Chimney

A chimney is the vertical structure that rises from a fireplace or stove through and above the roof of a building, containing one or more flues that safely channel smoke, combustion gases, and particulates from the interior to the outside atmosphere. The chimney operates on the principle of natural draft, where the difference in temperature between the hot gases inside and the cooler air outside creates an upward flow that draws combustion byproducts out of the home. Proper chimney design is critical for both fireplace performance and building safety. Beyond its essential functional role, the chimney is often a significant architectural element that contributes to a building's exterior character and silhouette. Chimneys have been prominent features in domestic architecture for centuries, with regional styles developing distinctive forms from the massive stone chimneys of English manor houses to the slender brick stacks of New England saltbox homes. The chimney's construction materials, height, and placement all affect both its visual impact and its functional performance, making it a feature where engineering and design must work in harmony.