FAQ
Answers to your chimney questions.
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Annual chimney inspections help prevent fire and carbon monoxide poisonings. The experienced technicians at Always A Sweep only use state-of-the-art equipment to inspect chimneys of all kinds, especially in Florida!
Masonry Fireplace
A masonry fireplace is made of individual bricks, stones, or block. The exterior of the chimney will also be masonry. Sometimes the masonry is covered with stucco; sometimes it is built of brick or stone. If you look into the fireplace, you can easily tell that it is made of separate bricks mortared together.
Factory Built Fireplace
Sometimes a factory built fireplace is easy identify because of louvers. Sometimes they are designed with no louvers. Facing material can run the full gamut, making what you see in the living space similar to other fireplaces. The exterior is sometimes coated with stucco, but most often they have siding on them. The easiest way to determine if yours is factory built is to look in the firebox. If it is made of panels with a brick pattern it is factory built.
Gas Fireplace
Not to be confused with gas log accessories that happen to be placed within a masonry or factory built fireplace, gas fireplaces are discreet appliances that are either built into the wall or inserted into a fireplace. They often do not have a chimney in the traditional sense. Most modern ones have a semi-permanent glass front.
Stoves
Gas, Pellet, and Wood Burning.
These appliances may be inserted into masonry or factory built fireplace. They may be free standing units. Sometimes they have their own chimney or vent; sometimes they use a flue within the chimney.
Masonry Fireplace & Chimney Anatomy
A fireplace and chimney might seem simple on the outside, but it’s not just a big pipe for smoke. There are many parts starting from the ash pit door to the crown. Not all parts last forever and some need service more than others. Get to know the different parts to better understand how it works. We want to educate you to ask informed questions about your fire appliances and the service they need.
Factory Built Fireplace & Chimney Anatomy
Not all chimneys are the same. Some are built right into the buildings structure and some are built in a factory and installed post construction. While similar there are some differences including material and safety.
Caps & Crowns
Chimney caps protect your chimney from external elements such as weather, leaves, and animals. Rain, snow, and ice can enter into the flue if you do not have a cap installed. This can lead to other hazards including water leaking into your ceilings, walls, and basements.
A chase cover fits over the top of the chimney. This helps direct water off of the top of the chimney rather than gathering on it. This protects the life of the chimney as well as from external elements.
Caps & Chase Covers
Some chase covers, as shown, come with a cap built into their design to fit onto the chimney case in one unit.
A chase cover fits over the top of the chimney. This helps direct water off of the top of the chimney rather than gathering on it. This protects the life of the chimney as well as from external elements.