Determining the Best Type of Chimney for Your Home

Chimneys have been in use since the Romans began using tubes to draw the heat out of their bakeries. However, it was not until the 12th century in Europe when homes were built with chimneys. In fact, the oldest English chimney dates back to 1185 and is located in Conisborough Keep in Yorkshire. Chimneys were originally built from brick with venting caps (sometime called chimney pots) to control the downdrafts.

This style of chimney remained popular until the 19th century, when chimney liners were introduced; at which point the bricks were then placed around the liner. In America, chimneys were much the same until the late 1700s when the Rumford chimney was introduced. Today, however, there are 2 basic types of chimneys used in homes: Masonry Chimneys and Factory Built Chimneys.

The Masonry Chimney

The masonry chimney was designed to burn wood but in different ways than fireplaces, stoves or heaters. It typically burns through the wood in a two hour time frame which in turn keeps the home warm for approximately 1 day. The masonry chimney is typically made using a clay tile liner and then enclosed by block, brick or stone. And, while the work can be done by the homeowner, this is not highly recommend as it is imperative the masonry chimney meet specific codes and standards to ensure the safety of the residents. In regards to the chimney flue, it is recommended that the tiles used be made with round tiles rather than rectangular/square as they fit better and do not leak smoke or moisture. There are several advantages of the masonry styled chimney:

• A masonry heater/chimney does not overheat, but rather the heat is passed through to a masonry thermal mass which stores it to be released then radiated out slowly as needed.
• A masonry heater has a clean burn, which does not fill the air with chemicals.
• The masonry heater is extremely efficient, which helps lower energy costs.
• From an aesthetic viewpoint, the masonry heater is more pleasing to look at and can be finished with an assortment of hardware and finishes that can be matched to the homes décor.

The Factory Built Chimney

Factory built chimneys come in a variety styles and are easier to install and cost less. However, some of the factories built chimneys require a specific type of fuel, which can increase the cost of usage. The factory built chimney is sometimes referred to as the 650o chimney as it can accommodate continuous gas temperatures of up to 650o yet still work at peak levels. It was developed in the early 1980s and offers superior insulation and has a liner that is corrosion resistant.

When choosing a chimney be sure to avoid getting a factory chimney listed as a Type A, bracket chimneys, and air-cooled chimney or those that do not have a solid insulation going between the inside and outside layers as these are unsafe.

For additional information on the topic of Chimneys visit Guardian Chimney Sweep. Article independently authored by Janet Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Guardian Chimney Sweep. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.