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What is a Chimney Flue?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A chimney flue is a chamber through which smoke, hot gases, and other byproducts of combustion are vented. The chimney is the upright structure that surrounds the flue and provides heat insulation to reduce the risk of fire, and it is possible for a single chimney to have multiple flues, as may be the case when a home has several stoves or fireplaces which are linked to the same chimney. Chimney flues come in a range of styles and sizes, and they require regular maintenance and inspection for safety.

The purpose of a flue is to provide a vent so that the byproducts of combustion do not back up into a room. Ideally, it carries away gases and smoke with minimal heat loss, so that the fire provides warmth without endangering the people indoors. Flues are usually straight, as this provides the best draft, ensuring that there is a steady flow of unwanted material out of the chimney. The amount of draft can be controlled with the use of a damper mounted inside, allowing the user to strike the right balance between ventilation and heat loss.

The chimney surrounds and provides insulation for the flue.
The chimney surrounds and provides insulation for the flue.

Flues are usually made from heat resistant materials, because gases can be very hot. The surrounding chimney adds additional fire resistance, and also reduces heat loss, as the bricks in the chimney heat when the flue gases pass by, radiating that heat outwards into the building. Ceramic, tile, and brick are common construction choices for chimney flues, although it is also possible to use various metals.

Standard gas fireplaces require the installation of a chimney or flue.
Standard gas fireplaces require the installation of a chimney or flue.

Because it is difficult to get a fire to burn with total efficiency, over time, a flue will become clogged with creosote and other byproducts of incomplete combustion. In addition to reducing the available draft and making the flue less efficient, these products also pose a fire hazard. If they are ignited by passing sparks, they can cause chimney fires, which may be very dangerous. For this reason, it is critical to inspect flues regularly, and to clean them periodically to remove buildup and prevent fires.

Having a professional fireplace inspection performed annually can help prevent a house fire.
Having a professional fireplace inspection performed annually can help prevent a house fire.

A professional chimney sweep has the tools and experience to clean out a chimney flue, and he or she can also provide inspections to determine whether or not a flue needs cleaning or replacement. Over time, flues can break down, in which case they may need to be repaired or replaced, and replacement may also be recommended if one was built with substandard materials or materials that are no longer legal under regional building codes.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a HomeQuestionsAnswered researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a HomeQuestionsAnswered researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon145711

When i start a fire in my stove, smoke comes around the door and pipes. The damper is open and the chimney is clear. what is my problem. thanks steve

decolav

Help! I have a home i bought three years ago and it has a fireplace which I love but never used. I was told that the chimney has only one flue, but I have a fireplace and the furnace going to the one flue. Is this common and what can i do to have the fireplace working?

I had someone come in and he told me in order to get working with two flues, he would have to knock down the chimney -- $20,000 later! I am really upset and feel stupid!

pleats

Another thing you can do to elongate the life of your flue is to put some kind of chimney flue cover on it.

Whether you get a regular cover, or one of those fancy designer chimney flue caps, just having something over the top can keep debris out, which means your chimney will stay cleaner, and you run less of a risk of something from the outside damaging it.

closerfan12

Is a chimney flue pipe the same thing as a chimney flue liner?

I know that many liners are in the shape of pipes, but I wasn't sure if these two were actually the same thing.

Does anybody know?

gregg1956

If you are really worried about your chimney flue, or if you have an older model that it built with substandard materials, a lot of times you can have a chimney flue liner installed. This can help keep your flue fireproof, and may be enough to make your flue pass local fire safety standards.

Even if you already have an up to date, insulated chimney flue, a chimney flue liner can still keep your flue safer, and in some cases, extend its life.

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    • The chimney surrounds and provides insulation for the flue.
      By: Ichbins11
      The chimney surrounds and provides insulation for the flue.
    • Standard gas fireplaces require the installation of a chimney or flue.
      By: MNStudio
      Standard gas fireplaces require the installation of a chimney or flue.
    • Having a professional fireplace inspection performed annually can help prevent a house fire.
      By: Tatiana Belova
      Having a professional fireplace inspection performed annually can help prevent a house fire.
    • Proper chimney and flue construction are crucial to maintaining the safety of wood-burning fireplaces in homes.
      By: nyul
      Proper chimney and flue construction are crucial to maintaining the safety of wood-burning fireplaces in homes.