Understanding the Significance of Flue Tiles in Your Chimney
Flue tiles, situated at the top of your chimney and anchored in the crown, play a crucial role in chimney function. These tiles are typically cast in either clay and serve multiple functions.
Firstly, flue tiles provide a secure anchoring point for essential chimney components like chimney caps or top-closing dampers. Their presence ensures the stability and functionality of these elements.
Additionally, flue tiles serve another vital purpose, especially in chimneys with multiple flues positioned closely together (separated by 2 inches or less) venting at the same height. In such cases, the flue for the lower elevation fireplace (usually located on the 1st floor or in the basement) can inadvertently act as an air intake for the higher elevation fireplace (2nd floor and above). This scenario can result in smoke from the upper-level fireplace being drawn down into the flue of the lower fireplace.
To prevent this unwanted air exchange, a flue tile is strategically placed on one of the flues. These tiles are available in tan and darker red options to seamlessly match the aesthetics of your chimney’s bricks.