Anatomy of Your Fireplace

Types of Fireplaces

There are two basic types of fireplaces:  masonry and factory-built.  There are hybrid fireplaces, too, but these are the two general types.  It’s important for you, as a homeowner, to know which type of fireplace is installed in your home.

If you have questions about fireplace installation, call Doctor Flue, inc. at 1-800-GET-FLUE (1-800-438-3583).

Masonry Fireplace

A masonry fireplace is made from bricks, blocks, or stone and mortar.

Factory Built Fireplace

A factory-built fireplace is made of metal:  a metal firebox and metal chimney.

The Parts of a Chimney

Chimney Cap:  A domed chimney addition.  A cap is a barrier between the chimney opening and nature – i.e. water and small animals.  It prevents rain, birds, squirrels, and other critters from entering your chimney.

Chase Cover:  This is a metal cover, which encases the chimney chase.  A chase cover protects the chimney from rain and debris.  Chase covers are made from stainless steel, galvanized steel, or copper.

Chimney Crown:  A concrete piece at the top of the chimney; sloped to deflect rainwater.  A crown seals the air between the chimney’s outer walls and the flue liner.

Chimney Damper:  A damper is a set of doors, which can be opened or closed.  It is located at the top or bottom of the flue.  While closed, a damper increases energy efficiency, and protects your chimney from small animals and rain.

Flue:  The opening, or empty space, inside a chimney is called a flue.  A masonry chimney may contain more than one flue, if multiple appliances are connected to the chimney.  A factory-built chimney has only one flue.

Flue Lining:  A liner reduces the buildup of creosote inside the chimney, as well improves fire burning performance, and makes cleaning easier.

Smoke Chamber:  The smoke chamber is positioned below the chimney flue, and above the damper.  The walls of the smoke chamber slope, helping to compress combustion byproducts.

Smoke Shelf:  A smoke shelf is located behind the chimney damper.  The smoke shelf is flat, and prevents back drafts from expelling smoke into the home.

Hearth:  A hearth is made up of two parts:  the inner hearth and the outer hearth.  The inner hearth is where a fire burns; inside the fireplace.  The outer hearth is just outside the firebox.

Additional parts of a fireplace include the Ash Dump (and Ash Dump Door), the Ash Pit, Clean Out Door, Footing, and Foundation.

Get Flue!

To learn more about fireplace installation, visit our website at www.DoctorFlue.com or contact us online!  You may also call Doctor Flue, inc. at 1800-GET-FLUE (1-80-438-3583).  We look forward to serving you!