Chimney anatomy
Every part of a chimney, what it does and what goes wrong with it.
PART 01
Chimney cap
A chimney cap sits on top of the chimney and prevents rain, debris, and animals from entering.
- Rust or damage causing leaks
- Clogged or blocked by debris
- Detached or blown off in strong winds
PART 02
Crown
The crown is the top surface of the chimney that covers and seals the masonry.
- Cracks allowing water to seep in
- Worn away leading to structural damage
- Poor construction causing early wear
PART 03
Flashing
Flashing is metal sealing that prevents water from leaking between the chimney and the roof.
- Corrosion and rust leading to leaks
- Improper installation causing gaps
- Weather damage causing it to lift
PART 04
Brick and mortar
Brick and mortar form the core structure of the chimney, providing strength and durability.
- Cracks in bricks due to weathering
- Mortar joints deteriorating over time
- Spalling bricks from moisture
PART 05
Flue liner
The flue liner protects the chimney walls and helps safely vent smoke and gases outside.
- Cracks or damage causing leaks
- Blockage by creosote buildup
- Improper fitting leading to inefficiency
PART 06
Smoke chamber
The smoke chamber compresses smoke and gases into the flue, directing them upward.
- Parging issues leading to inefficiency
- Creosote accumulation reducing airflow
- Structural cracks affecting performance
PART 07
Damper
The damper is a movable plate inside the chimney used to seal the flue when not in use.
- Rust preventing proper closure
- Misalignment causing drafts
- Warping over time reducing effectiveness
PART 08
Firebox
The firebox is the chamber where the fire burns, and is made to withstand high temperatures.
- Cracked bricks from heat exposure
- Mortar joints deteriorating with use
- Smoke backing up due to poor drafting
01 · Chimney cap
A chimney cap sits on top of the chimney and prevents rain, debris, and animals from entering.
- Rust or damage causing leaks
- Clogged or blocked by debris
- Detached or blown off in strong winds
02 · Crown
The crown is the top surface of the chimney that covers and seals the masonry.
- Cracks allowing water to seep in
- Worn away leading to structural damage
- Poor construction causing early wear
03 · Flashing
Flashing is metal sealing that prevents water from leaking between the chimney and the roof.
- Corrosion and rust leading to leaks
- Improper installation causing gaps
- Weather damage causing it to lift
04 · Brick and mortar
Brick and mortar form the core structure of the chimney, providing strength and durability.
- Cracks in bricks due to weathering
- Mortar joints deteriorating over time
- Spalling bricks from moisture
05 · Flue liner
The flue liner protects the chimney walls and helps safely vent smoke and gases outside.
- Cracks or damage causing leaks
- Blockage by creosote buildup
- Improper fitting leading to inefficiency
06 · Smoke chamber
The smoke chamber compresses smoke and gases into the flue, directing them upward.
- Parging issues leading to inefficiency
- Creosote accumulation reducing airflow
- Structural cracks affecting performance
07 · Damper
The damper is a movable plate inside the chimney used to seal the flue when not in use.
- Rust preventing proper closure
- Misalignment causing drafts
- Warping over time reducing effectiveness
08 · Firebox
The firebox is the chamber where the fire burns, and is made to withstand high temperatures.
- Cracked bricks from heat exposure
- Mortar joints deteriorating with use
- Smoke backing up due to poor drafting