Building a brick chimney stack can be quite an intimidating task. It’s not just the physical labor that needs to be done, but also the knowledge required to ensure it is done correctly. This blog post will guide you through every step of building your own chimney, from choosing materials to installing your final chimney cap.
The chimney stack is an integral part of the house. It can be seen from miles away, and it’s one of the first things people notice about your home. A lot of homeowners don’t think much about their chimneys until they have a problem with them or need to maintain them in some way. This article will teach you how to build a brick chimney stack using traditional methods that have been used for decades.
What is a Chimney Stack?
A Chimney Stack is a vertical column that helps remove exhaust gases from a fireplace or boiler and carries them up and away from the building.
The stack can be made of brick, metal, or concrete. The most important factor in choosing a material for your stack is how well it will resist corrosion caused by the flue gas.
Brick is a popular choice because it is strong and can resist corrosion. Metal stacks are also common, but they must be coated with a material that will protect them from the corrosive gases. Concrete stacks are not as common, but they are very durable and can last for many years.
The stack should extend above the roof of the building to provide a draft and allow the gases to escape. It is also important to make sure that the stack is properly vented so that fresh air can enter the chimney and help remove the exhaust gases.
A Chimney Stack is an important part of your fireplace or boiler system, and it should be installed by a qualified professional.
If you are thinking about installing a Chimney Stack, or if you have any questions about your existing stack, please contact us today. We would be happy to help.
Why use Brick to build your Stack?
As a DIY-er, you might be wondering why use bricks to build your stack rather than any other building material. Using brick will give you countless advantages over using anything else for the job. One of them is that the time taken to build with brick will be half of what it takes when compared to another material such as wood or concrete. This is because the bricks are ready-made items that come in pre-set sizes and shapes, making them easy to handle.
Another reason why brick chimneys stack better than others is they’re simple to build without any professional help or even special skills. You can easily follow an online tutorial about how you should go ahead with it. In fact, if you’re looking for a permanent and long-lasting solution, brick is definitely the way to go.
Concrete or wood might seem like good alternatives but they won’t last as long as a brick stack would. Not to mention that repairing damages on a wooden or concrete chimney can be quite expensive. Brick, however, is a very durable material that can last for many years with minimal maintenance.
So, if you’re looking for an affordable and long-lasting solution to your chimney stack problem, then brick is the way to go!
Brick Chimneys are not just functional; they also add beauty and value to your home. So, if you’re looking to increase the curb appeal of your house, a brick chimney stack is definitely the way to go!
Not only are they sturdy and durable, but they also come in different shapes and sizes that will fit any home. You can choose from a variety of colors as well to perfectly match the exterior of your house. Additionally, chimney stacks are typically made with bricks that have a shiny finish, making them look very attractive.
They also come in different sizes so you can choose one depending on how big your home is. The stack will definitely be visible from the outside of your house so it’s important to make sure you get one that looks good and matches the style of your home.
If you’re still not sure if a brick chimney stack is the right choice for you, then read on to find out more about the benefits of using this material!
How to Plan your Stack?
Planning your stack is the first step in building a brick chimney.
- Brick Chimney Stack Plans – Detailed plans and drawings of all parts required for construction are included with each kit. We have also added some tips that we’ve learned over the years, so it’s easy for you to plan and build your stack.
- It is important that the foundation for your chimney be level in both directions, so take the time to get it right. The foundation should also be strong enough to support the weight of the stack and whatever else you may choose to hang from it (i.e., pots, pans, feeders, etc.).
- The width of the foundation should be at least two bricks wider than the stack itself. This will give you a place to mortar the top row of bricks and provide a level surface on which to rest the flue.
- The height of your stack is up to you, but we recommend that it not be more than twice the width of your foundation.
- The chimney should be no less than three bricks high so that there is sufficient clearance for any birds or animals living in it, and also to provide adequate draft. It’s our experience that if you build a stack higher than four bricks, it will eventually cause trouble by drawing too well.
- Make sure your foundation is the correct length to accommodate the number of bricks in your stack. Using a stick, measure out from one end and mark where you want it to sit when completed (this will be helpful in planning how many courses of brick to order). It’s better for this measurement not to be exact because some variation is desirable.
Now that you have the basics, it’s time to order your bricks and get started!
How to build the Base of the Stack?
