All About Prefabricated Chimneys

If you have moved into a newly built home, you may have a prefabricated (or prefab) chimney instead of a traditional masonry chimney. This type of chimney has grown in popularity over the past couple of decades, so it is more common to find a prefab chimney in homes that have been recently constructed. It is important to realize the differences between your new prefab chimney from a masonry chimney so that you are using your new fireplace properly and safely. At Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, we can build both types of chimneys, and we would like to take this opportunity to tell you more about prefab chimneys so that you can enjoy safe and warm fires from your prefab fireplace in your new home.

What is a prefab chimney, and what makes it so different from a masonry chimney?

The most important difference between a prefab chimney and a masonry chimney is a prefab chimney is constructed from metal, rather than bricks and mortar, and comes with a prefab fireplace to be used with the chimney as a complete system. Also known as factory-built, this type of fireplace and chimney are manufactured to be used together and are tested together for safety reasons. Another big difference between a prefab chimney and a masonry chimney is the prefab fireplace will provide more heat to your home because it is a much more efficient heating appliance. With masonry fireplaces, most of the heat exits out of the chimney. A prefab fireplace provides heat in two different ways. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), a prefab fireplace can use the radiant heat method to radiate heat from the fire throughout the room or the circulating air method with louvers and blowers to distribute the heat evenly through the room.

What do I need to know to use my prefab fireplace and chimney safely?

One of the most important things to remember when you have a prefab chimney is that it is not made to handle the extremely high temperatures that a masonry chimney can withstand. You never want to overload the fireplace or burn a fire that is too large for the appliance. Never burn wood in your prefab fireplace as it produces fires that are too hot for the prefab chimney. You could install a wood-burning insert into a prefab chimney, but it must be tested and listed for use with the chimney and approved by the manufacturer of the prefab chimney system. And, just like masonry chimneys, your prefab chimney should be swept and inspected annually by a certified chimney sweep, such as one of our sweeps at Home Safe Hearth & Chimney. Your prefab fireplace and chimney can be enjoyed for years to come if you keep it properly maintained and use the system correctly. Our staff can help you with any questions or problems you may have.

Are you the new owner of a prefab chimney, or maybe you are considering adding one to your home? If so, contact us at Home Safe Hearth & Chimney to talk to our experienced staff about the options in prefab chimneys we can offer you.