In this article, we will discuss chimney vents, flues, and connectors.
Oftentimes, there’s a mix-up in terminologies when it comes to chimney components. Being part of the same system, these components among others work seamlessly to ensure the smooth running of the system.
This article is written to help resolve the common mistakes made in identifying basic chimney components.
About the Chimney
Chimneys are basically venting systems installed in residential as well as commercial structures. A chimney could either be a masonry, metal, or clay structure that vents or lets out combustion gases, heat, and smoke.
This structure works as a system with lots of components such as the liner and cap.
Other components include the flue, chase covers, flashing, crown, and throat damper (also called the fireplace damp). There are also the chimney crown, the smoke chamber, as well as fireplace (with its several components).
Is it Necessary to Differentiate between Chimney Components?
When it comes to the functionality of a chimney as well as its maintenance, the question about what matters often arises. In other words, what’s really important?
Will telling apart one component from the other have any bearing on how effective a chimney functions?
It does! Whether you’re a homeowner or renting a building having a chimney, not being knowledgeable about the basic functioning of the chimney could cost you dearly.
As heating systems, chimneys need to function effectively as doing otherwise would cause lots of problems.
Such problems range from the improper venting of smoke and gases which could pose a whole lot of health risks.
With better knowledge of chimneys, components come better maintenance and functioning. What more? With a better understanding of chimney parts, come early detection and resolution of any issues.
Chimney Vents, Flues, and Connectors; the Differences
More often than not, there’s a mix-up in terminology between various parts of the chimney. One of the most common involves chimney vents and flues.
For a much clearer understanding of these components, we’ll have to consider or discuss each of them.
i. Vents
As the name suggests, vents help channel out combustion byproducts. Such byproducts are mostly from fuels such as oil or gas. Does that mean they aren’t ideal for wood fuels? You guessed right.
They are not suitable due to the high heat produced by them (wood fuels).
Vents are installed in such a way that they connect with different heating appliances and pass through different sections of the building. However, one thing that’s common with vents is the heat generated due to the hot exhaust gases.
Such vents will need to be insulated to keep surrounding combustible sections of the structure safe.
In other words, heat transfer is prevented from vent to nearby building materials. There’s increased flexibility when it comes to the use of vents.
This exhaust system either exits the building vertically through the roof or passes horizontally through your walls.
Its installation depends on the positioning of your heating device.
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Combustion needs Air Intake, so how does it happen with Vents?
You might wonder how vented fireplaces get air supply for combustion to occur. If vents let out combustion gases, where does air get in?
These vents are designed in such a way that while products of combustion are released outside, the air is simultaneously drawn in to supply the fire.
ii. Chimney Flues
Chimney flues are basically conduits through which combustion gases are released from a burning fire. As always, such combustion byproducts consist of smoke and gases. These share similar functions with vents.
However, the main difference between them is that flues can withstand high temperatures.
For flues to effectively function as conduits for byproducts of combustion, they’ll need to be properly lined. This is where flue liners come into play. Flue liners are needed to do a number of things.
First off, they protect chimney walls from heat and corrosion which is common for unlined flues.
Secondly, a chimney flue liner will safely guide combustion byproducts out. This is why they’re designed to have smooth surfaces as undulating flue liners will cause a slowdown in the movement of smoke and gases.
Thirdly, chimney flue liners help with better containment.
In other words, there are no leaks of exhaust gases into homes. Any leaks will lead to exposure to harmful gases which could lead to health risks. Also, heat resulting from such leaks could cause damage to your structure.
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Flue Liner Types
When it comes to flue liners there are different types to choose from. These are made from a variety of materials. The most popular flue liner materials include pumice, thermosetting resin, stainless steel, and silica polymer.
Of these materials, flue liners made from stainless steel material tend to be the most durable. These last longer than most other types and won’t require frequent maintenance as those.
iii. Chimney Connectors
As suggested by the name, chimney connectors connect heating appliances to vents or chimneys.
These vital components are also referred to as smokepipes or stovepipes and come in different types. The type of connector you have is determined by the fuel type being burned.
In other words, certain connectors are ideal for certain fuel types.
For a better understanding of this, let’s consider the different connector types. These include single-walled pipes, type C vents, and double-walled stovepipes.
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Single-Walled Pipes
This is a type of chimney connector that connects the stove or heating device to the vent. Single-walled pipes are ideal for use in fireplaces that burn oil, wood, or gas.
These connectors will have to be cleaned as well when cleaning the chimney of creosote and ash buildup.
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Type C Vents
Type C vents are popularly called galvanized pipes due to the material they’re made of. It’s best to use these connectors for oil and gas fuels only. Using them for wood-burning fireplaces will cause significant malfunction.
It’s best to have a pro install this component as with the entire chimney system.
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Double-Walled Stovepipes
Double-walled stove pipes are designed to offer increased insulation.
The air space created between the pipes helps provide such insulation. These connector types can be installed on heating devices that use solid fuels.
The differences between chimney vents, flues, and connectors outlined above provide a better understanding of what each component does.
It’s clear that some of these components though having similar functions are quite different in terms of design.