How To Build A Beehive Fireplace? The 80 Top Answers

Outdoor fireplace design criteria Chimney height in outdoor fireplace, smoke outlet size in outdoor fireplace, etc.

The Green Scene in Chatsworth, CA

Choosing a design

Choose a chimney design that is scaled to fit the size of the yard and home. I often look at the architecture of the main house to find details to recreate on my fireplace.

Is there stone or stucco on the house that we can bring together?

Architectural elements that I can mold into the shape of my mantle or chimney?

For help with fireplace design ideas, visit The Concrete Network’s Backyard Fireplace Photo Gallery and browse hundreds of outdoor fireplace perspectives. Or contact a decorative concrete contractor in your area.

The Green Scene

Chimney considerations

Wood-burning outdoor fireplaces produce a lot of smoke. Code requires chimney height to be 2 feet higher than adjacent structures such as patio canopies and homes, so plan accordingly.

Getting a fireplace to draw properly outdoors has its challenges. Indoors, you control airflow and chimney chimneys drag slightly due to buoyancy (effect of hot smoke rising up the chimney because it weighs less than cool air). Outdoors, the lightest wind can pull your chimney down and drive smoke forward out of the hearth. To reduce this, a “smoke shelf” must be built into all wood burning fireplaces, your flue size must be properly calculated, and the chimney height must be large enough to encourage a proper draft.

Hot tip!

Calculate! Pay close attention to the size charts which dictate the correct firebox opening ratio and flue size requirements.

The Green Scene in Chatsworth, CA

Only gas or wood fireplaces?

When a client decides they want a fireplace in their backyard, the first consideration I have is “what kind”? Do you want to burn logs or just artificial logs with a gas flame?

When a client decides they want a fireplace in their backyard, the first consideration I have is “what kind”? Do you want to burn logs or just artificial logs with a gas flame?

Construction and code requirements differ significantly between the two and in some fire-prone communities do not allow wood burning near slopes or at all. Wood fire features require a “spark arrestor” to prevent hot sparks from accidentally igniting your neighbor’s home.

Hot tip!

Check local zoning and building codes before you begin. Some communities do not allow wood burning fireplaces.

The Green Scene in Chatsworth, CA.

Placement of an outdoor fireplace

Zoning guidelines vary from city to city, but most limit how close you can build a fireplace to the existing home and have guidelines for side and back property lines. In addition, many communities have even more rules regarding slope setback and height restrictions from taller structures on observation lots. Make sure you check with your local town planning office for acceptable locations for your outdoor structure before getting too far with your designs.

I like to divide the outdoor garden into “rooms” or “zones” for entertaining, and the outdoor “living room” is where I usually place my fireplace structure. Consider home views, focal points, privacy, shielding, and the prevailing wind (the direction from which the wind blows most often) when deciding where to place this large permanent structure. I see the fireplace as an “anchor” for the outdoor living room. Keep in mind that this large structure will alter the flow of traffic through the garden areas, so plan accordingly.

Hot Tips!

Place fireplaces in a central spot, but don’t block city or mountain views.

Use the height of a tall chimney to shield the prevailing winds.

The Green Scene in Chatsworth, CA.

Sitting considerations

Patio areas adjacent to fireplaces should be large enough to accommodate today’s larger “deep seating” style patio furniture, but not so large that it is unsuitable for some adjacent plants and flowers. Most homeowners want a couple of sofas or large lounge chairs next to their fireplace.

I always do my best to balance softscape and green with my hardscape needs. Outdoor living room patios should be large enough to accommodate typical furniture layouts and a walkway, but not much larger. This creates more space in the garden for real greenery. Plan for adjacent patio sizes to be a minimum of 12 feet by 12 feet and a maximum of 18 feet by 18 feet.

Hot tip!

Use furniture templates drawn to scale to help design patio sizes.

Glossary of outdoor fireplace terms

Know the lingo of outdoor fireplaces: study this quick guide and sound like a pro.

Chimney – system for venting the hot smoke from the fireplace through the chimney or “chimney effect” (the difference in pressure between outside air and heated air in the room or firebox)

Damper – a valve or plate that regulates the flow of smoke and air in the chimney. Indoors, you can close the chimney with a damper when not in use and eliminate drafts. Dampeners are optional on outdoor fireplaces. Firemagic makes pre-engineered dampeners/smoke racks that take the guesswork out.

