Cap
A cover at the chimney termination intended to help keep precipitation, animals and debris out while allowing exhaust to escape.
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Know your chimney, component by component
A cap, crown and chase cover serve different roles. Use this field glossary to understand the part named in a report before agreeing to a repair.
AI-generated conceptual illustration. It is not a construction drawing or a representation of your installation.
Chase
A framed enclosure around a factory-built chimney; the enclosure and the chimney inside it are different components.
Related guide →Chase cover
The weather-shedding top of a chimney chase, often metal. It is distinct from the flue termination or cap.
Related guide →Connector
The pipe linking an appliance to its chimney or vent. Material, clearance and joint requirements depend on the equipment.
Related guide →Counterflashing
Flashing that overlaps the roof flashing at the chimney to help direct water away from the roof joint.
Related guide →Creosote
Combustible deposits associated with wood combustion. Their form and adhesion influence the professional cleaning method.
Related guide →Crown
The top surface of a masonry chimney designed to shed water away from the stack while accommodating flue openings.
Related guide →Damper
A movable closure associated with a fireplace’s airflow path. Its type and operating requirements depend on the system.
Related guide →Draft
The pressure-driven movement of combustion products through the venting system. Many system and building conditions can influence it.
Related guide →Firebox
The chamber where the fuel burns. Its materials, dimensions and condition are relevant to inspection.
Related guide →Flashing
The assembly that manages water where roofing meets the chimney. It should be assessed as part of the roof intersection.
Related guide →Flue
The passage carrying combustion products out of the building. A chimney stack may contain more than one flue.
Related guide →Liner
The inner lining of the flue. Compatibility, dimensions, joints and installation matter as much as the material name.
Related guide →Repointing
Removing deteriorated mortar and installing suitable replacement mortar in masonry joints; it is different from coating a surface.
Related guide →Smoke chamber
The transition above a masonry fireplace that leads combustion products toward the flue.
Related guide →Spalling
Loss of a masonry surface in flakes or pieces. The observed damage and underlying cause both need evaluation.
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