Chimney and Fireplace Parts To Know

As a homeowner, it’s important to take care of your chimney so it continues to work well. In order to keep your chimney in good condition, you will need to understand how it works. A good place to start is by learning about the different parts of your chimney and fireplace and what they do. Understanding how your chimney works can help you prevent fire safety issues, and it will also help you know when to schedule maintenance appointments. Here are some key chimney and fireplace parts to know.

Firebox

The firebox is the part of your fireplace that you likely interact with the most often. This is the area that holds the logs and fire. With a gas-burning fireplace, the firebox is connected to a fuel source to start the fire.

Mantle and Hood

The mantle is the area above the fireplace in your home. Many people choose to use their mantle for decorative purposes. The hood is the part of the fireplace that covers your firebox. Some hoods may have screens to keep the fire in.

Flue

The flue is the long, vertical section of the chimney through which smoke and gases escape. A durable and functional flue is an essential part of any functioning fireplace.

Damper

A damper is a metal flap that sits at the point where the firebox meets the flue. The damper can be opened and closed to let air out. The flue should remain open when a fire is burning to let the gases escape properly. However, you can close the flue during the colder months to prevent warm air from escaping your home.

Chimney Liner

The chimney liner is a layer of protective material that sits inside the flue to protect the masonry. Without a chimney liner, smoke and moisture can slowly break the masonry in your chimney down. Many chimney liners are made of terracotta clay tiles, although there are also some versions that are made with stainless steel or other metals. Most modern chimneys have chimney liners, but some older structures don’t have them.

Crown

The crown is a cement structure at the top of your chimney. It is designed to keep water from getting inside your chimney by funneling it away from the entrance and down the roof.

Flashing

The flashing is another key component that protects your chimney from water damage. Flashing is a sheet of metal that sits at the joint between your chimney and your roof. It protects your roof from water damage during rain or snowstorms.

Chimney Cap

Not all chimneys come with a chimney cap, but adding one can go a long way towards keeping your chimney in good condition. A chimney cap is a metal mesh cover that sits on top of the flue. This cover allows smoke and gases to escape while preventing debris, animals, and moisture from making their way into your chimney.

When you understand the different parts of your chimney and how they work, it becomes much easier to properly maintain your chimney and keep it in good condition. If you’re in need of chimney repairs or inspections in Connecticut, Northeastern Chimney is here to help! Give us a call at (860)-233-5770 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today.