Brick Fireplace Terminology

Fireplace

• The fireplace itself, sometimes called the firebox, is the chamber in which the fire is built. Some fireplaces have a small door in the floor of the firebox leading to an ash pit where cold ashes may be dumped after the fire is extinguished. Above the firebox is a door called a damper that is opened to allow smoke, fumes and hot air to rise up the chimney when there is a fire in the fireplace. When there is no fire, the damper is closed to keep warm air in the house from escaping up the chimney.

Chimney Interior

• Above and behind the damper is the smoke shelf, a ledge that prevents any rain that enters the chimney from falling into the fireplace. Above the smoke shelf is the smoke chamber, an area where smoke collects before rising up the chimney. The interior passage of the chimney is called the flue. The flue liner is a barrier made of clay tiles or metal that contains the smoke and prevents it from being absorbed by the bricks of the chimney.

Fireplace Exterior

• The flat shelf that extends out from the floor of the fireplace is called the hearth. It protects the surrounding area from any sparks or embers that may escape the fireplace. The wall of brick surrounding the fireplace opening is called the face wall; it is supported over the opening by a horizontal member, usually made of metal, called the lintel. The ornamental shelf above the fireplace is called the mantle; it may be made of brick, stone, wood or other decorative material.

Chimney Exterior

• The flue liner is surrounded by the brick that forms the chimney. In fireplaces on an exterior wall, the chimney often is visible on both the interior and exterior of the building. At the top of the chimney, a sloped layer of mortar called a crown or a wash sheds rainwater, preventing it from running into the flue or being absorbed into the bricks. The chimney opening is covered by a chimney cap, a metal enclosure with a solid top and screened sides that allows smoke to escape while keeping water and animals out.