Parts of a Chimney and How to Maintain Them

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Having a basic understanding of the chimney parts and their functions will help you to be able to identify problems easily when they arise.  The parts of a chimney can be broken down into distinct categories: the bricks, the flue, the liner, the cap, the crown, chase cover and  flashing.  

Knowing the parts of a chimney will allow you to notice when an essential component becomes damaged or is no longer functioning.  As a result, you will effectively save money, and protect your home and your family’s health by relaying this information to your chimney expert and tackling these problems sooner rather than later.

Exterior Parts of a Chimney

The Bricks

While it’s very obvious that bricks are a part of a chimney, they serve a much more important purpose than you may think.  Put simply, the bricks are the foundation of the chimney’s stack.  When they’re not in optimal condition, your fireplace cannot perform appropriately and the safety of your home is put at risk.  When the brick and mortar of a chimney has weakened or become damaged, it allows moisture inside.  As I’m sure you’re already aware, moisture in the home is never a good thing.  Not only will subpar brick and mortar cause mold mildew to develop, it also impairs the structural integrity of your entire chimney.

The Crown

Sometimes referred to as the wash, a chimney crown is the slab of concrete at the top of the chimney that covers the bricks and mortar on a masonry chimney.  Not to be confused with the cap, this component is not found on prefabricated or factory-built chimneys.  Its purpose is to prevent water from seeping into the chimney system. The cap is what covers the rest of the opening where the smoke escapes.

It is absolutely essential to keep the crown of a chimney in good condition, as it is the primary barrier between your chimney and the outdoor elements.  The crown also slopes down slightly on the side to prevent the build-up of rain or snow atop the chimney.  If the crown becomes damaged in any way, it should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

The Cap

Chimney caps are an additional accessory that must be added to the chimney, as they typically do not come standard.  It is never recommended to have a chimney without a cap.  They are installed at the top of the chimney to keep outdoor elements from entering the home, such as:

• Snow
• Rain
• Sleet
• Debris (branches, leaves)
• Downdrafts
• Animals

Additionally, when the hot embers from the fireplace rise up the chimney, the wire mesh on the chimney cap acts as a spark guard to prevent fires from occurring on your roof.

What Are the Most Common Chimney Issues?

Creosote Build-up – Because your chimney is an important part of your fireplace, the build-up of creosote can cause issues with it as well.  There are different types of creosote, but their presence over time is still detrimental to the safety of your home.  Many home fires occur each year due to creosote build-up, so it’s important to ensure that your chimney is cleaned by a certified chimney cleaner.

Mortar Issues ­– The bricks may be the most prominent part of your chimney, but it’s the mortar that keeps everything together.  That’s why it’s important to ensure that it’s doing its job.  Mortar functions to keep the bricks securely in place and keep out moisture, so if it’s in need of replacement, it won’t be able to protect your chimney as it should.  It should be removed and replaced if it’s showing signs of wear and tear.

Chimney Flue Cracks – Cracks in your chimney flue can be more difficult to diagnose than many other chimney issues.  Unfortunately, this type of damage can be a big problem because the heat has the ability to escape your chimney through the cracks, it can damage materials in your home that are not heat resistant.  Also, smoke and soot can travel through your home and lead to serious health hazards for your family.  It’s important to have a consistent chimney cleaning service by a professional contractor to ensure your flue is functioning as it should.

Missing or Faulty Chimney Chase Covers/Chimney Crown – A chimney chase cover or chimney crown protects your home from animals, leaves, branches, and the elements.  It can also become damaged over time.  It’s important that it’s correctly installed and fully functioning so it can properly protect your home.

You need to clean out your chimney at least once a year, preferably in Spring.  Chimney liners, flue, and chimney caps can become clogged because of the creosote buildup.  If you notice your chimney flashing is rusting or pulling away from your chimney, it needs to be replaced right away as it can create leakage issues.  Your damper needs to be replaced or repaired as well if it’s not functioning properly as it’s a crucial part of your chimney.  Check your chimney for any water leakages as it can create severe damage to your chimney, which can crumble down if not maintained properly from the start.