MASONRY CHIMNEY EXTERIOR PARTS
Masonry Chimney Parts
brick masonry chimney is made up many parts, and each part has a purpose. Use our diagrams to see the most basic parts of a chimney.
The anatomy of a chimney system consists of different parts. Each part helps your homes fireplace function properly. If any one of your chimney parts are not working or are damaged, then your fireplace will not function and risk your safety.
OUTDOOR MASONRY
Exterior Parts of a Brick Chimney
- Cap with Spark Arrestor: Not all caps have spark arrestors but we recommend caps that do. A spark arrestor is typically a metal/mesh covering that when properly fitted to your chimney’s cap will prevent embers or sparks from popping out of the flue (from a burning fire in the fireplace below) while also stopping animals or debris from getting inside.
- Chimney Crown/Cap: The cap is a protective metal covering device connected to the chimney crown, which is the top of a chimney and could be a crown wash or an overhanging crown (a Full Service Chimney™ specialty).
- Brickwork: Masonry chimneys are built with layers of brick and mortar.
- Flashing: On the roof, your chimney is a thin layer of sheet metal used to protect against rain or moisture. This layer is applied at joints where the chimney meets the roof, shoulder, etc. Learn about step and counter flashing and other leak protection methods like a cricket system.
- Fireplace Flue Tiles: The vertical passageway up the inside of the chimney is the flue. The damper is often (mistakenly) called the flue, but the flue is the passageway. Clay flue tiles are the most common material used to line masonry chimneys when built.