Chimney Designs - What Types Are There?

Chimneys and chimney designs in particular, are often the most misunderstood aspect of any fireplace or wood stove. But it really isn't complicated when you get down to it. Let's take a look at the two types of chimney designs.

Masonry Chimney

This is the chimney that we all know and love. It's a traditional type that gives any home a great deal of outside appeal. You'll find ones made f brick, stone or concrete block.

Factory Built Chimney

This type of chimney design is becoming more and more popular. This type of chimney can be made of metal and a host of other materials as well. Most of these custom made units are built at the factory and then put together at the home site.

Types Of Factory Built Chimneys

Air Cooled Chimney - This type of design includes two, three or more layers of metal with air in between each one. The primary objective here is to dissipate the heat.

Double Wall Chimney - This design features two separate layers of metal that have some type of insulation between them.

There are also air insulted chimneys and other combinations as well, but these first two make up the bulk of the factory built units.

How do you know which design is best for your fireplace or wood stove? It really comes down to personal choice.

A masonry chimney design is the classic design that many homeowners crave. Factory built chimneys on the other hand provide options, as well as a lower overall cost.

If you decide on going the factory built route, be sure you get the right type of chimney for what it will be connected to.

For example, a wood stove can be used with any masonry chimney, but not with just any type of factory built one. Having the wrong type of chimney could prove to be disastrous. So you want to be sure you have the correct type of chimney for your needs.