Here at Pearson Fuels, we believe that it is important to understand how a chimney works in order to make the most out of the fuels that are being burned. After all, the concept is effectively the same but the output of a fire can be affected greatly if safety regulations and maintenance responsibilities are not abided by. Read on as we go over some of the most important features that can be found in a chimney…

What is a chimney flue?

The flue of a chimney is a long pipe or opening that is built within the centre of the brick framework and it has a primary function of removing toxic gases like carbon monoxide from a fireplace, furnace or stove. They are traditionally made from clay but can also be crafted from a variety of different materials such as stainless steel, concrete and pumice.

Why is a damper important?

The moveable covering that can be found within a chimney is known as the damper and it separates the firebox from the empty space above. It is an essential component because it prevents cold air from entering the home through the chimney flue when a fire is not in use as this can cause a property to feel unusually cold. A damper is often made from metal or ceramic, so they are designed with heat in mind, and can be opened or closed using a latch, chain or handle.

Are chimney caps inside or outside?

The wire mesh topper that sits on the exterior of a property is known as a chimney cap and it isn’t utilised with the fire in mind. After all, a chimney cap protects the chimney itself by preventing animals from entering the flue and getting trapped, thus affecting the removal of gases in the process. In addition to this, a chimney cap also prevents rainwater from entering a property and causing moisture damage to the surrounding brickwork.

The concept of the chimney has been in use since the 12^th century, however, the hearth was found in the centre of the room. In addition to this, the removal of toxic gases was virtually non-existent as industrial chimneys with a flue only became common during the 18^th century when coal power increased in popularity. Here at Pearson Fuels, we have a variety of high-quality fuel options including bituminous coal and smokeless ovals. To find out more information, get in contact with the best coal merchants on the market and speak to a member of the team today!