What is a chase on a fireplace?
What is a chase on a fireplace?
A chase cover is used for a pre-fab or factory-built fireplace. Unlike a chimney cap that covers only the top of the flue opening, a chase cover fits over the top of the chimney. They’re also called “top pans” because they top chimneys that are sided with vinyl, metal, or wood.
How hot does a chimney chase get?
The opening can be installed at the sides of the enclosure (to the left and right of the framing) or back or on top of (in case of a drop wall or shadow line design). Depending on the unit size and BTU the heat can be up to 180 degrees fahrenheit.
How do you stop Backdraft in a fireplace?
How to Prevent Chimney Downdraft
- Shut Off Exhaust Fans: When your fireplace is in use, turn off your exhaust fans, as they naturally increase negative pressure by pulling air out of the house.
- Adjust Your Damper: If your damper is warped, you might need to adjust it slightly to get the right airflow.
What does a chase cover do?
A chase cover is a metal covering which fits securely over your chimney’s (chase’s) top. Some folks describe it as looking like a giant shoebox lid; it covers the whole chimney top and comes down over the sides a few inches. Its primary job is to prevent any water from entering your chimney.
How long do Chase covers last?
Chimney chase covers that are made of galvanized steel tend to rust quickly and will usually need to be replaced about every five years. Copper and stainless steel ones are much stronger and may last for your lifetime as long as they are not damaged by a severe weather event or fallen branch.
Should a chimney chase be vented?
Then vent the chase to the inside of the house, through the wall between it and the house. This would make the chase part of the house’s heated envelope, giving you the draft of an interior chimney. At the very least it would be warmer and draw better than if your chase were directly vented to exterior air.
Should a chimney chase be insulated?
“If the climate in your area is very cold, insulate the chase to the top to keep the chimney warmer, increase the draft, and reduce creosote buildup. We also recommend to insulate the ceiling of the chase just as if it were in the attic space.
Why are black flakes coming out of my chimney?
Chimney soot is fine black or dark brown powder formed due to incomplete combustion of wood or coal in a confined place. Hence it can be correctly referred to as the byproduct of fireplace combustion. When fuel like wood, or charcoal burns, it breaks down and deposits itself as a powdery dust called soot.
How often should you sweep your chimney?
once a year
How often should I have my chimney swept? This a tougher question than it sounds. The simple answer is: The National Fire Protection Association Standard 211 says, “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances.
How do you stop downdraft?
Adjust the Damper You can oftentimes fix and prevent downdrafts by adjusting the damper. For a fireplace to function properly, the damper must be at least partially open at all times. If it’s fully closed, smoke and hot air will accumulate inside your home rather than venting out through the flue and chimney.
What do you use to cover a chimney chase exterior?
Builders installing a stone or brick veneer often cover the entire chimney chase exterior with a stick-on flashing membrane such as WR Grace Ice and Water Shield. Watch out: for animals entering the chimney chase.
How wide does a chase need to be for a fireplace?
Some builders frame the entire chase, beginning inside the structure (where for example a zero-clearance fireplace is to be installed) as wide as six feet to accommodate the fireplace insertion and to support a mantle. At our REFERENCES section you will find referrals to chimney construction & fire building codes.
What happened to the metal chimney in the chimney chase fire?
Our photo (left) shows the remains of a metal chimney passing through the framed chimney chase enclosure as it passed through the first floor of occupied space in a building that suffered severe damage from a chimney chase fire. The factory-built insulated metal chimney was venting an oil fired heating boiler.
Does a chimney chase need to be braced?
Properly framed and constructed, the portion of the chimney chase that extends above the roof surface at a height to meet the roof clearance distances will not require extra bracing. Framing the chimney chase: typically uses 2×4 structural members sheathed with OSB or plywood exterior building sheathing.