Draft – the effect of the smoke rising up the chimney due to buoyancy (hot gas, like smoke, is more buoyant than cool air)

Firebox – the actual size of the area that will contain the fire, usually lined with refractory bricks for thermal insulation

Fireclay Bricks – Blocks of refractory ceramic that protect your firebox structure. Use a suitable fire retardant mortar mix

Chimney – flue, pipe, or vent that directs smoke into the chimney

Lintel – a horizontal beam or head used to support the top of the firebox opening. Usually a simple metal “L” bracket

Smoke Shelf – curved space above the firebox under the hatch that reduces down draft and promotes draft

Spark Arrester – Metal screen mesh device designed to prevent sparks or other burning debris from escaping to other areas. There are simple and decorative options. Some spark arrestors have a rain guard to prevent water from putting out your fire.

Rumford chimneys are tall and shallow to reflect more heat and have streamlined throats to eliminate turbulence and carry smoke away with little loss of heated indoor air. Rumford fireplaces were common from 1796, when Count Rumford first wrote about them, until about 1850. Jefferson had them built at Monticello, and Thoreau included them among the modern conveniences everyone took for granted. There are still many original Rumford fireplaces across the country, often buried behind more recent renovations. Cont Rumford, after whom the fireplace is named, was born Benjamin Thompson in Woburn, Massachusetts, in 1753, and because he was a Loyalist left the British (abruptly) in 1776. He spent much of his life as an employee of the Bavarian government, where he received the title of Count of the Holy Roman Empire. Rumford is best known for his work on the nature of heat.

What is a Mexican fireplace?

Not surprisingly, chimenea is the Mexican word for “chimney” and also represents a hollow, spherical outdoor fireplace. They are traditionally made of clay or terracotta and are raised off the ground by an iron stand. The fire is lit in the ‘bulb’ or rounded part of the fireplace, which has an opening in front and the top forms a chimney or chimney.

Wood-burning stoves are special because, unlike other outdoor fireplaces or fireplaces, they keep the smoke away from the surrounding area. On cooler nights you can gather around the fire without worrying about the wind blowing smoke in your face.

Chimenees have been around for over 400 years and were influenced by Spanish culture in Mexico. They were essential for domestic heating and cooking long before they were used for exhibitions or social gatherings, as is often the case today. They have also shifted from traditional indoor use to outdoor use on patios and in backyards. The chimeneas from Mexico come in many different designs and even in the shape of a fish.

To cook with a chimeneas today, you can place a grill indoors over the fire. Below are some example videos of grilling and pizza making with a Chimenea.

How to use a fireplace

preparation

Position the chimenea outdoors, in the iron stand and free from roots and trees. If you put it on a wooden deck, put it on some bricks or flagstones to avoid scratching the wood or damaging it with embers.

Before firing, place 3 to 4 inches of lava rock, sand, or gravel in the base of Chimenea to increase the fire from the clay floor.

make fire

You can use logs, wood scraps or twigs for fuel and use paper or wood tinder for kindling. Use matches or a fire starter to start the fire, never lighter fluid. Do not use charcoal or artificial logs in chimeneas, they burn too hot and can cause the clay to crack.

Always heat up the chimenea slowly – Start a small fire first and allow the chimenea to heat up for at least 20 minutes to avoid cracking.

Maintaining Your Fireplace

It’s important to remember to never use a chimenea when it’s wet. Chimneys are not frost proof. If they get wet and freeze, they can crack. Do not fire your Chimenea when the outside temperature is below 35 degrees.

You can repair a crack in your chimenea by applying silicone sealant to both sides of the crack. Leave it for at least 24 hours before using it.

After a rainfall, a natural white lye may appear on the clay. To clean, gently scrub the surface with vinegar and a nylon brush. Rinse after the lye has dissolved.

Cover the chimney with a tarpaulin or buy our CH716 waterproof chimney cover. This is to prevent rainwater from accumulating inside and sun, which could cause surface peeling. For full care instructions, see our Chimenea setup and care guide.

security

The entire vessel radiates heat. Keep children away to avoid burns. Do not touch the chimenea after firing. Never leave a Chimenea unattended while in use, especially on a wooden deck.

Cooking with fireplaces

Many of the kiva fireplaces in Stam homes, although built to 1950s standards, are in disrepair. The masonry work, including chimney thickness, hearth thickness and hearth extension dimension, does not comply with current regulations. The backs of the chimneys are only two inches from the combustible walls. When cleaning and inspecting them, we can often pull firebrick out of the chimneys with our bare hands because the chimneys are falling apart. When we put our inspection cameras in these chimneys, we see that there are gaps between the terracotta clay chimney liners, and we usually find that the clay liners have cracks.

