Chimney Guides
Anatomy of a Chimney
Understanding the parts of your chimney makes it far easier to understand what a sweep or inspection is actually checking. Here is every major component, from the cap at the top to the firebox at the bottom.
A simplified cross-section of a masonry chimney and fireplace.
The Parts, Top to Bottom
Chimney Cap. The cover at the very top. It keeps rain, animals and debris out of the flue, and its screen stops embers from landing on the roof. A missing cap is behind a surprising share of chimney problems.
Crown. The sloped concrete or masonry slab at the top of the stack. It sheds water away from the flue opening. Cracks in the crown let water into the masonry, where freeze-thaw cycles do their damage.
Flue & Liner. The flue is the vertical passage that carries smoke and gases out. The liner, usually clay tile or stainless steel, protects the surrounding masonry from heat and corrosion. A cracked liner is a serious safety issue.
Flashing. The metal seal where the chimney passes through the roof. Failed flashing is one of the most common sources of ceiling and attic leaks.
Smoke Chamber. The funnel-shaped space above the firebox that compresses the smoke and channels it into the flue. Creosote loves to collect on its angled walls.
Damper. The movable plate between the firebox and the flue. Open, it lets smoke out; closed, it keeps conditioned air in when the fireplace is not in use.
Firebox. The chamber where the fire actually burns, built from heat-resistant firebrick and refractory mortar.
Not Sure Which Part Is the Problem?
That is exactly what an inspection is for. We check every component and show you what we find in photos.