Whether you’re looking to install a new chimney or maintain an existing one, this is your ultimate guide to brick chimneys. We're diving deep into the anatomy of the brick chimney - from the heat-resistant bricks that forms its core to the essential elements, like flue liners and chimney crowns, that ensures its effectiveness.
Written for homeowners, builders, and anyone with an interest in solid, durable construction, we’ll explore how these elements work together to ensure your chimney is not only aesthetically pleasing but also structurally sound and efficient.
Let's get started on making sure your chimney is not only built to last but perform flawlessly, too.
Request a quoteWhat are brick chimneys?
Brick chimneys are structures that provide ventilation for properties with traditional fireplaces, gas appliances, and heating systems. They use flues to transport the smoke from these appliances out of the building.
Aside from their aesthetic appeal, brick chimneys also have numerous components that ensure their functionality. They include:
Bricks
Heat resistant, sturdy and beautiful, bricks are the perfect solution for your chimney needs. Most professionals use calcium or red clay bricks for chimney construction because they combine well with other materials and can stop fires from spreading.
Mortar joints
Bricks are a timeless building material, but mortar is integral to their performance. It fills the gaps between bricks and ensures they remain in place, maintaining the chimney's structural integrity. Although mortar can degrade over time, it's still highly durable.
Chimney crown
All chimneys should have crowns that protect them from water damage and ensure they can divert rain from the property. Most crowns use mortar or concrete due to their durability and sloped design that moves water away from the chimney.
Flashing
Flashing is another vital component of a chimney, as it ensures no gaps between the base and roof. Professionals install metal sheets around the base, forming a watertight gap that protects the structure from rain.
Flue liners
Flue liners divert smoke and other gases from the chimney, ensuring adequate ventilation. They're often made of clay, concrete or stainless steel - all durable materials. The chimney won't work correctly without flue liners and could expose inhabitants to carbon monoxide.
The construction process
Chimneys are relatively easy to construct, but it's best to leave the task to a professional. Your chimney's structural integrity depends on the seamless operation of all components, and a professional knows how to ensure longevity.
Here's how the construction process works:
⦿ Design and planning The size and location of your chimney depend on where it will be most effective. Your builder will consider the location of your fireplaces or gas appliances and design the chimney to comply with local building regulations.
⦿ Choosing materials If you want to save money on your chimney, sourcing the materials yourself means you'll only pay for labour - and our expert team is standing by now to help you find the bricks you need at the best price.
⦿ Preparation The builder will clean the installation site and ensure the foundations are level. They'll then construct the chimney's base.
⦿ Chimney stack Next, they'll lay the bricks and use mortar to ensure a sturdy finish. All layers should be level and uniform, with a gap for the flue liners.
⦿ Flue iInstallation Flue liners are relatively easy to install; most come with instructions. They go into the chimney stack, forming a diversion path for smoke and gases.
⦿ Flashing and cap The flashing will form a watertight seal around the base of the chimney, while chimney caps stop animals and debris from entering the stack.
⦿ Seal and check Your builder will use waterproof sealant to protect and inspect the chimney once it's finished.
Heat resistant, sturdy and beautiful, bricks are the perfect solution for your chimney needs
Chimney maintenance tips
Chimneys offer durability and longevity, with many lasting for decades without experiencing any issues. However, as with most property components, they require regular checks and maintenance.
Prevention is always better than the cure, and following these tips will save money in the long run:
Perform regular inspections
The best way to ensure your chimney's performance is to schedule regular inspections. Specialists recommend an annual inspection to assess the components and identify any issues. It's much easier to fix a minor problem than deal with large-scale issues that compromise the property's structural integrity and expose inhabitants to potential health problems.
Clean the chimney
Technology means we've moved on from the days of soot-covered sweeps trying to fit inside chimneys. Today, specialists have professional equipment that does most of the work, ensuring a speedy cleaning process. Hiring a professional chimney cleaning service means you don't have to tackle the job yourself; they can also inform you of any issues.
Reseal the chimney
Premium chimney sealant can last between 15 and 20 years. After that, your chimney will need resealing. However, regular inspections can flag any issues with the current waterproofing measures, preventing water damage. You can check for water damage by checking the masonry for issues and looking for moss or algae. Moisture often leads to mould, so you might also notice discoloration on the ceiling and musty smells.
Repair joints and cracks
Over time, your brickwork and masonry can develop bricks and cracks. Chimneys deal with volatile weather conditions, making them susceptible to damage, but fixing minor cracks is easier than dealing with large-scale issues.
Choosing the right bricks
Technology means people can access various brick types, each with unique benefits. The ones you choose depend on numerous factors, including:
⦿ Aesthetics Red clay bricks offer aesthetic appeal, while concrete bricks are usually cheaper but don't have the same curb appeal. Many bricks are customisable and come in different designs, giving you more flexibility.
⦿ Climate Some places in the UK are more prone to volatile climates than others. Properties in areas with lots of snow and freezing temperatures should choose more durable bricks.
⦿ Safety All bricks are heat resistant, but bricks designed for fireplaces and chimneys offer more safety. Choosing these bricks gives you peace of mind that your chimney can handle the heat and provide adequate ventilation.
We're here for you
Whether you already have a chimney or are considering installing one, using a professional service for construction, maintenance, and repairs ensures longevity.
If you're unsure about which bricks to use, our free Brick Selection service could be just what you need; if you want to use bricks that blend seamlessly with the rest of your home, our Brick Matching service could be right up your street; or if you'd prefer to browse bricks for yourself, we have more than 3,600 products to choose from in our Brick Library!
Our expert Brick Advisors are standing by to help you figure out how many bricks you need for your project, then source them and find you the best price - we'll even arrange delivery too!
