Chimney systems are available in two types: masonry and factory-built, or prefabricated (prefab). The experts at All Seasons Chimney has been taking care of chimneys in the lower Hudson Valley region for over 25 years. We provide professional installation services for masonry and prefab chimneys. If you are considering adding a new chimney and fireplace system in your home, we can help you decide. To help you understand the differences between these chimneys, we would like to tell you more about them.
MASONRY CHIMNEYS
Masonry chimneys are built to last a lifetime. They are the traditional type of chimney that most people think of and know about. You will know if you have this type of chimney by looking at the firebox. If you see yellowish firebrick, a specialized masonry material that can withstand extremely high temperatures, then you have a masonry chimney. It is durable and dependable, a masonry chimney and fireplace system should give you years of cozy and warm fires.
However, you do need to keep up with a few important maintenance responsibilities to prolong the life of this system. To help you with these tasks, All Seasons Chimney provides professional chimney sweeping and inspection services. It is recommended by the industry experts like the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) to have at least one sweeping and inspection a year. We also offer waterproofing treatment services to protect your masonry chimney against water penetration.
FACTORY-BUILT CHIMNEYS
If you look into your firebox and see refractory panels, you have a prefabricated chimney system. This type of chimney system is manufactured from metal, and it is designed to be installed as a complete unit. Growing in popularity over the past several decades, factory-built systems typically include a chase made of wood or masonry materials. The wood or masonry materials hide the metal chimney pipe so that it looks like a traditional chimney.
Although this type of chimney can give you years of service, you should know that they don’t last as long as masonry chimneys. For safety reasons, you should look out for signs of aging such as cracks in the firebox panels. Cracks and aging of these systems can lead to an increased risk for residential fires. You should also be careful to not overuse your prefab fireplace, as these units are generally not made for heavy use.
No matter which type of chimney you may have, you can depend on the CSIA-certified chimney technicians at All Seasons Chimney to take care of your system. Contact us today to schedule your appointment for our professional annual chimney maintenance services!
