Glossary

All things chimneys
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ash

Ash

After combustible material is oxidized from being burned thouroughly, this is the solid residue that is left. This is the powdery residue that is left

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ash-dump

Ash Dump

This is an opening that is located at the bottom of a fireplace. After ash has accumulated enough, you can then dump it from this opening, and

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ash-pit

Ash Pit

Much like an Ash Dump – This is a chamber located in the base of a chimney. It collects the remnants of ash, and allows you to remove

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baffle

Baffle

This is an object that can be installed in an appliance, usually within a wood stove, or chimney, that will assist in changing the direction of

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blower

Blower

If you need to force air under pressure, then a blower is a fan that you can use in order to achieve this.

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Carbon Monoxide

This is a byproduct of combustion not being complete. It is a colorless, odoreless, tasteless, and potentially fatal gas that is highly toxic.

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chase

Chase

A technique that is based around metal flue pipes, and used to simulate the structure of a chimney. It is often built using wood, or steel stud material,

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chimney

Chimney

A near vertical passageway, that’s main purpose is for transporting flue gases from an appliance within a household, and funneling it outside.

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chimney-cap

Chimney Cap

Located at the top of a chimney – This is a covering that is used as housing, and it’s sole purpose is to try and prevent various

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chimney-caps-backdraft

Chimney Caps Backdraft

When a chimney cap isn’t installed properly it can lead to the chimney not being able to breathe as it should. This often leads to a backdraft,

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chimney-cleaning

Chimney Cleaning

This is a cleaning process that is used to remove various elements such as: debris, soot, and creosote. Commonly referred to as a chimney sweep – this should be

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chimney-cleaning-log

Chimney Cleaning Log

A chemically laden log that when burned will loosen creosote, and soot. This allows the debris to fall into the firebox for easy removal. This is not considered a

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chimney-liner

Chimney Liner

Located inside the chimney, and usually made out of metal or clay tiles. These contain combustable products, and must be kept intact in order for any

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chimney-sweep-guild

Chimney Sweep Guild

An organization that is made up of various chimney sweeps. It’s sole purpose is to offer awarness to the public, as well as furthering the education of

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clean-out-doors

Clean Out Doors

Found in a masonry chimney – this allows access to the interior in order for a sweep to inspect, and clean. They are generally made of clay,

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corbel

Corbel

Used in masonry metrics – this is an object that extends out from a wall in order to support a structure above it.

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creosote

Creosote

A dark oil that is distilled from coal tar, and typically used as a wood preservative. It is composed of mostly organic compounds.

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crown

Crown

This is used to shed water away from the flue liner, and is a design that slightly slopes, or has a bevelled edge at the top

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damper-top-mount

Damper (Top Mount)

Located at the very top of a chimney, this works by closing the top half of the flue when it is not in use. It’s purpose is to

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Direct Vent

Exhaust air is removed by the liner, which then brings combustion air into the appliance inbetween the inner liner and outer wall. This is a double

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Draft

This is a pressure difference that draws combustion into the appliance and expels gas into the chimney.

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energy-loss

Energy Loss

The amount of heated air that is expelled due to cracks, or seals around doors / windows / flues.

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firebrick

Firebrick

Can withstand high amounts of heat, and is made of clay and silica. It comes in a brick shape.

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fireplace-designs

Fireplace Designs

Various manners in which a fireplace is constructed. Mostly for functional purposes, but often to visually enhance a home as well.

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fireplace-screens

Fireplace Screens

Often made of glass or mesh meterial – these are placed in front of a fireplace opening with the intention of protecting your house from

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flashing

Flashing

This is the definition of using a material in hopes of waterproofing valleys in a roof, or the angle between a roof and the chimney.

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Brick Flue From Within

Flue

This is the passage in a chimney that’s purpose is to exhaust flue gas outside.

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flue-liner

Flue Liner

A liner that is required by codes and standars to cover the surface of the flue. It serves as a buffer between flue gases / chimney walls. It is designed

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gas-insert

Gas Insert

An appliance that burns propane or a natural gas. It is an insert that you put into an existing fireplace and it helps create a

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masonry-fireplace

Masonry Fireplace

This consists of a firebox, and a heart that is made out of masonry materials such as brick / stone reinforced concrete, and then given a chimney.

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Pellets

Made of wood sawdust, and usually in the shape of a small block or ball. These contain no additive.

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Reline

The process of relining a chimney whenever one or various components need repair.

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Smoke Shelf

This is created when the back wall of the firebox arches forward, and is at the intersection of a smoke chamber and firebox.

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Soot

Either powdery or flaky, and always black. This is the leftover matter from an organic compound not being fully burned.

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Thimble

This can either be a lining, tube, or ring that is removable and may be located in a hole where the chimney connector passes through a wall

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Woodstoves

Usually made of steel or cast iron, and are a source of heating your home. They tend to be enclosed.

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