We recently had the opportunity to remove a Kiva fireplace from a Stam home and remodel it to current standards. The masonry construction project was informative and satisfying. Demolition provided useful information on how dangerous these fire pits really are. When we removed the fireplace, we saw that the paper on the original fiberglass insulation in the wall behind the fireplace had already burned and turned to ash in places. We don’t know why the house didn’t burn down. We also found two marks on the 2×4 studs behind the fireplace. We feature photos of the bricks covered in creosote deposits behind the firebox and around the fireplace insert after demolition. These highly combustible deposits are left over from the smoke that has escaped from the chimney draft over the years. We also show creosote deposits on the outside of the liner showing the consequences of ruptured liners. The creosote in the masonry is extremely dangerous because if it catches fire, the only way firefighters can put it out is to tear down the entire chimney. Using a jackhammer-style demo hammer, it took three of our men a full day to demonstrate this chimney and chimney.

If you own a Stam home with a Kiva fireplace in Santa Fe, be sure to check out this post. If you want a safe, working, site-built Kiva fireplace in your Stam home, this photo post will show you how it’s done. If you are wondering how to build a Kiva fireplace from scratch, this is useful information for you. One of the challenges we encountered here was the limited space in the corner due to the passageway from the living room to the foyer. So we kept the chimney narrow and used extra ceramic insulation between the hearth and the back wall of the chimney to corner the chimney as much as possible. We also installed a non-combustible heat shield with air space on both sides between the back of the fireplace and the combustible walls.

Below is a slideshow showing the process we carried out using photos we took during the project. The photos are labeled to explain the steps of the project. The demonstration and rebuild of the Kiva fireplace took 9 working days, not including the final coat of plaster and the flagstone hearth, which the customer has another contractor install. The price of this project is less than $15,000 after installing the flagstone and finishing plaster including taxes.

We believe it’s worth it for a number of reasons:

Performance: Although not designed to be the primary source of heat for the home, the craftsmanship, knowledge and quality materials that have gone into the construction of the fireplace ensure optimum fireplace performance. The fireplace warms up the room without emitting smoke. Value: In a home with a real estate value of $400,000, the new fireplace costs about 3 percent of the home’s value. That’s only about half the agent’s commission if the owner ever decides to sell the home. According to some studies, a safe, working fireplace can increase the value of a home by about 12 percent. Twelve percent of $400,000 is $48,000. Spending $15,000 to get $48,000 in property value is a return on investment that’s hard to beat. Center point: The fireplace is the center of the house. The stove is the “heart” of the house. Making a fire in the fireplace warms the room. It also warms the body, mind and soul. It will be featured prominently in all marketing materials when the home is put up for sale. Chimney Warranty: The new chimney comes with a “Perpetual Warranty,” meaning the warranty lasts forever as long as the owner has the chimney serviced annually and keeps records of the service. Under no circumstances can the new chimney lining tear or come loose. Longevity: The fireplace will provide a lifetime of enjoyment when maintained with annual cleaning and inspections by a CSIA certified chimney sweep. Craftsmanship: The masonry work is meticulous, all joints between the firebox and smokebox firebricks are tight and completely sealed with the highest quality fireplace mortar. Tailor-made: When building the masonry, the homeowner herself could decide on the shape of the fireplace and mantelpiece. Safety: safety, safety, safety!

What is a prefabricated fireplace?

A prefabricated chimney goes by several names – a “prefab” or “factory-built chimney”. Another term would be “decorative heater”.

These chimney systems are manufactured in a factory, assembled at the customer’s home and built into the wooden frames of the chimney structure.

This type of chimney is U.L. 127 Standard at Underwriters Laboratory or other approved agency. This approval is referred to as a “listing”.

The system consists of a metal firebox with either refractory panels or metal plates, a metal pipe, a metal frame cover and a chimney cover, all housed in a chimney structure. Outside the home and above the roofline, the chimney structure (also known as the ‘chase’) is nothing more than timber frame and stucco. The metal pipe is in pursuit. In some cases, the pipe is exposed above the roof.

Prefab fireplaces have been around here in San Diego since the late 1960’s or early 1970’s. Due to the high labor costs of building brick fireplaces, contractors began installing prefabricated fireplace systems. Most wing houses built since the 1980s have prefabricated chimneys.

