Chimneys have been around for hundreds of years now for both functional and aesthetic reasons. They have been in use since the Romans started using tubes to keep the heat off their bakeries. It was not until the 12th century when homes began to use chimneys, too.
The chimney designs of today have been popular since the 19th century. It is the point when chimney liners were used and ricks were put around. In the U.S., chimneys came into being around 1700. Nowadays, however, there are two basic types of chimneys that are used in the majority of American homes. They are the masonry and metal or factory-built chimneys.
The Masonry Chimneys
Masonry chimneys are made out of bricks, stones, blocks and mortar. They may be made in a frame as thin as a brick or multiple layers of bricks. No matter the thickness of the frame, you can always add a chimney liner to help support and safeguard your chimney.
Chimney Liners
All local construction and building codes make it necessary for structures and homes to use chimney liners for safety, as well as proper venting of the fireplace. The chimney liner is made up of cast in place, metal and the clay tile.
The clay liners are affordable, but they cannot last long or be able to withstand extreme temperature changes. Tiles like these can easily crack and will need immediate repair as well as replacement. But the cast in place liners offers superior support for your structure, and it is very lightweight with cement casts.
The Metal Chimneys
Metal chimneys are usually double or triple walled, and they can be enclosed in a wooden structure, masonry chimney chase or a sided frame to make it visually appealing. The double wall construction has insulation around the walls, while the triple wall construction enables air around the layers to help easily dissipate heat and offer insulation.
Homeowners turn to metal roofing experts in Salt Lake City to add an extra layer of protection to their chimneys with the use of chimney caps. These metal covers keep moisture and animals out while protecting your roof from burning embers. If left unattended, these embers can cause fires that may spread to the entire home.
The Factory-Built Chimneys
These chimneys are available in various styles and designs. They are hassle-free to install and often cost less. But some of the factory-made chimneys need a specific kind of fuel, which can be pricier to maintain.
They can withstand gas temperatures as high as 650 degrees but still work at optimum levels. First made in the 1980s, they provide better insulation and come with liners that are non-corrosive.
You might be wondering which fireplace and chimney combination is perfect for your home. For an extensive discussion on this, always go to a chimney expert. The local chimney and fireplace companies will be able to provide you with suggestions depending on your usage and budget. With a professional, you can rest assured with the safety and quality of your chimney.
