Different Types of Chimneys

Tennessee is home to many different architectural styles. Not only will homes across other Middle Tennessee cities and neighborhoods have different kinds of siding, layouts, and finishes, but even the chimneys can differ from house to house. If you’re restoring your home’s chimney, you want to know what chimney style is right for your next home, or just want to know what benefits different chimneys offer, we’ll explore some of the common chimneys you’ll find in our area:

1. Masonry Chimneys

2. Metal Chimneys

3. Prefabricated Chimneys

4. Fireplace Insert Chimneys

5. Wood Burning Stove Chimneys

What Are Masonry Chimneys?

Masonry chimneys are constructed from blocks, brick, and stone, and held together with weather-resistant mortar. Builders construct these chimneys on-site to make them part of the structure, typically a residence. The materials can handle exposure to medium levels of heat, and they are designed to generate a draft that fuels the fire at the bottom of the chimney and simultaneously directs smoke out of the home. 

Benefits of Masonry Chimneys

Some of the key benefits of masonry chimneys include:

1. Durable materials that are built to last for decades with minimal maintenance or repair demands

2. Reliable structural integrity and cohesion with the building

3. Simplicity of operation

4. Good airflow and air quality

What Are Prefabricated Chimneys?

Prefabricated chimneys are built in an offsite factory. Homes with prefabricated fireplaces have prefabricated chimneys, and they are the most popular choice for newer homes. These chimneys are built with a metal flue pipe made from stainless steel and/or galvanized steel sheets, and they can accommodate both wood and gas-fueled fires.

Benefits of Prefabricated Chimneys

Key benefits of prefabricated chimneys include:

1. Speed of installation

2. Cost-effectiveness

3. Compatibility with different fire types

4. Can last between ten and twenty years

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What Are Fireplace Insert Chimneys?

Fireplace inserts are heat-resistant boxes that draw in air from outside the home to fuel fires. Fireplace insert chimneys complement these inserts to work with existing masonry fireplaces. They essentially line the existing masonry fireplace to connect exhaust smoke and gas from the insert through the chimney and outside.

Benefits of Fireplace Insert Chimneys

Key benefits of fireplace insert chimneys include:

1. Convenient installation inside an existing masonry fireplace

2. Reliable venting of waste gasses outside the home

3. Aesthetically pleasing

What Are Wood Burning Stove Chimneys?

These chimneys connect to a wood-powered stove and support a continual air flow across the fire. Heated air flows through the chimney, creating a draft that pulls combustion air toward the fire, releasing more exhaust air into the chimney and out of the home. 

Benefits of Wood Burning Stove Chimneys

Benefits of wood-burning stove chimneys include:

1. Efficient control of a wood-burning fire

2. Custom options: These chimneys can be insulated for more efficiency with less heat around the chimney

3. Protects indoor air quality by directing smoke and waste gasses outside the home

4. Can heat up to 3000 square feet

5. The output of consistent heat up to 12 to 16 hours with minimal amounts of wood

Maintain Your Chimney or Replace Your Chimney — Call Chim Chimney Today!

No matter what type of chimney is in your home, the experts at Chim Chimney can restore, repair, or inspect it, so it’s in safe operating condition for the next season. Contact us today to schedule an appointment in Nashville, Franklin, Dickson, Clarksville, Mt Juliet, or the surrounding areas today! CONTACT

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