A brick chimney stack is a very effective and attractive way of venting your boiler. Building it yourself can save you hundreds of pounds compared to having someone else do it for you, but there are some pitfalls that the novice builder should be aware of before starting up his mini-business project. A well built stack will last many decades; an ill-constructed one may fall down in a storm. This guide will take you through all the steps needed to build a safe and sturdy stack, using nothing more than some basic tools and materials that can be bought from any hardware store.
The first step is to mark out the area where the stack will stand. The base should be square or rectangular, and the height of the stack will dictate the size of the base. For a typical six-foot high stack, the base should be around three feet square. Dig a hole in the centre of the base large enough to accommodate the flue pipe.
The next step is to build the foundation for the stack. This is a concrete ring beam that will sit inside the hole dug in step one. The depth of the beam should be about six inches below ground level, and it’s width should be slightly wider than this at around eight to twelve inches wide.
The next job is to lay a course or courses of bricks on top of the foundation beams. Always make sure that the bricks are laid with a slight overhang beyond the edge of the foundation beams, or they will not be watertight.
Once you have finished laying bricks around the top of your beam, it is time to install some support for them by adding a couple of courses on either side. This extra strength allows you to build up more courses on top.
After a few more courses have been built up, you can start laying bricks vertically to form the chimney stack itself. The first course should be cut so that it is slightly shorter than those above and below it, as this will allow for a better key for pointing later on in construction. Vertical bricks are also installed from the bottom to the top of the stack, but these are left unbonded until you have finished laying bricks in their vertical position.
Once all your vertical brickwork has been laid and bonded with mortar, it is time for some more support beams underneath them – this will prevent any sideways spread of bricks due to heavy winds or shifting ground conditions.
The final stage of construction is to finish the pointing between the bricks, and also to add a roof or cap to the top of the stack. This will protect it from rain and snow, and will also help to keep birds and other pests out of your chimney.
Build the body of the Stack up with Clay Mortar and Bricks
If you are going to build a brick chimney then the first step is to build up with bricks and clay mortar. You need a solid base for your stack. When building, tie it in every three feet or so with a steel rod rather than stacking right on top of another one which can be very unstable especially when you get high up off the ground.
Bowl can be made of clay bricks or fireclay blocks, but the latter will last longer and are sturdier for this purpose. Either way it is cheaper to buy them pre-made than cut your own from clay brick so I recommend you do that if possible. If not then just use whatever you have on hand as long as the outside of your bowl is smooth and hard.
The inside diameter of your stack will be about 12 inches across but it can vary depending on the size clay bricks you are using to build with. For example, if you are making a brick chimney in excess of 20 feet tall then I would recommend using 18 inch wide fireclay blocks.
Start by laying a course of bricks around the edge of your bowl, leaving a one inch gap between the bricks and the edge of the bowl. This will be filled in with mortar later on. Next, build up a second course of bricks inside the first, making sure that each brick is staggered so that it overlaps half of the brick below.
Keep building courses of bricks in this way, making sure that each one is tightly packed and level, until you reach the desired height. If you are using fireclay blocks then make sure that the mortar joints are filled with a good quality refractory cement to prevent them from cracking.
When you have finished building your stack, leave it to dry out for a few days before using. If you are in a hurry then you can use a blowtorch to heat the mortar and set it immediately but this is not recommended as it can damage the bricks.
Once your stack is completely dry, light a fire in the top and enjoy watching the flames dance up the chimney.
Add Decorative Elements for style, such as Quoins or Corbels
- Add Decorative Elements for style, such as Quoins or Corbels, which are decorative support blocks placed at the corner of a wall.
- Use decorative elements to build the chimney stack in a style that matches your home.
- Quoins can be made from a variety of materials, such as stone, brick, or concrete.
- Corbels can also be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, or even plastic.
- Make sure that the decorative elements you choose are weatherproof and will not deteriorate over time.
- If you are not comfortable with making your own decorative elements, there are a number of companies that sell pre-made quoins and corbels.
- However, if you choose to use pre-made quoins or corbels, be sure to select ones that will match the style of your home.
The Importance of Chimneys and Ventilation Systems in Your Home
A well-functioning chimney is important for a number of reasons: it helps keep your home warm in the winter, prevents the spread of fire and smoke, and removes harmful gases from the house. A properly installed and maintained ventilation system can also improve your indoor air quality, helping to reduce allergens and asthma triggers.
