Have you ever struggled to decide which chimney to choose for your roof? From selecting a chimney to match your roofing material to choosing a chimney according to your house appliances and structure, understanding the different types of chimneys can help you make an informed decision and avoid confusion.
Since the invention of chimneys, they have been an essential roof component of building houses, which is why when roofing contractors install them, they make sure it’s proper and secure. Chimney plays a major role in managing heat and ventilation in the attic. Their primary function is to direct smoke and gasses from the inside to the outside of the building, which is crucial for the health and energy efficiency of the structure.
Roofing companies in Vancouver often recommend the most common types to property owners, not only for ventilation but also for other important purposes.
Let’s find out.
5 Common Types of Chimneys
There are more than 5 types of chimney you can choose from, however, we will be focusing on these 5 types below (also the best roofing companies’ top choices):
- Masonry Chimneys
One of the roofing contractors’ recommended roof components: masonry chimney, made from bricks or stones, are a favored option for many homeowners. Due to their durable and solid construction, they are known for their longevity.
In maintaining them, this type of chimney often builds up creosote which needs to be removed regularly. With the material of the chimney, it is best to check for cracks and damaged flue liner from time to time.
Uses: Fireplace, Heating, Ventilation, Architectural Feature, Cooking
- Prefabricated Chimneys
Unlike masonry chimney, Prefabricated Chimney is assembled in a factory. For the past few years, it has been gaining attraction as an alternative to masonry chimney. Due to their well-assembled construction and ideal design, prefabricated chimney consistently provide homeowners with high quality and performance — known to resist weather conditions and wear and tear. It is also important to note that this type of chimney has factors that need to be considered such as appliances, fuel type, and heat output.
Part of its maintenance is to regularly check the condition of the chimney’s liner that protects itself from corrosive creosote buildup and corrosive gasses. However, it is important to know the limit of what we can do in cleaning the chimney. Never hesitate to call and choose among the best roofing companies in your area to help you with a serious problem.
Uses: Heating, Cooking, Water heater, restaurants, hotels, mobile homes, barbecues, outdoor fireplaces
- Metal Chimneys
Metal chimney is typically made of metal, including stainless steel. It is good with most of the roofing materials. Compared to the previous 2 types which are prone to corrosion and creosote buildup, metal chimney on the other hand, are resistant to them. Additionally, this type of chimney is compatible with a variety of heating appliances, unlike prefabricated chimney.
Despite its advantage of being resistant to corrosion and creosote buildup, to maintain the performance and extend the longevity of the metal chimney, roofing contractors advise that regular cleaning and inspections must be done.
Uses: Roofing companies in Vancouver use them for fireplaces, Stoves, Furnaces, Restaurants, Industrial Processes, Boilers, Campfires, Industrial Furnaces
- Class A Chimneys
This type of chimney is one of the best roofing companies’ top choices for a reason. Class A Chimney is recognized for their exceptional construction quality and safety features due to their compliance to National Fire Protection Association’s safety standards. They are designed to endure extreme temperatures and severe weather conditions and minimize fire risks and chimney hazards. Because of their versatility, they are suitable for a variety of heating appliances.
Class A Chimney’s maintenance include: removing of creosote and inspecting chimney liners and chimney’s flashing and sealing condition.
Uses: Wood-burning fireplaces and stoves, Coal-burning appliances, Oil-burning appliances, Gas appliances, and Industrial applications
- Modular Chimneys
Modular chimney consists of prefabricated sections that can be easily assembled and adapted to various home layouts and heating requirements. This design flexibility makes them ideal for a broad range of applications, including residential, commercial, and industrial environments. They can be tailored to fit individual requirements, offering flexibility in terms of size, shape, and design. Additionally, constructed from high-quality materials, modular chimney is built to endure harsh weather conditions and ensure long-term durability.
To prevent smoke backflow in modular chimney, it’s essential to maintain proper ventilation. Perform routine inspections to identify any signs of damage, such as cracks, rust, loose parts, or creosote buildup.
Uses: Wood-burning stoves, gas fireplaces, pellet stoves, restaurants, hotels & resorts, commercial kitchens, manufacturing facilities, power plants, outdoor fireplaces, barbecues, campfires.
Roofing companies in Vancouver often let their customers choose among these 5 options for they are the most effective and suitable to the common roofing materials in their area, as well as Surrey and Coquitlam. They usually go with the other roof components such as skylight and vents which all participate in the heating and ventilation system of the house or the building.
Takeaway
Even the best roofing companies said that you can’t go wrong with selecting from any of the five types mentioned above. So, to avoid confusion when choosing the right chimney for your house, restaurant, or building, always consider the type of chimney, its roofing material, its advantages, maintenance, and its intended use, and make sure you have a good set of roofing contractors to install them into your roofs. In addition, don’t hesitate to have the other roof components installed to complement your chimney.
Before you return to your daily activities, there’s one last point to mention: in 2011, the National Fire Protection Association estimated that there were 53,600 home structure fires in the US. It’s important to emphasize that owning a chimney comes with responsibilities, including regular cleaning and maintenance. So, be a responsible property owner.