What is a dummy chimney?

These are sometimes called false chimneys, dummy chimneys, imitation chimneys or fake chimneys. Not only are the GRP mock chimneys or false chimneys decorative but they also serve to disguise heating vents protruding through the roof structure which may not blend with surrounding architecture or with the house style.

Why do old houses have fake fireplaces?





Once fireplaces were no longer necessary to heat houses after steam, gas, and electric heating came into play, they became another place where heat could escape. In some cases, the fireplace flue gets sealed up and the firebox becomes purely decorative.

Why is there a chimney in my kitchen?

A kitchen chimney absorbs heat, smoke, oil, and grease to make your kitchen clean and odor-free.

Why do I have 2 chimneys?

A flue is a venting system, each system needs its own so If you heat your home with oil or gas and have a fireplace you would have two flues. Often times they are in one chimney so if you were to look down the chimney it would be separated into two venting system inside one chimney.

What is a chimney surround?

A chimney surround is a metal box that encloses the portion of a flue pipe that extends above the roof: it is a false chimney. The purpose of a chimney surround is to dress up the appearance of a home by camouflaging and hiding the ugly pipes or flue pipes sticking out of the roof.

What is a chimney made of?





A chimney is an architectural ventilation structure made of masonry, clay or metal that isolates hot toxic exhaust gases or smoke produced by a boiler, stove, furnace, incinerator or fireplace from human living areas.

Why do people close up fireplaces?

Poor air quality and the health risks (nausea, irritation, headaches, allergies, fatigue, and other illnesses) are just some of the dangers of having an operable chimney. Blocking it off permanently increases your home safety overall against other issues such as mold, fire, rodents, and more.

Why is there a chimney but no fireplace?

Houses without fireplaces have chimneys to properly vent exhaust from gas or oil-fueled appliances. In some cases, the property’s previous owners sealed up the fireplace and left the chimney standing since it’s part of the house structure or would be too much of a hassle to take down.

How do I know if my fireplace is behind the wall?

See if you can remove it and look inside with a torch to get an idea of how deep it is. If you hold a flame under it and it is drawn towards the opening, this is a sign you have a working chimney. Finally, you could also check pulling back your floor covering to see if there is a hearth present.

Who is responsible for shared chimney?



Shared chimney stacks are not ‘party’ i.e. the two owners do not have rights over the whole structure – there is likely to be a party wall within the stack separating the flues of the two owners but that is not normally the defective element as it is protected from the weather.

Do chimney balloons work?

How does it work? Chimneys act like giant hoovers, sucking air out of your home. This causes cold air to be pulled in from other gaps, causing the cold draughts we notice. The Chimney Balloon effectively blocks the chimney, stopping warm air from escaping and stopping cold air from getting in.

What is the difference between flue and chimney?

A chimney is a passage way for combustion byproducts to travel up that runs from a fireplace or stove up to the top of a house. It is usually made of stone or brick. Inside the chimney is a flue. In most cases, a chimney flue is made up of a steel chimney liner or ceramic chimney tiles.

What does it cost to have a chimney lined?



The average cost to have a chimney lined by a professional is going to be about $2500. Depending on the type of chimney liner, it could cost up to $10,000. The average DIY chimney liner installation is going to cost about $750 and could cost as high as $3000 for the material.

Do all chimneys have a flue?

Technically, a flue is any open vertical space in a chimney that allows smoke to escape the home from the firebox. But because every chimney’s flue must be lined, a chimney liner is usually referred to as the flue, as well. Every wood-burning or gas fireplace has a flue.

Can a cracked chimney flue be repaired?

If your flue liner is cracked, this is the solution: a stainless steel insert. It’s placed down the entire length of the flue, sealing the old liner. It’s a job that can be done by a professional in just a few hours.

How much does it cost to repair a chimney flue?

A flue replacement costs $2,500 on average, but depending on the size or shape of your chimney, you could pay upwards of $7,000. Once you replace your flue with a metal one, however, you likely won’t need to do so again as long as you own the home.

How do you replace a chimney liner?



How To Actually Install a Chimney Liner

  1. Review Chimney. …
  2. Appropriate Diameter Liner and Measurements. …
  3. Buy a Chimney Liner. …
  4. Flatten the Liner and Apply Insulation. …
  5. Use Spray Adhesive, Foil Tape and a Hose Clamp. …
  6. Attach Rope and Get on the Boat. …
  7. Position the Bottom Connector. …
  8. Seal the Chimney Crown.

Can you repair a chimney liner?

When a clay chimney liner has deteriorated, Cast-in-Place is an option that allows you to restore the liner without the complications or expense involved with rebuilding. Most masonry chimneys are built with clay tile liners because they are economical and durable.

How do you know if your chimney liner needs replacing?

One of the most common signs that you need a chimney liner is when you notice that your chimney walls are deteriorating at a faster than normal pace. When your liner is not in proper working condition, the heat or condensation will damage your brick and mortar at a higher rate.

Should I replace my chimney liner?

The average lifespan of a chimney liner is 15 to 20 years. After two decades you will probably need to get the entire liner replaced to make sure it’s still up to code and not a serious fire risk.