Builders and contractors make a prefab fireplace look like a brick fireplace. Most homeowners can’t tell the difference, and don’t even realize it’s not a brick fireplace.

What is a UL listing and why is it important?

The manufacturer undergoes expensive and extensive testing by the Underwriters Laboratory or other approved body. Approval or “listing” involves testing the system with the specific components of the system.

This is important to know because replacing any of the components with one that has not been tested with the system will void the listing for the entire system. This means that if the fireplace ever causes damage that is caused by a non-manufacturer component, the manufacturer is not liable. The fireplace installer who installed the non-manufacturer part can then be held liable.

For safety and liability reasons, these prefabricated chimney systems should not be modified against the manufacturer’s specifications!

What is the difference between a prefab fireplace and a brick fireplace?

There is a big difference between these two types of fireplace systems.

Brick by brick, a masonry system is erected on site. These are well built brick and mortar systems. Brick chimney systems built after the 1940’s also have a pipe known as a chimney liner.

Here in San Diego, the pipe in brick chimneys is typically made of terra cotta (clay) or pumice stone. If brick chimneys are properly maintained, they can last in excess of a hundred years.

How do I know if I have a prefabricated fireplace?

The exterior chimney structure is typically stucco or siding. A brick chimney is usually made of bricks and mortar.

The flue pipe in a prefabricated house is made of metal, either a double-walled or a triple-walled pipe. If you look up into the chimney from the finished firebox, you can see the smooth metal pipe.

The average homeowner can’t tell if they have a brick or prefabricated fireplace. A qualified chimney sweep trained in prefabricated chimneys or a CSIA-certified chimney sweep can advise the homeowner as to what type of system is involved.

How do I know which manufacturer and model my prefabricated fireplace is?

Prefab fireplaces have what we call a “tag”. This is a metal plate, sometimes the size of a business card, and is placed somewhere in the combustion chamber. The label includes the manufacturer’s name and model number.

In new homes, the contractor may have left the operation/installation manual for the new homeowner, listing the make and model number. Homeowners should keep an eye on this important information.

How do I use my prefabricated fireplace?

Most prefab fireplaces can be used with artificial gas logs, pre-cut logs (e.g. Duraflames) or well-seasoned wood. Reading the owner’s manual will be helpful for homeowners to know how to safely operate their fire pit.

Also, prefab fireplaces cannot have large fires or very hot fires in them. If you do this you can damage the fragile refractory panels in the firebox and replacing these panels can be very expensive. For this reason, we recommend limiting prefab fireplaces to small fires. Sure you can burn wood in most prefabs, but never bigger or hotter than what you would get if you just burned a Duraflame log.

What is a refractory panel?

In most prefab fireboxes, the systems have four fireproof panels—two sides, a back, and the bottom—inside the firebox where you make the fire. These slabs stand about two feet high. They’re made of refractory cement and stamped to look like bricks, but they’re not actually bricks.

These panels protect the metal firebox by lowering the temperature to the metal. Behind the metal hearth is the wooden construction of the chimney.

Without fireproof panels or with damaged panels, too much heat can get into the metal firebox behind the panels. This can then heat the wood frame behind the firebox. In addition, if the metal firebox gets too hot, the metal firebox may warp and new refractory plates will no longer fit.

If a fire burns too hot, the refractory plates will crack.

Usually the back wall and bottom panels crack first because they take most of the heat from the fire. Hairline cracks should be monitored. Panels need to be replaced when cracks are wider than you could fit the edge of a dime.

Cracks in the refractory panels create a potentially dangerous situation as they have lost their ability to insulate and can allow the transfer of heat to combustible materials.

Most manufacturers state that if the panels are cracked, the panels cannot be repaired or patched. The plates need to be replaced.

These refractory panels are the Achilles’ heel of the system, but if used properly, you can prevent cracks from occurring by not having large fires. Cracked refractory plates should only be replaced with manufacturer’s plates. The use of after-market parts (also known as “universal panels” or “non-factory parts” or “cut-to-fit panels”) may affect the U.L. Listing on the finished system.

Keep in mind that these systems are not designed to heat your home. Ambience only. In fact, if you are getting a lot of heat out of your prefabricated fireplace then you probably have too big a fire.

What is a chase?

