Tuesday, January 7, 2014

What's Inside a Chimney?

Have you ever wondered what a chimney looks like on the inside? Check out the image below to find out what's what:

     
Courtesy of  Chimney Safety Institute of America           
  1. Chimney Cap (also known as a crown, wash or splay): keeps water and animals from getting in

  2. Flute: refers to the open space inside the chimney where air can flow

  3. Chimney Chase: the portion above the roof line

  4. Flue: lined with metal to reduce the risk of fire

  5. Smoke Chamber: open space where smoke rises through the damper

  6. Smoke Shelf: open space where smoke rises through the damper

  7. Damper: used to open and close access to the flue

  8. Mantel

  9. Fireplace Face

  10. Lintel: horizontal metal plate supporting the bricks above the firebox opening

  11. Throat: the space leading to the damper opening

  12. Firebrick: lines the firebox

  13. Firebox

  14. Outer Hearth: usually brick

  15. Inner Hearth: usually cement

  16. Ash Dump Door: metal trap door used to sweep ash through an opening to the basement level

  17. Ash Dump Door

  18. Clean-out Door: open to the outdoors

  19. Ash Pit: must be cleaned out periodically if the ash dump door is used

  20. Foundation

  21. Footing