For hundreds of years chimney pots have been
installed at the top of fireplace flues,
adding distinction to any building’s roofline.
These attractive architectural features can
also improve the performance of the fireplace,
as the added chimney height they provide
can increase the flue’s draft. Although most
often made from frost-free terra cotta, chimney
pots are also available in glazed styles
including buff, limestone, sandstone, red,
brown salt glaze and black. They are not
only made in a wide variety of traditional
designs suitable for Georgian, Tudor, Mediterranean,
and Victorian buildings, they also come in
modern contemporary styles.
If you are thinking of buying a chimney
pot for your house, consider the following:
- In order to make sure that the chimney pot
will function properly, you will need to
measure the fireplace opening, the top of
the flue opening, and the base opening of
the chimney pot. Follow the manufacturers
recommendations to make sure the proportions
for each are correct.
- Chimney pots are mounted by setting them
in a bed of mortar on the masonry chimney cap. Additional fasteners may be desirable in
areas that experience tornadoes, earthquakes,
or hurricanes. Caulking can be used to prevent water leakage.
- Rain guards that look like hats can be installed
on top of chimney pots to prevent rainwater
from entering the flue. These guards are
made from clay in styles that complement
the designs of the pots.
- Wire mesh screens can also be added to the
top of chimney pots to prevent birds and
other animal pests from gaining entrance
to the flue. You should check local building
codes before adding any screening.
Chimney pots have recently become popular
as garden decorations. They are often placed in planting
beds to add architectural and textural interest,
or they can be placed on the lawn or patio
to look like large chess pieces. |