The strut cover sits on top of the strut (chimney structure). It’s a flat, horizontal piece of sheet metal that sits on top of the chimney structure. The chasing cover has a large hole where the pipe comes through the cover and attaches to the chimney cap.

It is not uncommon for hunting covers to rust when rainwater collects on the cover. The rust eats through the metal cover, leaving a hole. Rainwater can then enter the pursuit and land on top of the firebox, rusting the entire system. At this point, the entire system must be replaced.

Why do I hear water dripping when it rains?

If you hear water dripping on metal, call a chimney sweep immediately. This noise is likely where water is coming through a rusted tracking cover. If you wait too long, the water that lands on the firebox in pursuit will rust the system, resulting in a very expensive replacement of the entire pre-built system.

An annual prefabricated chimney inspection by a qualified chimney professional will prevent this problem and ultimately save you money by fixing the problems before damage occurs.

What are the most common problems with prefabricated fireplaces?

The most common problems we see with prefabricated fireplaces are cracked refractory plates, leaking chase covers, rusted hearths and rusted caps.

These problems are easily avoided by having minor fires and having your chimney checked annually by a qualified chimney sweep to prevent problems before they occur.

I don’t use my fireplace. Do I still have to have it checked every year?

A prefab fireplace that is never used can still deteriorate.

We find that here in San Diego County, prefab fireplaces in homes near the ocean deteriorate much faster than in other areas of the county. The salty sea air, even 5-10 miles inland, can rust a prefab chimney. The lifespan of a prefab chimney can be cut in half due to its proximity to the sea.

This makes it all the more important to have a prefabricated chimney checked annually to identify problems with the system before the problem becomes too big and the entire system has to be replaced.

Where can I find parts for my prefabricated fireplace?

Most prefabricated fireplace manufacturers only sell parts to fireplace professionals and not directly to homeowners. After determining the make and model of the system, a chimney professional can contact the manufacturer for replacement parts such as firebacks, chimney glass doors, and chimney caps. The installation of non-manufacturer components will void the listing on the system and may result in liability issues in the event of fire damage from the fireplace as the installer modified the system to the manufacturer’s specifications and listing.

How long do prefabricated fireplaces last?

There are a variety of professional opinions as to how long prefabricated fireplaces last.

Certain factors can shorten the service life, e.g. B. Non-maintenance of the system, proximity to the sea, weather conditions or overheating of the system. Annual prefab system inspection, whether the system is in use or not, is the best way to prolong the life of a prefab chimney.

Many manufacturers and chimney professionals will say that prefabricated chimneys can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years. In our professional experience here in San Diego, we have seen that some systems have had to be replaced after only 15 years, while at the same time we have seen well-maintained systems that are over 40 years old and still in service.

How do I replace my prefab fireplace?

Replacing a prefabricated fireplace is not something the average homeowner should attempt. In fact, we advise that the system should only be replaced by a licensed chimney installer, specifically trained in prefab housing. Failure to properly install a prefabricated fireplace can result in an extremely dangerous and fatal situation for the homeowner.

If a prefabricated chimney needs to be replaced, the existing chimney (chimney structure) can still be used. Only the “guts” of the pre-engineered system need to be replaced – the firebox, flue pipe, chute cover and cap.

Unfortunately, the firebox opening for the new system is not necessarily the same opening size as the old system, meaning that the facade around the firebox opening can be compromised.

In most cases, the facade must first be removed so that the prefabricated system can be removed and replaced. For this reason, we recommend replacing the prefabricated chimney at the same time as the facade renovation.

Can I burn gas logs in my prefabricated fireplace?

The best way to know what you can and cannot burn in your prefab fireplace is to read the manufacturer’s manual for your specific make and model of your system. In most cases you can burn wood, pre-made logs (e.g. Duraflame logs) or artificial gas logs.

Sometimes the label also indicates what types of fuel can be burned.

Glass doors open or glass doors closed?

Glass doors must be in a fully open position when you have a fire in the fireplace.

When glass doors are partially open, gases and smoke can be drawn into the room by a “secondary chimney effect,” so leave the doors fully open.

If you close the glass doors while you have an active fire, the glass may implode or explode. Here’s a YouTube video of Kelly Ripa, a morning talk show host, whose glass doors exploded on her for closing the doors:

Of course, before you go to bed in the evening, when the fire is out, close the glass doors. This will prevent embers from entering the room while you sleep.

