When figuring out what the problem with your chimney is, you may be wondering, “What are these parts?” Well, you are not alone.

Many people who own a fireplace do not know what different parts of their chimney and such are. This is important to know as a homeowner.

Here we will discuss the many different pieces involved in making your fireplace work safely and efficiently!

What are the parts of the chimney?

Surprisingly, the chimney has many different parts. All of these are important to the functioning of the fireplace. They work together in harmony to draw out the smoke to prevent your home from filling with smoke. These are as follows:

    • Chimney flue
    • Chimney liner
    • Chimney cap
    • Chimney flashing
    • Chimney crown
    • Damper
    • Smoke chamber

These are all important to the functioning of the fireplace and ensuring the proper functioning of them is crucial to the maintenance of your home.

What is the purpose of a flue?

A chimney flue is the area of passage of the smoke exiting the chimney. This is crucial to pulling the smoke and gases from the home.

What is the purpose of a chimney liner?

A chimney liner is needed to properly ventilate the chimney. These are required to pass an inspection. Typically, a chimney needs to be relined every 15 years if properly maintained.They help minimize the risk of a fire.

What is the purpose of a chimney cap?

A chimney cap helps by preventing fires. The fire should be contained to the fireplace. The cap helps by preventing sparks from catching your roof on fire. This is critical to maintaining a safe fireplace.

A chimney cap can also help keep animals out!

What is the purpose of flashing?

The flashing helps by preventing any water from leaking onto your roof and into your chimney. This is important to ensure no mold growth or deterioration of your roof and other components within your chimney.

What is the purpose of a chimney crown?

The chimney crown is like that on a king or queen. It tops the chimney. The purpose however, is to prevent condensation and moisture from entering your chimney. Moisture where it should not be is the enemy to you as a homeowner. 

What is the purpose of a damper?

The damper is to help prevent any air from inside your home from escaping when the fireplace is not in use. This is very important because you do not want your heated air or cooled air escaping. 

What is the purpose of a smoke chamber?

The smoke chamber helps by drawing smoke up to the flue. It is often not taken into account when thinking about the chimney. Often the smoke chamber is overlooked when a homeowner attempts to self-diagnose their problems. 

Why should this matter to me?

As a homeowner, knowing the make-up of the chimney is important to the proper maintenance of your home. Without proper maintenance of your chimney, it is a gateway for moisture. A fireplace benefits you by giving you a low-cost way to heat your home.

Calling a professional chimney company to help maintain your chimney is the best way to ensure the health of your chimney and fireplace. A fireplace is the center of the home and should be taken into consideration when you decide to hire a professional for your home.

Author: Virginia Montgomery