If you’re thinking of installing a new chimney or ventilation system in your home, it’s important to choose the right contractor. A qualified professional will be able to help you select the best system for your needs and ensure that it’s installed correctly.
For more information on proper chimney installation and maintenance, visit our website or give us a call.
- Chimneys and ventilation systems keep your home safe.
- A properly installed and maintained ventilation system can improve indoor air quality.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
EPA recommends that all masonry chimneys be lined. A lining will protect the chimney from the heat and corrosive byproducts of combustion. It is also a good idea to install a liner if your chimney was built before 1978, when the EPA began regulating air pollution from wood stoves.
A stainless steel chimney liner will ensure your chimney is protected from the heat and corrosive byproducts of combustion. It’s also a good idea to install a liner if your masonry chimney was built before 1978, when EPA began regulating air pollution from wood stoves.
If you are building an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, keep in mind that these devices are not designed to vent a direct-vent appliance, such as an oil or gas burner.
If you are building an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, keep in mind that these devices are only made for vented appliances like stoves and inserts.
Safety Tips
When building any type of chimney, it is important to take safety precautions. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure the ground below the chimney is level and solid.
- Do not build the chimney too close to your home or other buildings. The recommended distance is at least three feet.
- Put a cap on top of the chimney to keep animals and debris out.
- Always check your local building codes before starting construction on any type of masonry stack.
- Keep fire extinguishers nearby at all times.
- Make sure the flue is clear before starting a fire.
- Never leave a fire unattended.
- Building a brick chimney stack can be a fun and rewarding project, but it is important to take safety precautions seriously. By following these tips, you can ensure that your chimney is safe and will function properly.
FAQs
What is the best way to start building a brick chimney stack?
The first step in building any brick chimney stack is to create a foundation. This can be done by creating a sturdy wooden frame, or using concrete blocks. Once the foundation is in place, you can begin stacking your bricks. Make sure that each layer of bricks is held in place by mortar. When finished stacking, leave the chimney stack undisturbed for at least three weeks so that the mortar has time to set properly. During this period of waiting it is important not to burn fires inside your fireplace or on top of your brick chimney stack as this can cause cracks and other issues with the structure.
What type of mortar should be used for a brick chimney stack?
For best results, use a lime-based mortar mix when building your brick chimney stack. This will help to protect the bricks from weathering and erosion. Make sure that the mortar is applied in a thick layer, and that each layer of bricks is covered in mortar.
Where can I buy the necessary tools and materials for building a brick chimney stack?
Most home improvement stores will carry all of the supplies that you need, including bricks, cement mix, lime-based mortar mix, sandpaper and power tools. It's also possible to order everything online if you prefer.
What kind of power tools are required for building a brick chimney stack?
You'll need several types of power tools, including a mixer and drill to mix the mortar. For cutting bricks you will require an angle grinder with diamond blades as well as a wet saw if you don't have one already. You can find more information on the tools required for building a brick chimney stack online.
Do I need to hire a professional if I want to build a brick chimney stack?
In most cases, you don't have to hire a professional mason or builder as long as you follow safety precautions and instructions closely. However, if this is your first time building a brick chimney stack, it's best to leave the job to someone experienced. One benefit of hiring professionals is that they can often get your structure up much more quickly than if you were doing it alone.
Do I need planning permission for building a brick chimney stack?
You will usually only require planning permission in some specific situations. For example, if you live in a conservation area or your home backs onto someone else's property. You can find out for sure by speaking with the local council and asking about any relevant regulations and restrictions on building brick chimney stacks.
How long does it take to build a brick chimney stack?
The length of time it takes to build a brick chimney stack will depend on several factors. These include the size of your structure (the larger it is, the longer it will take), how experienced you are with building projects like these and whether or not you're doing all of the work alone.
How do I waterproof my brick chimney stack?
One way to waterproof your brick chimney stack is to use a sealant on the mortar joints. You can find this type of sealant at most home improvement stores. Another option is to apply a coat of paint or other weatherproofing material to the bricks themselves. Make sure that you follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when applying any kind of sealant or coating.
Conclusion
A well-built brick chimney stack will last for many years with minimal maintenance. By following the steps in this guide, you can be assured that your chimney stack will be sturdy and safe. Have any questions? Leave a comment below!