Chimney words, explained
Plain English for the words you hear on a chimney visit.
C
Chimney Breast
The wall containing the chimney above a fireplace.
Chimney Cap
A protective cover at the top of a chimney to keep out rain, snow, and animals.
Chimney Liner
A lining inside the chimney for protection and efficient venting.
Chimney Stack
The visible part of a chimney above the roofline.
Creosote
A flammable substance that builds up in chimneys from burning wood.
Crown
The top part of the chimney designed to keep water out.
D
Draft
The flow of air up the chimney which allows smoke to escape.
F
Firebox
The part of the fireplace where the fire burns.
Flashing
Material used to prevent water from leaking into the chimney and the roof.
Flue
The passage through which smoke and gases escape from the fireplace to the outside.
M
Masonry
Stone or brick construction material for building chimneys.
Mortar
A paste used to bond bricks or stones in chimney construction.
S
Smoke Chamber
The area above the firebox that funnels smoke into the flue.
Soot
A black powdery substance from incomplete combustion of wood or coal.
Spark Arrestor
A device that prevents sparks from escaping the chimney.
T
Tuckpointing
Repairing the joints in brick or stone masonry.
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