Glass doors serve to prevent heat loss from your home, especially when you have your hatch locked open, as in the case of faux gas logs. Unfortunately, glass doors are no longer available in some cases, especially if you have an older prefab fireplace. In this case, do not use any glass doors other than those specifically listed for the make and model of your prefab system. IMPORTANT: Attaching other glass doors may block the air cooling fins and overheat the system.

How can I convert my prefabricated fireplace?

We find that many homeowners who remodel the chimney by installing a new siding fail to realize that the prefab chimney may already have reached the end of its life. These facades can be very expensive.

If the prefab chimney needs to be replaced, the facade may need to be removed. For this reason, we recommend planning the redesign of a new facade at the same time as installing a new prefabricated fireplace.

First things first, always have your prefabricated fireplace inspected and serviced annually by a CSIA certified chimney sweep to ensure you can safely enjoy your fireplace and get the longest life out of your system.

Special thanks to Pat and Bernie Lopez of Burnie’s Fireplace Services, nationally recognized factory fireplace experts, for their valuable contribution to this blog post.

Aside from the adobe structure, one of the most recognizable elements of the Santa Fe style is the indoor and outdoor Kiva fireplaces. Sometimes referred to as “Adobe chimneys,” “beehive chimneys,” or “Pueblo chimneys,” the Kiva chimney generally has a curved beehive look and smooth appearance.

What is Kiva?

The term kiva fireplace is believed to have come from the historical and spiritual term “kiva,” which was a large and generally circular subterranean space used by Pueblo people primarily for spiritual ceremonies.

Kivas are considered sacred and private by the Pueblo people and hold an important part of the Pueblo heritage.

Kiva fireplace

At some point the term “kiva fireplace” is believed to have been inspired by Pueblo kivas and Pueblo architecture. This is controversial for some native Pueblo people, who feel the sacred, private, and honored term has been commercialized.

Kiva fireplaces have become a staple of adobe homes in Santa Fe. They can be found in several rooms and even outdoors.

While Kiva fireplaces are great for heating small spaces, they generally do not do well as a sole heat source. Because of this, you’ll find Kiva fireplaces in several rooms of Santa Fe homes.

Kiva fireplace design

Generally, Kiva fireplaces are found in the inside or outside corners of adobe homes. They are large and have a rounded outline that many resemble a “beehive” or “inverted cone.” The earthly look and smooth contour give Kiva fireplaces a “romantic” look and feel.

Because Santa Fe is an artistic and creative community, many Kiva fireplaces include a nichos (art corner) for displaying sculptures or artwork. Others have recessed shelves. Some kivas contain an associated “bench” or seating area known as a banco.

While many kiva fireplaces are still made of adobe brick, some newer ones are faced with stucco or plaster on a wire frame.

In general, Kiva fireplaces are much easier to build than traditional fireplaces. Kiva fireplaces typically consist of a firebox, metal frame, air intake, “chimney” and a thin stucco/plaster/adobe finish.

Kiva fireplace videos

The following videos will give you a deeper insight into the design, construction and history of the Kiva fireplaces.

Inspection of an old adobe fireplace in a Santa Fe home

— Images by Kiva Fireplace Designs

— How to start a Kiva fireplace

— Kiva Mural (a beautiful mural painted on a Kiva fireplace)

— Installation overview for an Adobelite Kiva Fireplace Kit

— Kiva Chimney Construction

If you are looking for a beautiful home in Santa Fe with a cozy and stunning Kiva fireplace then call or text Darlene today at 505.920.8001 [email protected] If you are looking for one beautiful home in Santa Fe with a cozy and stunning fireplace are Kiva Fireplaces, then call, text or email Darlene today

You can also view their offers on the My Offers page.

Prefabricated fireplaces & chimney systems

Prefabricated fireplaces and chimneys are constructed at the factory as a coherent unit. These systems and their parts are extensively tested for safety and efficiency. They are regulated and must be built and installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Manufacturers clearly list which chimney systems are safe to use for each specific fireplace, and if you don’t follow their recommendation you are putting your family at great risk of fire. Think of it like a car. You wouldn’t mix and match different manufacturers’ parts. As shown in the diagram, these systems have a metal firebox with prefabricated refractory panels. If you look up past the hatch, you’ll see a circular metal chimney extending through the roof, sometimes surrounded by an enclosure made of simulated brick or paneling. Above this may be a metal “shoebox lid” covering the top of the chimney – this is known as a chase cap – and above that a round or square chimney cap.