Glossary Of Chimney Related Terms

| A | C | D | E | F | G | H | L | M | O | R | S | T | V | W |

A

AL 29-4C

An alloy of stainless steel that is highly resistant to corrosion used for relining flues where flue gasses may contain highly corrosive elements. This alloy is used most often when relining a flue that will vent a modern, high-efficiency gas furnace. Since most of the heat generated by such an appliance goes into warming the home, flue gas temperatures tend to be relatively low. Low flue gas temperatures keep moisture in the flue gasses from evaporating and being eliminated up the flue. This combination of moisture in the flue gas, along with other chemicals that may be inducted into the flue from the surrounding environment, such as those from chemical cleaners and laundry supplies, can contribute to a very corrosive flue gas composition. AL29-4C is made to resist such corrosive environments over a long period of time.

ALUMINUM RELINING PIPE

Aluminum can be used as a relining pipe when it will be relining flues for low-efficiency gas furnaces. These devices produce neither enough heat nor enough moisture to constitute the need for a more durable stainless steel relining pipe.

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C

CARBON MONOXIDE

An odorless, colorless, tasteless poisonous gas that is a byproduct of incomplete combustion.

See also: carbon monoxide poisoning

CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

A condition that occurs in living organisms exposed to excessive amounts of carbon monoxide.

CAST ALUMINUM

A light weight, rust proof metal made by pouring molton aluminum into pre-shaped molds or casts.

CHIMNEY

A structure made of masonry or metal, which surrounds and supports the flues that vent products of combustion from gas, oil, or solid fuel appliances or fireplaces.

See also: offset

CHIMNEY CAPS

Protective coverings for chimneys usually made of stainless steel, galvanized or copper. Most chimney caps have a mesh screening that serves the dual purpose of spark arrestor and barrier against animals. Chimney caps also prevent rain from entering the flue of the chimney.

See also: multi-flue chimney caps, single-flue chimney caps, chimney caps, backdraft, chimney caps, zero-clearance

CHIMNEY CAPS, BACKDRAFT

If chimney caps are incorrectly installed they can be the cause of chimneys not breathing properly and lead to backdrafts which occur when smoke comes back down the chimney and enters the home.

CHIMNEY CAPS, ZERO-CLEARANCE

Chimney caps approved for use on zero-clearance fireplaces.

CHIMNEY CLEANING

The process of removing soot, creosote, and debris from a chimney. This should be done on a regular basis in order for the chimney to operate as efficiently and safely as possible.

See also: clean-out doors, chimney cleaning log, chimney cleaning tools

CHIMNEY CLEANING LOG

A log impregnated with chemicals which when burned in a fireplace is said to loosen creosote and soot in the flue and allow them to fall into the firebox. It is generally believed this is not a safe substitute for a physical cleaning of the flue by a chimney professional. Also known as chimney sweep log and chimney sweep fire log.

CHIMNEY CLEANING TOOLS

Devices, such as brushes, scrapers, and rods used for the purpose of cleaning chimneys.

CHIMNEY DAMPER CAPS

Chimney dampers with caps are mounted to the top of the chimney and are a device which replaces traditional throat dampers and have caps to protect them from weather.

CHIMNEY LINER

The inner portion of the chimney that contains the products of combustion. It can be made of clay tiles or of metal. For flues to be serviceable, they must remain in tact, free from perforations, cracks or damage of any kind that could allow the products of combustion to pass into the living spaces of the home, or the heat from the products of combustion to endanger combustible materials near the flue such as framing, walls, ceilings, insulation, or floors.

See also: rigid relining pipe, heavy flex, RectangleFlex, OvalFlex, Dial-A-Flex, AL 29-4C, aluminum relining pipe, stainless steel chimney liners

CHIMNEY PRODUCTS

Products related to servicing, maintaining, repairing, or cosmetically improving chimneys.

CHIMNEY RELINING

The process of replacing the inner wall of the chimney flue. Typically removing the old damaged liner, whether clay or metal, and installing a new metal liner appropriate for the appliance being served does this. Usually chimneys are relined with stainless steel of an alloy suitable for the fuel being burned.

CHIMNEY REPAIR

The process of restoring broken or damaged chimneys to service. This can involve tuckpointing loose brickwork, rebuilding or resealing the crown, or relining the chimney when the chimney liner is cracked, perforated, or broken.

