Helpful Fireplace & Chimney Terminology

Like every industry, the fireplace and chimney industry has plenty of terminology that can be confusing to the average homeowner.

Felgemacher of Rochester, NY, and Buffalo, NY, would like to unravel some of the words and phrases you may hear when the discussion turns to chimneys and fireplaces.

Fireback

This is the component in the back of a fireplace that reflects heat into the room. Firebacks can help to raise the performance of most types of fireplaces.

Manufactured fireplace

A masonry fireplace is built on-site. A manufactured fireplace is built in a factory and installed in a wall. It’s connected to a drafting chase on the exterior side of the wall.

Chimney chase

This is the exterior housing around the drafting pipe of a manufactured fireplace. A chimney chase cover protects the top of the chase, much as a chimney cap protects a masonry chimney.

CSIA

The Chimney Safety Institute of America is one of the leading certification organizations for chimney service technicians.

NFPA

National Fire Protection Association.

BTU

Stands for “British thermal unit,” a unit of heat output used to measure the heat produced by a fireplace or freestanding stove. 

Builder-grade

Builder-grade fireplaces are often installed in newly built homes. They’re not considered top-of-the-line appliances.

Seasoned firewood

This means dry firewood rather than damp firewood that hasn’t had enough time to lose most of its moisture.

Chimney leak

Chimney service technicians call any water getting into any part of the chimney system a chimney leak. A leak can originate in the chimney masonry, the chimney crown, the chimney cap, or the chimney flashing.

Heat-efficiency rating

This rating, expressed as a percentage, indicates how much of the heat generated by a fireplace or stove is retained for use in the home. New fireplaces and stoves often carry ratings of 70% and higher. Open masonry fireplaces may be rated at under 20%.

Fireplace insert

Inserts are pre-built heating appliances installed in the firebox of an existing masonry fireplace. They can run on gas, wood, pellets, or electricity.

Clearance

In the chimney and fireplace industry, clearance refers to the distance between a heating unit (fireplace, stove, or insert) and combustible surfaces in the home. It can also refer to spatial areas within the chimney flue.

Firebox

A fireplace is the entire unit; the firebox is the opening in which the fire burns.

Spark arrestor

The metal mesh sides of a chimney cap. It can also refer to a fireplace screen. The purpose is to contain flying sparks and embers.

Chimney flashing

The material that seals the gap between the chimney and the roof prevents rain and melting snow from pouring into unseen areas of the home.

We hope these terms make more sense to you now. When you’re working with a chimney or fireplace technician, make sure to ask about terminology you don’t understand.

Expert service for your chimney and fireplace

Felgemacher provides a full menu of chimney services, including chimney sweeping, repairs, fireplace restoration, and complete system inspections. We’ve served the greater Rochester, NY, and Buffalo, NY, regions since 1953.

Reach a knowledgeable technician by phone or through our contact form.