7 Components that Protect Your Chimney

If your house is equipped with a working  fireplace, then it also has a chimney. Naturally, as with any other part of your home, regular maintenance from the team here at Chimney Solutions Indiana is a great way to keep them in safe, working order. In addition, chimneys are built with several features in mind to mitigate damage to the home. Of those, these are the seven most common components that can protect your chimney from the elements.

Chimney flue

Although many homeowners may assume the brick they see is the chimney, technically speaking, a chimney is any internal structure that allows carbon monoxide or smoke to escape the home. In the business, we refer to this structure as a flue. The flue can be metal or made up of brick and mortar.

Masonry

When you look up and see brick and mortar, that’s your masonry. It’s your first line of defense against the elements. It’s helpful to think of this as your chimney’s foundation. Just as your home’s foundation protects it and keeps water out of your basement or crawlspace, your masonry helps to protect your chimney from water as well.

Chimney liner

A chimney liner is typically made up of metal or clay tiles. It’s another layer of protection inside of the flue. If it or the masonry cracks, the liner keeps moving the smoke and carbon monoxide emissions out of your home.

Damper

Your chimney’s damper is one way to regulate the air flowing in and out of your chimney. As they age, they can also warp and rust. This prevents the airflow from working properly and can cause smoke to back up into your home.

Chimney Crown

Your chimney crown is a cement layer around the base of your flue where it meets your roof. Typically, your crown has a bevel that allows water to run off.

Roof Flashing

Flashing is a metal strip that acts as a barrier between two components of your roof — in this case, your chimney flue and crown. Properly installed flashing will protect your chimney from both rainwater and melting snow.

Chimney Cap

Finally, although not all chimneys have them, a chimney cap is possibly your best line of defense in protecting your chimney. Caps keep animals and other debris (such as twigs and leaves) out of your flue, acting as a barrier between it and the outside. In addition, in the unfortunate event of a chimney fire, your cap can keep sparks and embers from catching your roof on fire.

Each of these components helps to protect your chimney

Some of these components, such as the flue, liner, and masonry, are a natural part of the chimney’s structure. Others, such as the crown and cap, are add-ons but just as important. In addition, don’t overlook the value of properly installed roof flashing or a working damper. Together, all of these will help protect your chimney and keep you and your family safe all winter long.

If it’s time to schedule your annual chimney cleaning or inspection, contact the team here at Chimney Solutions Indiana at 317-757-6979 or by visiting our contact page here.