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Chimney Diagram
If you are like most people, you chimney is just a way that smoke from your fireplace exits your home. All the pieces and parts of your chimney are simply a mystery. But, like your car, dishwasher and other things you use on a daily basis, there is more than meets the eye. The reality is that there are many components to your chimney and its important to understand and maintain them properly for a healthy and safe home.
Commonly used terms for your chimney:
Crown is the mortar or concrete at the top of a chimney. It seals off the air space between the outer walls of a masonry chimney and the flue liner. It slopes away from the liner to shed water.
Flue is the passage in a chimney for conveying flue gases to the outside air.
Smoke Chamber is the chamber in a fireplace directly above the smoke shelf and extending to the base of the flue.
Smoke Shelf is the area at the bottom of the smoke chamber and is the back wall of the firebox. The shelf is located at the intersection of the smoke chamber and the firebox. Typically thee is a damper on the forward side of the smoke shelf.
Lintel is the horizontal non-combustible component, usually of masonry or steel, spanning the opening of a masonry fireplace to support the load above.
Ash Dump (Ash Pit) is an opening, usually with a hinge door and located at the bottom of the fireplace, where ashes can be dumped. Also , it can be the receptacle below the opening in which ashes collect before removal.
Damper is a valve, usually a movable or retractable plate, for controlling the flow of air or smoke.
Firebox is the section of a masonry fireplace that includes the firebrick, lintel, and damper. This is the combustion area of a fireplace where the fire is contained.
Firebrick is brick composed of clay and silica and designed to withstand high temperatures such as those found in a firebox.
Hearth is the floor area within the firebox of a fireplace or a fireplace stove.Foundation
Chimney Cap is the protective covering or housing for the top of a chimney intended for preventing the entry of rain, snow, animals, birds, etc., and for preventing downdrafts. Chimney caps are also called flue caps or rain caps.
Flashing is a sheet metal or other materials used in waterproofing roof valleys, hips, or the angle between a chimney and a roof.
Firestop is a horizontal fire-blockade constructed of non-combustible materials (usually sheet metal or gypsum board) and/or plywood of a minimum thickness
Chimney is one or more passageways, vertical or nearly so, for conveying flue gases from the appliance to the outside atmosphere.
Fireplace is the hearth, firebox (or similarly prepared place) and a chimney.
“ Absolutely well impressed with their services! They handled everything from the scheduling and added on paint service request and sweep in a greatly efficient and customer oriented manner. Will certainly share their recommendation in my neighborhood Facebook group, it is hard to find a reputable, honest and professional chimney maintenance service! ”
Silvia Taylor
“ Team was on time and very thorough. Provided a detailed explanation on the condition of our chimney, the differences in today’s building codes versus those at the time of construction, and what it will take to bring our chimney back to safe operating state. Very pleased with our experience. ”
Alex Kantsios
“ Beautiful work and fabulous customer service. Carlos A. and his teammate made us feel like we could ask any question and showed us each step of their work. They replaced the crown and cap of our fireplace and scoped to make sure we can use it this winter. Very happy. ”
Carly Smith
“ Alex and Herman did an absolutely incredible job. They arrived promptly, answered my questions, and were able to give me a reasonable quote on the spot for work needed with my fireplace. I would definitely refer them to anyone I know. 5/5 star review! ”
Arthur Jicha
“ Amazing working with the entire team, from the initial inspection, to working us through our claim, to the finished product. Will use Potomac Services for any other chimney needs and would recommend highly to anyone in the area. ”
Will Dayton
Chimney Repair Terminology
Restoring the top structure to protect against water intrusion and weather damage, addressing cracks, reinforcing the crown, and applying waterproof sealant to prevent future issues.
Repairing mortar joints by removing deteriorated mortar and replacing it with new, structurally sound mortar.
Similar to tuckpointing, this process focuses on renewing the outer layer of mortar joints to enhance durability and appearance.
