Chimney anatomy
Every part of a chimney, what it does and what goes wrong with it.
PART 01
Chimney cap
The chimney cap sits at the top of your chimney, preventing rain, debris, and animals from entering.
- Rust or corrosion
- Clogged mesh
- Detachment or damage from wind
PART 02
Crown
The crown is a protective slab that covers the top of the chimney, designed to shed water and prevent it from seeping down.
- Cracking
- Water pooling
- Deterioration from weather
PART 03
Flashing
Flashing is a metal barrier that seals the space between your chimney and roof to prevent leaks.
- Corrosion
- Improper installation
- Weather damage
PART 04
Brick and mortar
The masonry consists of the bricks and mortar that make up the structure of the chimney.
- Cracks in mortar
- Spalling bricks
- Water damage
PART 05
Flue liner
The flue liner protects the chimney walls and guides smoke out safely.
- Cracking
- Blockages
- Improper sizing
PART 06
Smoke chamber
The smoke chamber is located above the firebox and helps direct smoke smoothly into the flue.
- Soot buildup
- Improper slope
- Cracked walls
PART 07
Damper
The damper controls air flow and seals the chimney when not in use to prevent heat loss.
- Jamming
- Rust
- Misalignment
PART 08
Firebox
The firebox is where the fire burns, and it's built to withstand high temperatures.
- Cracked bricks
- Worn mortar joints
- Smoke backdraft
01 · Chimney cap
The chimney cap sits at the top of your chimney, preventing rain, debris, and animals from entering.
- Rust or corrosion
- Clogged mesh
- Detachment or damage from wind
02 · Crown
The crown is a protective slab that covers the top of the chimney, designed to shed water and prevent it from seeping down.
- Cracking
- Water pooling
- Deterioration from weather
03 · Flashing
Flashing is a metal barrier that seals the space between your chimney and roof to prevent leaks.
- Corrosion
- Improper installation
- Weather damage
04 · Brick and mortar
The masonry consists of the bricks and mortar that make up the structure of the chimney.
- Cracks in mortar
- Spalling bricks
- Water damage
05 · Flue liner
The flue liner protects the chimney walls and guides smoke out safely.
- Cracking
- Blockages
- Improper sizing
06 · Smoke chamber
The smoke chamber is located above the firebox and helps direct smoke smoothly into the flue.
- Soot buildup
- Improper slope
- Cracked walls
07 · Damper
The damper controls air flow and seals the chimney when not in use to prevent heat loss.
- Jamming
- Rust
- Misalignment
08 · Firebox
The firebox is where the fire burns, and it's built to withstand high temperatures.
- Cracked bricks
- Worn mortar joints
- Smoke backdraft