Chimney Parts Explained: Crown, Cap, Flue, Liner, Flashing, Damper and More

A chimney is a system of parts that each do a different job. Knowing what the crown, cap, chase cover, flue, liner, flashing, damper, and smoke chamber are, and where they sit, makes it easier to understand an inspection report or a repair estimate. Below is a plain-language guide, from the top down, with links to the pages that go deeper.

Chimney cap

A cap sits over the flue opening. It keeps rain, debris, and animals out, and many include a screen. It is not the same as the crown. See chimney caps and chase covers.

Chimney crown

The crown is the slab (usually masonry or cement) at the top of a masonry chimney that covers the top of the stack and sheds water away from the brick. A cracked crown allows water in. See crown repair.

Chase cover

Prefabricated or framed chimneys, often called chases, are topped with a metal chase cover instead of a masonry crown. It covers the top of the chase and sheds water. See caps and chase covers.

Flue

The flue is the passage that carries combustion gases up and out of the house. A chimney may have one or several.

Liner

The liner lines the flue. It contains the gases, protects the masonry, and helps the flue draft properly. Liners can be clay tile, metal, or a cast-in-place type. See chimney liners and flue liner repair options.

Flashing

Flashing is the metal that seals the joint between the chimney and the roof. See flashing repair and roof leaks.

Damper

A damper opens and closes the flue. Throat dampers sit above the firebox, and top-sealing dampers sit at the top. See damper repair and replacement.

Smoke chamber

The smoke chamber is the sloped area above the firebox that funnels smoke into the flue. Its surface and shape affect how smoke moves. See smoke chamber repair and parging.

Masonry

The brick or stone body of the chimney and its mortar joints. See masonry repair and repointing.

Quick comparison: crown vs. cap vs. chase cover

• Crown: masonry slab that caps the brickwork
• Cap: a covering over the flue opening
• Chase cover: metal lid on a framed chase

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See Our Work for real projects, and the Chimney Academy for more guides.