FAQ's

Listed below are the most frequently asked questions in the chimney repair and masonry industry.  If you have a question that is not covered on this page, please click here and ask us.

Chimney Terminology

Ash – The solid residue that remains after combustion is complete

Ash Door – A door below the grade level providing access to the ash receptacle

Baffle – An object placed in an appliance to change the direction of, or to retard, the flow of air or flue gases

Chimney Cap – A protective covering or housing for the top of a chimney intended to prevent the entry of rain, snow, animals, and birds, and to prevent downdrafts

Chimney – A structure containing one or more vertical or nearly vertical passageways for conveying flue gases to the outside atmosphere

Cleanout Opening – An opening or hole in the chimney, usually located near its base, designed to allow access to the flu for purposes of removing ash, creosote, soot and other extraneous matter that becomes trapped

Crown – A sloped covering for the top of a masonry chimney that is designed to shed water away from the flue liner and the chimney and to allow expansion and movement of the flue liner

Flue – The general term for a passage through which gases are conveyed from the combustion chamber to the outer air

Smoke Chamber – The transition area from the damper opening to the beginning of the flue liner in a fireplace system

What do I need to do before the sweeps arrival?

About the only thing you a homeowner needs to do is make sure there is adequate space around the fireplace so that the sweep can do the job.  Usually we like to see an open area of no less than 6X8.

Will you have to go on the roof?

We usually will need to go up on the roof to gain access to the chimney.  We can go straight up the chimney in some cases, but most of the time we cannot.   If we feel that the chimney is unsafe or we cannot gain access to it we will not go up on the roof.

Do you have to go inside the house?

Yes.  In order to do a proper inspection and cleaning, we must be able to have access to the interior of the fireplace.