A red brick chimney with a branch over top of it.

Having a home with a chimney can be a big responsibility. It is very important for homeowners to know exactly what a chimney needs in order to stay up to date on maintenance. This will also help you notice if your chimney has any issues and give you the ability to call a professional before a larger problem emerges. The professionals at Kearns Brothers have put together some helpful information to help the Dearborn and Plymouth areas stay fluent on their chimney’s needs.

What Are the Parts of a Chimney?

There are many parts of the chimney that are important for its upkeep, but for now, we are going to focus on the chimney flue, chimney flashing, chimney crown, chimney damper, and smoke chamber. All of these parts work together to keep the fire inside your chimney safe and effective for your home. If you begin to read about each item and notice anything not working properly it is important to immediately put out your fireplace and call for professional help.

Chimney Flue

The chimney flue is simply where the smoke escapes from your fireplace into the exterior of your home. This is an important piece of a fireplace that should be inspected yearly. You may also be wondering what the purpose of a chimney flue liner is. A chimney flue liner is a piece of flexible tube that carries the fumes up and out of the home. If you are smelling odd things and seeing smoke inside your home it is best to get this checked out.

Chimney Flashing

From the exterior of your home, you may be able to see chimneys flashing. What is chimney flashing? It is a barrier between your roof and your chimney that helps prevent moisture and mold from building up inside your home. It is always important to keep your flashing in excellent condition. This product can come in steel, aluminum, copper, or vinyl.

Chimney Crown

Chimney crowns are found on top of every chimney. What is a chimney crown for? This part of the fireplace is only found on masonry chimneys and helps cover your chimney from the outside world. This helps protect your home from unwanted critters getting in.

Chimney Damper

Chimney dampers are pieces that open and close your fireplace to the chimney structure. If this product is left open you will most likely feel a draft coming inside your home. If it will not open it can be dangerous and lead to smoke building up in your home. Make sure to contact a professional if either of these options begins to happen in your home.

Smoke Chamber

A smoke chamber is specifically made to help the smoke smoothly exit your home. Most often this area has sloped walls. This area is also responsible for catching any moisture or debris that has snuck into your chimney. These areas can get caked in soot and should be cleaned often.

If your chimney needs to be cleaned, or you are concerned about any of your chimney areas, call Kerns Brothers today to get started on a free quote from a professional roofing company.