CHIMNEY SERVICE

A professional company that cleans, inspects, repairs, evaluates, and maintains chimneys.

CHIMNEY SUPPLIES

Products and tools related to chimney repair, maintenance, and service.

CHIMNEY SWEEP

The inner portion of the chimney that contains the products of combustion. It can be made of clay tiles or of metal. For flues to be serviceable, they must remain in tact, free from perforations, cracks or damage of any kind that could allow the products of combustion to pass into the living spaces of the home, or the heat from the products of combustion to endanger combustible materials near the flue such as framing, walls, ceilings, insulation, or floors.

See also: chimney sweeping, chimney sweep guild, chimney sweep equipment, chimney sweep supplies, chimney cleaning log, chimney sweeps

CHIMNEY SWEEP EQUIPMENT

Materials used by chimney sweeps to clean, maintain, and repair chimneys and fireplaces.

CHIMNEY SWEEP GUILD

A professional organization comprised of chimney sweeps usually for the purpose of providing technical education, and for promoting awareness to the general public of safety issues related to the care and maintenance of chimneys and flues. These organizations exist at the state, regional, and national levels.

CHIMNEY SWEEP SUPPLIES

Materials used by chimney sweeps to clean, maintain, and repair chimneys and fireplaces.

CHIMNEY SWEEPING

Refers to the mechanical cleaning of chimneys to remove soot, creosote, and debris. Usually done with brushes and mechanical scraping tools.

CHIMNEY SWEEPS

A group of professionals who make their living cleaning, inspecting, repairing, and maintaining chimneys. Also, chimney sweepers.

CLEAN-OUT DOORS

Devices installed in a masonry chimney to allow access to the interior chimney for the purposes of inspection, routine sweeping and creosote removal, or removal of debris. They can be made of steel, cast aluminum, or clay.

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D

DAMPER CABLE

That part of a top-sealing damper that runs from the damper down the chimney to the firebox. It has a handle on the firebox end for the purpose of opening and closing the damper.

DIAL-A-FLEX

Interlocked flexible stainless steel relining pipe made by HomeSaver and constructed of at least .007" thickness stainless steel. This liner is available in 94 different rectangular sizes to provide optimal fit into a wide variety of fireplace flues.

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E

ELECTRICAL FIREPLACES

A non-vented fireplace run on electricity that creates a visual impression similar to a woodburning fireplace. These usually emit little or no heat and are mostly decorative in purpose and design.

ENERGY LOSS

Heated or cooled air lost from a home to the outside environment through the walls, seals around doors and windows, and/or up the flue of a chimney.

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F

FIREBOX

The location in a fireplace where the fire is built and contained. The firebox is constructed on the inside of a special kind of brick manufactured for its refractory qualities and its ability to withstand high temperatures.

FIREPLACE

A device of either metal or masonry construction open on at least one side, designed to contain a fire. These can be for outdoor use such as cooking and barbeque, or for indoor use for ambiance and some heat.

FIREPLACE DESIGNS

The various styles and structures of fireplaces that determine their efficiency and appearance.

FIREPLACE DOORS

Glass doors containing combustion air vents usually at the bottom used to seal the opening of a fireplace.

FIREPLACE INSERTS

Wood, coal, pellet, or gas heating appliances that fit inside an existing fireplace.

FIREPLACE MANTELS

That part of a hearth setting that protrudes from the surface above the opening of the firplace and is ususally used as a shelf. If made of combustible material, it must be far enough above the fireplace opening to meet NFPA standards.

FIREPLACE OPENING

That portion of the fireplace open to the surrounding area.

FIREPLACE SCREENS

Glass or small mesh steel screens placed in front of the opening of a fireplace for the purpose of protecting the area around the fireplace from sparks and embers.

FIREPLACE SMOKE CHAMBER

That portion of the fireplace located above the firebox and at the base of the chimney flue where smoke gathers before it is exhausted up and out of the chimney.

FIREPLACES

Devices for indoor burning, open on at least one side. Most often of masonry or metal construction built with the home. Most commonly used for burning wood for effect rather than heat source.

