There are many types of chimneys but while there are various types of chimneys, the most ordinary is the masonry chimney and the manufactured chimneys. Whatever type of chimney you have, all chimneys function to carry out the smoke from your house and providing the fire in the fireplace with air. These two primary functions of chimney are fulfilled by masonry and manufactured chimneys. The advantages and disadvantages are what makes chimneys differ from each other.
Masonry construction chimney is perhaps the most common chimney type installed in so many houses. Resulting chimney is part of the chimney structure. Material used ranges from stone to brick using a clay-tile liner in holding the parts together. Baked-clay flue lining is required for this type of chimney for both safety and easy cleaning.
Manufactured chimney is the other type of chimney construction. It is also called a factory chimney because it is built in the factory. It will be transported to the house for assembly and installation. It is also called a factory metal chimney because it is commonly made with metal. A solid fuel heater is commonly used with this type of chimney than the natural gas. There are many types of factory chimney and all of them do not need a liner.
The mass-insulated, double wall chimney have two metal layers for proper insulation. The space in between the two layers absorbs the heat in the chimney. The two metals (stainless steel), may contain heat but not absorb it. Air-cooled chimneys, on the other hand, has only air in between the layers for air circulation to help disperse heat.
Air-insulated chimneys are almost the same with air-cooled chimney except that air movement is limited in air-insulated chimneys. It simply insulates the heat unlike in air-cooled construction wherein air take the heat until it disperses. Some chimney designs combine parts of different factory manufactured chimneys.
The masonry type chimney is what people traditionally think of when it comes to chimney installation. This type is most likely to consider but is far expensive than the factory manufactured chimney. A factory chimney is cheaper and is easier to install but requires a factory fireplace too.