney pot selection, installation, and maintenance, you’ll need to follow the advice of the pros.
One way to avoid chimney pot issues is by involving professionals at every point. A professional chimney contractor will help with the proper selection, installation, as well as maintenance of the pot.
In terms of maintenance, you’ll need to adopt and maintain frequent inspection procedures. So, how frequent should an inspection be? A yearly inspection is recommended for chimneys and other chimney components like the pot.
You’ll need to have your chimney pot checked every year to ensure it’s in good shape and functional. All such actions help ensure a functional chimney plus enhance its lifespan.
Compatibility is Crucial
One of the reasons why you need professional advice in choosing a chimney pot is because it must be compatible with your fireplace.
Certain chimney designs or make may not be compatible with some chimney pots.
That’s as far as we’ll go on chimney pots.
We’ve considered the different aspects of chimney pot use, how they function, and how to install. This should help you make the right pick and installation decisions.