See also: electrical fireplaces, fireplace designs, fireplace doors, fireplace inserts, fireplace mantels, fireplace screens, gas fireplaces, gas fireplace logs, ventless fireplace

FLUE

Any device used for containing and venting the products of combustion from gas, oil, or solid fuel appliances or fireplaces. Also, the inner part of a chimney that contains the products of combustion from gas, oil, or solid fuel appliances or fireplaces. Flues can be made of clay tiles or of metal.

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G

GAS FIREPLACE LOGS

Artificial logs made of ceramic or fiber used in conjunction with a burner fueled by natural or liquid propane gas to simulate woodburning. These can be either vented or vent free.

GAS FIREPLACES

Fireplaces that have either been converted from wood to gas or were constructed for gas. Most often their primary purpose is atmosphere rather than heat.

GAS STOVES

Heating or cooking appliances that use natural gas or liquid propane as their fuel.

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H

HEARTH

The area directly in front of the opening of the fireplace usually constructed of masonry or other heat resistant material for the purpose of shielding the floor from excessive heat.

HEAVY FLEX

Interlocked flexible stainless steel relining pipe constructed from stainless steel of at least .007" thickness. Its weight and thick outer walls make it more impervious to damage and therefore easier to clean and easier to install in most masonry chimneys.

HIGH-EFFICIENCY FURNACE

A heating device that returns to the heating environment more than 90% of the heat it generates. Such a device has, therefore, relatively low flue gas temperatures. The lower flue gas temperatures result in more moisture that condenses on the interior flue walls. This situation significantly increases the opportunity for corrosion within the flue.

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L

LOW-EFFICIENCY FURNACE

A heating device that returns to the heating environment less than 90% of the heat it generates. Such a device has a warm enough flue gas temperature to allow for the vaporization and release to the environment most of the moisture created in the combustion process. This allows for a flue gas environment that is substantially less corrosive than that created by a high-efficiency gas furnace.

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M

MULTI-FLUE CHIMNEY CAPS

A chimney cap designed to attach to the crown of a chimney and cover more than one flue on the same chimney.

O

OFFSET

That portion of a chimney located between two completely vertical portions that bends away from vertical for architectural reasons. This bend can be as much 45 degrees. Offsets in chimney are often difficult to negotiate when relining a chimney with stainless steel relining pipe. That's why flexible relining pipe is so often used in the relining process.

OVALFLEX

Interlocked flexible stainless steel relining pipe made by HomeSaver and constructed of at least .007" thickness stainless steel and shaped into the form of an oval for a more optimal fit into certain types of masonry chimneys.

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R

RECTANGLEFLEX

Interlocked flexible stainless steel relining pipe made by HomeSaver and constructed of at least .007" thickness stainless steel and shaped into the form of a rectangle for more optimal fit into larger chimneys serving fireplaces.

RIGID RELINING PIPE

Non-flexible stainless steel pipe used for relining masonry chimneys. Used primarily in chimneys that do not have offsets.

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S

SINGLE-FLUE CHIMNEY CAP

A chimney cap designed to attach to and cover one clay tile flue.

STAINLESS STEEL CHIMNEY LINERS

Stainless steel pipe, either rigid or flexible, made for relining flues of masonry chimneys when the original clay liner has cracked or broken. May also be used to create a lining in a masonry chimney that was made without a clay liner.

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T

THROAT DAMPERS

Metal plates installed just above the firebox of a masonry chimney that are used for sealing the flue shut when the fireplace is not in use. Since they seal metal to metal, the seal is quite leaky even when the plates are new. Over time, the plates rust and deteriorate as they are exposed to heat and moisture. When this happens they lose almost their entire flue sealing capacity.

TOP-SEALING DAMPERS

A device installed at the top of a chimney for the purpose of sealing the flue shut when the fireplace is not in use. They are often used as replacements for throat dampers that are installed just above the firebox when a masonry chimney is built. Lyemance and Lock-Top top-sealing dampers are as much as 90% more efficient than throat dampers because they provide a silicone rubber gasket seal rather than metal to metal.

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V

VENTLESS FIREPLACE

Fireplaces that do not need to vent products of combustion to the outside environment. All electric and some gas fireplaces fall into this category.

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W

WOODSTOVES

Enclosed appliances, most commonly constructed of steel or cast-iron, used for burning wood for the purpose of heating an indoor space.

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