Always do your research before starting any home improvement project. If you’re planning a chimney new construction project, there are several things you need to consider.
Here’s an overview:
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Chimney Placement
The outside wall of your home isn’t the best place to put your new chimney. That’s because chimneys built on the outside wall are more exposed to the elements. The best location for your new chimney would be within your home’s structure, where cold air and foul odors won’t be able to easily enter your home when the fireplace isn’t being used.
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Chimney Height
As a general rule, your chimney should be two feet above anything within ten feet of its peak horizontally and at least three feet higher than the point where the chimney connects with the roof. If your chimney isn’t high enough, it won’t be able to produce a strong enough draft that will be able to pull combustion fumes out of your chimney.
A stronger draft not only makes sure fumes are expelled through the chimney but also lowers the amount of creosote that accumulates in your chimney. However, keep in mind that a stronger draft won’t lower the number of times your chimney needs to be cleaned and inspected. As a general rule, you should schedule chimney inspections at least once every year.
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Chimney Support
Your chimney is one of the heaviest parts of your home, which is why it needs to have enough support. The concrete footing under your chimney or at level with your home’s foundation should be at least 12 inches thick and extend at least six inches beyond the chimney’s edges on all sides.
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The Thickness of Chimney Walls
Excluding the flue, the walls of your masonry chimney should be at least four inches thick. Its outer walls, on the other hand, need to be at least eight inches to protect it from the elements.
Batts’ Chimney Services has been offering professional chimney services, including chimney construction and dryer vent cleaning services, to local residents since 1978. To get a free estimate, call us at (205) 956-8207 or (256) 660-1338. You can also fill out this form.