What are the different types of chimneys? How do I know the kind of unit I have?
These are important questions we’ll like to discuss. Also, you’ll find out what chimney type best serves a heating device among other things.
So, are you ready to begin?
Relax and read through for details on these and more.
Different Types Of Chimneys
Chimneys are important venting structures that serve to expel combustion gases and smoke from a fireplace.
These venting structures come in multiple designs or types. The type being used may be determined by the heating appliance it’s connected to.
While all chimney types serve similar functions, the types will differ.
Chimney Benefits
Irrespective of type, chimneys are built to solve a problem. Venting out combustion gases and smoke is one use most people understand. However, little may be known about its many benefits.
With chimneys, there are lots of benefits to enjoy.
Air recycling is one of the major benefits of chimneys, plus, this structure helps keep kitchen walls oil-free. A chimney can be visually appealing and adds to the value of your home.
We can go on and on about chimney benefits but that won’t be dwelled upon.
Let’s focus on the different types of chimneys available.
Popular Chimney Styles In Homes
When it comes to chimney types, there are several to consider.
They include metal chimneys, masonry chimneys, freestanding stove chimneys, wood-burning stove chimneys, and fireplace insert chimneys.
Factory-built (prefabricated) chimneys are also among the different types.
i. Metal Chimneys
Metal chimneys tend to be the best for high humid climatic conditions. These chimney types have a modern feel, plus they need to be insulated to ensure they function effectively.
Fire safety guidelines help with ensuring metal chimneys are built for efficiency.
Although metal chimneys have an aesthetic modern feel, they’re nothing compared to masonry chimneys. However, this isn’t to say they’re more functional than masonry chimneys or vice versa.
There are different levels of insulation when it comes to metal chimneys. While some of these are double-walled, others are triple-walled.
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Flexibility
Metal chimneys tend to have a lot of flexibility. Ordinarily, a chimney should go straight out to help reduce the buildup of creosote. The reality is quite different though.
There may be obstructions that will require creating an offset in chimney design.
Metal chimneys tend to have such flexibility as significant off-sets can be made without damaging the chimney.
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Structural Limits
In terms of structural limits, metal chimneys tend to be the most ideal as they weigh much less compared to masonry chimneys. This makes them easy to install on higher floors of a building.
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Efficiency
High heat reflection is one area where metal chimneys do not measure up that much. A masonry chimney will easily perform much better in this area than a metal chimney.
ii. Masonry Chimneys
As that name implies, these chimneys are masonry structures designed to vent out combustion gases. Not only is a masonry chimney efficient, but it’s also aesthetically appealing, durable, and boosts the sale value of a home.
This isn’t to say it doesn’t have its downsides.
The masonry chimney has structural limitations. In other words, it can only be installed on a one or two-story home and nothing more.
Other disadvantages include being expensive to install, susceptibility to water damage, requiring regular maintenance, and being expensive to install and repair.
Although a masonry chimney is durable, such durability largely depends on the material used for its construction.
Soft bricks used in masonry chimney construction tend to make the structures less durable.
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Masonry Chimney Anatomy
In terms of anatomy, the masonry chimney has different parts such as the flue, smoke chamber, smoke shelf, damper, lintel, firebox, and throat.
There’s also the hearth extension, ash dump, and cleanout door.
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Basic Construction Materials
Construction materials used for masonry chimney construction include cement mortar, flashing, flue liners, stone, precast chimney cap (stone or concrete), and fire bricks.
Others include sheet metal, concrete blocks, masonry tools, leveler, and trowel.
iii. Freestanding Stove Chimneys
Certain types of chimney designs are available for freestanding stoves. Such chimneys could be made from masonry material or maybe factory-built (mostly constructed from metal materials).
Freestanding stove chimneys can be designed for a variety of fuel types.
There are gas, wood, and pellet freestanding stove chimneys. Existing fireplace chimneys with sufficient clearance can be used for freestanding stove installation.
Under such circumstances, these stoves are called hearth stoves.
It’s important to state that freestanding stove chimneys designed for a specific fuel type should only use such. Using a freestanding woodstove on a chimney-designed gas would prove disastrous and vice versa.
iv. Wood Burning Stove Chimneys
A wood-burning stove chimney is another chimney type available.
As the name implies, this stove is mainly designed for wood fuel. Under excellent working conditions, a kindling fire should burn bright and fast.
Also, when a kindling fire is lighted, the smoke should move up the chimney immediately.
Woodstove chimneys should have a great design that ensures they function effectively. A case in point is when the stove door is opened. When opened, there should be airflow into the stove and not out of it.
When more fuel (wood needs to be added during combustion, there shouldn’t be smoke coming into the room when the stove door is opened.
v. Fireplace Insert Chimneys
In a bid to make a fireplace more efficient, an insert can be plugged or installed into an old or built-in fireplace.
The result is a more efficient heating system. Now, an existing chimney that served the old fireplace will need to be configured to continue venting out combustion gases.
Now, there are different types of inserts. Such differences mostly have to do with the fuel type used for heating. There are wood fireplace inserts, gas fireplace inserts, and electric fireplace inserts.
vi. Prefabricated Chimneys
Prefabricated chimneys are simply factory-built.
These chimneys are designed with metal flue pipe systems that help with the venting of smoke. These types of chimneys are best used with prefabricated fireplace systems.
One of the main benefits of prefab chimneys is their water-leak-resistant nature.
While there are benefits to installing this type of chimney, you must understand that they’re less durable when compared to masonry chimneys.
This is as far as we’d go in discussing the different chimney types.
To find out which is best for your home, it will be best to consult with your chimney technician.