Anatomy of Your Chimney

For many people who are looking for a new home, a fireplace is a must-have. One of the most important details regarding your new home’s fireplace is the chimney venting system. While there are many fireplace options, there are only two types of chimneys; masonry or factory-built. You can easily identify the type of chimney it is by looking inside your fireplace to see what materials were used to build the firebox. If you see yellowish bricks, you are looking at a masonry chimney. If you see metal walls, it is a factory-built chimney.

No matter what type of chimney you may have, call on us. All Seasons Chimney has been the top choice for professional chimney maintenance, repair, and installation services in the Hudson Valley area for over 25 years. Our staff is trained and certified by the leading experts in the industry, such as the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). We would like to tell you a bit more about the anatomy of the two different types of chimneys.

Masonry Chimneysred roofs with chimneys

When most people think of a chimney, they tend to picture the traditional masonry style. Masonry chimneys are made up from several different components. Some of these components are the mortar crown, smoke shelf, and ash dump. These components work together to vent out the smoke from your fires.  Loved for its strength and durability, a well-maintained masonry chimney can last for a lifetime. One of the most important responsibilities homeowners have when maintaining their masonry chimneys is keeping water out of them. All Seasons Chimney also specializes in professional water penetration preventive services! Such services reduce the amount of damage your chimney will suffer.

Factory Built

Growing in popularity over the past several decades, factory-built chimneys are found in many homes across the country. Also known as prefabricated, this type of chimney is manufactured to work with a specific fireplace as a complete system. Made from metal, the chimney pipe is typically protected by a chase that is built to closely resemble a masonry chimney. Although you may have heard stories in the past about this type of chimney being unsafe, All Seasons Chimney can make sure your unit is properly installed, which greatly reduces the chances of accidental fires. We will also show you how to safely operate your prefab chimney to protect you and your family.

No matter which type of chimney you may have in your home, All Seasons Chimney provides the best professional service in the lower Hudson Valley region. Contact us today to schedule your annual chimney maintenance appointment with one of our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps.