There are numerous parts to a chimney, regardless of the fact that it might seem fairly simple and have an obvious design. Everything you need to know about a chimney chase is provided here. You’ll be able to inspect chimneys and spot chimney issues with the use of this expertise. This article will address every aspect of “what is a chimney chase?” so that all your inquiries are answered.
What is the Definition of Chimney Chase?
A chimney chase resembles a lengthy chute from the fireplace to the roof’s aperture. Although it can be constructed from various materials, wood, and bricks are typically used.
Depending on the distance between the fireplace and the ceiling and how long you want the chase, it can be thick or thin, long or short. This is the location of the flue pipe.
The flue pipe directs the smoke and other wood leftovers outdoors and into the air. To prevent outside things from entering the chimney and the fireplace, you can even add a cover or flap to the top of the chase, visible through the roof. The chase flap will stop snow, rain, and winds.
The chimney chase’s exterior walls can also be made of wood, steel, or bricks in addition to the interior walls, typically composed of stucco or veneer.
It all depends on the style you want to achieve and what is more lasting in your circumstance.
When you want the fireplace and chimney to operate well for several decades, the chimney chase is the most significant component of a chimney and needs to be well-maintained.
What is the Purpose of Chimney Chase?
An extended, straight tube that connects the fireplace’s aperture to the roof’s surface is known as a chimney chase.
Smoke from the fireplace and the home can exit via here. This chase or chute directs the smoke and other debris out of the house and away from the fireplace.
This will prevent the room from filling with blackish smoke and signal a problem with the chute that needs to be checked if it occurs.
How is a Chimney Chase Constructed?
- Step 1: Prepare a rough sketch of the size of the pursuit in the absence of an architectural drawing. Leave at least the bare minimum of space the fireplace’s manufacturer advises between the chase and the chimney. Your chase should be at least 6 feet wide to permit a mantel, stone face, and gas line access and 2 to 3 feet deep, per the guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
- Step 2: The distances from the wall that you measured should be marked on the ceiling. By lowering a plumb bob from the higher corners to the ground, mark these locations. Draw brisk chalk lines on the floor and ceiling to represent the proportions of pursuit.
- Step 3: Using a saw, cut 2-by-4 timber into the top and sole plates for the front and sides of the chase. Set them down on the ground. Mark the precise positions of the studs every 16 to 24 inches. Measure up to the ceiling chalk line while stacking two 2-by-4 blocks on the floor to establish your stud measurements. The building blocks take into account the top and bottom plates’ thickness.
- Step 4: The sides of the pursuit will have fully cut studs. To cover the fireplace aperture, cut a header between the front studs. To fit between the top plate and the header on the front, shorter cripple studs—those that don’t extend to the floor—must be cut.
- Step 5: Arrange the pieces for the front part of the chase on the ground on their narrow edges. The full-length studs are fastened to the top and sole plates with two 16d nails. Set the header’s height above the sole plate at the manufacturer’s recommended level. Between the header and the top plate, fasten cripple studs. Nail the top and sole plates to the full-length studs at each spot you previously marked to form the sides of the chase.
- Step 6: Using an aid if required, raise the front of the chase towards the position. Use a level to make sure the chase is level. In each stud bay, nailed the top plate to the ceiling joists. Into each floor joist, nail the sole plate. Put the sides of the chase up, make sure they’re level, and then nail them down.
- Step 7: As part of the flue construction, request your fireplace builder to construct a fire block out of 3/4-inch plywood at the top of the chase. Cover the chase using 1/2-inch OSB or plywood once the fireplace is installed to ensure sufficient bracing for your finish, particularly when you intend to add the hefty stone face.
Is a Chimney Chase Necessary?
- A well-built chimney chase reduces the risk of fire.
- Maintains the exterior of your home in a warm state.
- The chimney pipe is securely held.
- Protects the home from insects and water.
What is the Difference Between Chimney and Chase?
| Chimney | Chase |
| The chimney is built in an upward direction and is intended for carrying smoke gases. | Relates to the space that is covered or framed, meant to accommodate or conceal several utilities or components. |
| Attached to fuel-burning appliances, including furnaces, burners, and fireplaces. | A vertical gap or shaft is frequently constructed within the partitions or flooring of an architectural structure. |
| The primary purpose of a chimney is to secure the exit for smoke and combustion products, keeping them from infiltrating the area where people live. | The primary function of a chase is to serve as an easily identifiable space to connect pipes, ducts, electrical cables, or other kinds of service lines among multiple levels or areas within a building. |
| Constructed frequently from materials like metal, stone, or brick and engineered for resistance to intense temperatures. | Chases can be built by combining the right resources, like wood, metal framing, etc. |
What are the Benefits of Chimney Chase?
- A chimney chase enables the chimney to be concealed within the building’s framework.
- Customization is made available by the pursue design’s ability to work with various heating systems.
- Properly insulated chimney chases help limit heat loss through the chimney by preventing the release of hot air, thereby enhancing the construction’s energy consumption in general.
Chimney Chase Maintenance and Repair
Have a Working Fireplace Damper: The dampers on your fireplace should be closed when it’s not in use to prevent outside drafts from entering your home through the chimney. Your energy bills will be affected if your damper isn’t shutting.
Your furnace or air conditioner will have a much tougher time maintaining the proper temperature since they will continually be at war with the drafts. Also, your electric and heating bills will soar because they’ll utilize more energy to heat or cool your home.
Your fireplace must have its dampers open to be used. If your fireplace’s dampers are broken and unable to open, you cannot utilize them. The damper will trap the smoke in your home, causing you to breathe in carbon monoxide, which is very bad for your health.
If they aren’t operating properly, you must get your dampers repaired or replaced. Check the fit of the replacement fireplace damper; it must be snug and gap-free.
Ensure your chimney is waterproof: Moisture and the climate may seriously damage your chimney. They might even cause damage to the fireplace’s surrounding walls and floor, jeopardize the chimney’s structural integrity, and encourage the spread of mould.
Check that your chimney’s chase cover, crown, and flashing are all in good functioning condition. First, waterproof your chimney.
Applying a water sealant to the exterior of your chimney will prevent moisture from penetrating your home’s brick and mortar and causing damage. Of course, the top of your chimney contains a huge opening through which smoke might escape.
You don’t want to seal the hole, but you also don’t want rain and snow to get inside your home. How can you assist?
Chase covers are an excellent upgrade for prefabricated chimneys. It conceals the top yet has a tiny pipe letting the smoke out.
Most prefabricated chimneys feature chase coverings made of galvanized steel, which rust easily. Replace it with a stainless steel, copper, or aluminium chase cover to eliminate future rust concerns.
You’ll need a crown if your chimney is made of masonry. It is a concrete cover that prevents outsiders out of your house.
The smoke exits through a pipe that emerges from the crown, much like chase covers. The flashing is located where the roof and chimney meet. Moisture can enter your home if the meeting point is not properly sealed. Ensure the condition of your flashing.
Watch this one,
Video Credits – Rockford Chimney Supply
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