Understanding Your Chimney

Your chimney is an intricate part of your home. Its main purpose is to ventilate smoke and soot out of your home. But the chimney has many different parts. The fireplace and chimney are an important part of any home. It brings warmth and comfort and is a focal part of any home. 

You should know that the many parts of the chimney play a large role in the success of your comfort. 

Parts of A Chimney

• Chimney Cap – The Chimney cap is a cover made of metal that sits on the top of the opening of your chimney. It is designed to prevent rain, debris, and small animals from getting in. 
• Chimney Damper – The damper is a manually operated mechanism, usually made of metal. It is found just inside the chimney on the ground level. It is used to regulate airflow. The damper must be opened when you have a fire in the fireplace.

• Smoke Chamber – The area above the fireplace firebox. The chamber is located just below the Flue. Smoke circulates in this area as it rises through the Flue. 

• Chimney Flue – The flue is a pipe or opening in the chimney that carries the smoke and exhaust from the fireplace to the outdoors. 

• Chimney Liner – Sometimes called a flue liner. A flexible tube that is inserted around your flue allows exhaust to flow up the chimney and out of your home. It acts as a barrier between the masonry and the chimney itself. This liner protects the masonry of your chimney from the heat of the fire.

• Chimney Chase – A metal or wood casing that comes with most factory-made chimneys. It encompasses the chimney for function and looks. 
• Chimney Flashing – A protection against water leaks, the flashing is a sheet of metal that is connected at the base of the chimney and the roof. 

Chimneys can be quite complex. There are many parts in which they all have their roles. It gives you layers of protection both safety and from weathering. Although very complex, our technicians are well educated to help with any situation that may come up with your chimney. To protect your chimney, it is recommended by the Chimney Safety Institute of America to have an inspection and sweep annually. With the heat of the summer and the rain, wind, and snowstorms of the winter, your chimney is exposed to the elements year-round. On inspection cracks and potential leaks can be found. Getting any repairs done early will save you a lot of money. Waiting only causes more damage. 

Don’t Wait- Contact the Pro’s Today!

If you are ready for your annual inspection, call Chimney Solutions today. Our representatives are happy to work with you and set up an appointment that works with your schedule.

Chimney Solutions strives to bring the highest level of professional and technical expertise to our service area. The rewards of protection of property and life, health and safety, as well as the education of ourselves, our customers, and others fuel our quest for excellence. Though we offer premium brand-name chimney supplies, we also have our very own metal shop for custom-made caps and shrouds.