Chimney Contractors
If you have a fireplace or a wood-burning appliance in your home, the next step is to build a chimney to ensure proper ventilation. A chimney is essentially a pipe-like channel that is designed to disperse and redirect smoke, flue, and heat into the atmosphere and out of your home. Chimneys do not only keep your home’s indoor air smoke-free and non-irritating, they also add character. If you are planning to get a chimney when you are building your home or remodeling an existing space, choose a contractor that uses high quality materials and has a reputation for stellar service.
Types of Chimneys
Here are 6 basic types of chimneys:Masonry Chimneys
Masonry units are considered as the standard type of chimney available today. They are built using materials such as stone, cement, mortar, and brick. These are built in place and are usually accompanied by masonry fireplaces. Masonry chimneys are durable and will last as long as your home stands, with proper maintenance and regular cleaning.Metal Chimneys
This type is quite similar to masonry units, but tend to take up more space and cost more than the latter. Metal chimneys are built using stainless steel, giving them an industrial and ultra-modern feel. They can be double-walled or triple-walled. In the former, there is insulation between the wall whereas in the latter, air is contained in the layers of the wall to dissipate heat and provide insulation.Prefabricated Chimneys
A prefabricated or factory chimney is produced in a separate factory. They are available in a variety of materials and are available in four different types: air-cooled, double-walled, air-insulated, and combination. Our workers will then take these pre-built units and install them in your home, instead of building them on site.Fireplace Insert Chimneys
This chimney type is specifically designed for open masonry fireplaces. The fireplace, usually a wood stove, is directly connected to the chimney top using a stainless steel liner system.Freestanding Stove Chimneys
This type of chimney is specifically meant to be installed with a freestanding stove and similar wood burning appliances. The chimneys are typically masonry or metal.Wood Burning Stove Chimneys
Considered as the oldest chimney type in this list, wood burning stove chimneys have the stove pipe extending from the base of the wood burning stove directly into the roof. No matter which type of house chimney you are interested in, we guarantee top-notch quality and service.How to Build a Chimney
Building a chimney is practically a requirement if you are planning to install a wood-burning appliance in your home. Chimneys serve two important functions: they create a draft to obtain oxygen needed for combustion and they release the byproducts of combustion outside of your home to keep indoor air safe and clean. The design of the chimney is often an afterthought during the construction process, but a great chimney design will add character to your home’s exterior. Here are the basic steps that you need to follow for traditional chimney construction:1. Before building a chimney in your home
Always make sure that you are complying with the building regulations and fire code in your area.2. Planning
Depending on the size of the fireplace, calculate the flue dimensions and minimum height of the chimney. Consult the chimney construction details or chimney construction diagram that is usually included in the manual of your fireplace or wood stove. You can also check the NFPA 211 for the standard measurements.3. Materials
Decide on the materials that you want for your chimney. This will also determine the type of chimney you get, which is further discussed above. The most common ones are bricks and masonry. If you are planning to use a prefabricated chimney, always measure the distance from the fireplace or appliance to the exit location.4. Building the smoke chamber
Always build a chimney from the ground up. This means that you’ll need to start at the top of the fireplace or appliance. Build a solid base and use a reinforced concrete pad if you are not building on an existing fireplace. Next, build the walls with bricks, ensuring that it is level on all planes.5. Building the flue
The flue is the pipe where smoke passes. It connects the top of the smoke chamber to the roof. Typically, you can use brick or a metal pipe. If you want to use clay or ceramic tiles, install the flue when the exterior is ready. Flues for masonry chimneys are square or rectangular, and round for metal chimneys.6. Installing metal flashing
Flashing refers to the process of building a barrier around the edges of your chimney to prevent water buildup and damage. Install metal flashing where the chimney and roof meet, as well as a lining under the chimney cap.7. Install a cap
Build the cap on top of the flue housing. Some of the common materials for chimney caps are concrete and stone. If you are wondering about how to build a block chimney or how to build a brick chimney stack, the same steps are applicable. However, in the former, you are using concrete blocks as the primary materials for the installation and bricks in the latter.Chimney Leak Repair
If you’re in need of a chimney repair cost for your leaking chimney flashing, or flue pipe, or chimney cap, call us for a free quote. You can also fill out our quote form to your right and someone will get back to you as soon as possible. When in doubt, always consult a professional chimney contractor to ensure that you are not violating any safety regulations or needlessly endangering the members of your household with a DIY project.