They stand like giants, breathing smoke into the atmosphere, tall and seemingly indomitable. Yet all things on this earth have a lifetime, and chimneys are no different. And when it comes to their demolition, the old maxim rings true: the bigger they are, the harder they fall.

Image: Collapse The Light

Triggered by a controlled explosion, the destruction of towering chimneys takes mere seconds, but precise planning is key. Any materials that might scatter too far are removed, and the explosives are strategically placed and covered to ensure the smokestack or cooling tower collapses into its own footprint, or falls like a tree without potentially deadly debris missiles flying through the air.

Image: Imperator3733

Still, despite the latent danger of chimney implosions, they are thing of wonder; the sight of these monumental relics of the industrial age crashing to the earth with a deafening rumble is something to behold. Onlookers might be said to be brave – even steadfast neighboring structures have been damaged when miscalculations occur – but something captivates us about the beauty that lies in destruction. Here are ten incredible snapshots of chimney demolitions as they happened.

10. Tinsley Towers Demolition, Sheffield, England

Image: the_repairman

This shot captures the instant the Tinsley Towers, two landmark concrete cooling towers in South Yorkshire, England were razed in 2008. Thousands turned up to witness a demolition unique in the fact that it occurred just feet from a viaduct whose upper deck supports the M1 motorway. Unsurprisingly, this major road artery was closed the night the 250-feet-tall (76 m) industrial chimneys were blown to dust after 70 years of service – although one of the towers stayed partially standing before later crumbling in. Despite efforts to save the so-called ‘salt and pepper pots’ – the last remains of Blackburn Meadows Power Station – the site is earmarked to become a biomass power station.

9. Henninger Brewery Chimney Demolition, Frankfurt, Germany

Image: Heptagon

This sensational time-lapse composite image shows the successive moments in which a soaring smokestack crumples to its knees – an explosion detonated two thirds of the way up the structure at a critical point, enough to make its bottom half collapse in on itself under the tremendous weight of the bricks falling from above. In such demolitions the explosives are but the catalyst for the destruction; the mighty collision caused by gravity’s pull does the damage which brings the stack down. This once proud chimney was blasted to rubble in 2006 at the site of the former Henninger Brewery – said to be one of Frankfurt’s best beer makers and now owned by the Radeberger Group.

8. Goodyear Chimney Demolition, Wolverhampton, England

Image: Skizza_wolves

When the Goodyear chimney in the English industrial city of Wolverhampton was demolished in 2008, hundreds of onlookers watched as the iconic regional landmark met its demise. The 180-foot (55 m) chimney was blown up at the base in a controlled explosion, and the local press noted how, with it, eight decades of history “came crashing to the ground.” The property developers said at the time that the smokestack had become “structurally unsafe,” with the tire factory on which the stack stood slated to make way for housing. A PR exercise had a former factory worker and local pupil pressing the firing button that saw the chimney reduced to a heap of debris and twisted metal.

7. Trojan Cooling Towers Demolition, Rainier, OR, USA

Image: Booga_roo

Above is a spectacular photo of the cooling tower at Oregon’s Trojan Nuclear Power Plant smashing to earth, with dust and debris spewing from the dynamite explosion. Watched by thousands, the 499-foot-tall (152 m) cooling tower – visible from Interstate 5 in Washington – was demolished in 2006, after a short but controversial lifetime. The power plant only existed for 16 years before being prematurely closed. During that time it faced opposition from environmentalists and was also found to have major construction errors which eventually saw it shut down in 1992 after a series of dangerous steam tube leaks. It was the first implosion of a nuclear plant cooling tower in the US.

6. Moorburg Power Station Chimney Demolition, Hamburg, Germany

Image: Torsten Bätge

With a plume of smoke appearing to escape from its flue, this falling stack seems to be exhaling its last breath as it crumples to earth. The destruction of the colossal 15,000-ton chimney – which at 839 feet (256 m) was among Hamburg’s tallest structures – took place in 2004. It was demolished using explosive charges fixed at three levels (ground and heights of 208 and 298 feet). The massive force of the blast blew off the ventilation grill from one of the boiler houses, which flew into an adjacent building, causing a short circuit and a consequent blackout in parts of the city plus an emergency shutdown and loss of production for several days in nearby oil refineries. Moorburg was closed down partly due to rising natural gas prices, and a coal power plant has since filled its shoes.

5. High Bridge Power Plant Smokestack Demolition, MN, USA

Image: Dan Oldre

“The 570-foot (174 meter) tall smokestack from the Xcel Energy High Bridge power plant is seconds away from being history,” reads the caption for this awe-inspiring photo. This towering man-made monolith was demolished in 2008, with the loud boom greeted by much cheering from the 5,000-strong crowd there to watch the event. Explosive charges were used to topple the 5,770-ton behemoth, bringing it crashing down onto heaps of dirt designed to absorb the shock of the fall. The stack’s coal burning power plant, located in Saint Paul, Minnesota and originally constructed in 1923, was torn down, ready to be replaced by a new natural gas plant set to significantly reduce emissions.

4. Northfleet Cement Works Chimney Demolition, Kent, England

Image: Steven C Luck

A shot that makes you want to cry ‘Timber!’ – this next example of photographic timing shows one of the chimneys that overlooked the town of Northfleet, Kent as it was felled like a tree. Dozens of spectators looked on as the 550 feet (168m) twin towers, which had dominated the local skyline for 40 years, slowly toppled. Dust streamed from the funnels, before the chimneys disintegrated in a cloud of dust, as water jets were aimed at them by workers on the ground. The toppling of the two smokestacks in 2010 was the final nail in the coffin for two centuries of cement production at Northfleet, with the former Lafarge Cement works site set to become a mixed use development.

3. Carrongrove Paper Mill Chimney Demolition, Stirlingshire, Scotland

Image: Nigel J C Turnbull

Time seems to freeze for an instant before the boiler house chimney in Denny’s Carrongrove Paper Mill collapses into its own billowing dust cloud. With a massive chunk blown out of the base of the structure by the force of the blast, the next few seconds saw the chimney buckle and tilt to one side, crushing itself under its own weight. For photographer Nigel J C Turnbull, the fall of this giant in 2009 symbolized, “The end of the papermaking era” in Stirlingshire, Scotland. The controlled explosion was was one of the final acts in the demolition of a site that will soon be redeveloped into housing. The mill was closed in 2005 following a sharp industrial decline in the region.

2. Athlone Cooling Towers Demolition, Cape Town, South Africa

Image: Hamish_h

Letting off a tremendous boom, South Africa’s Athlone Cooling Towers were destroyed using dynamite charges in 2010. The 262-feet (80 m) high concrete structures, known locally as the ‘two ladies of Athlone,’ were downed in less than ten seconds amid loud cheering from the thousands of Cape Town residents who had gathered. The two iconic towers, commissioned in 1966, were decommissioned in 2003 – declared unsafe after one of the structure’s support rails gave way. Located along the busy N2 highway, the buckling tower posed a serious risk to motorists. Controlled implosion was deemed the solution, though the power station is set to be redeveloped.

1. Lakeview Generating Station Smokestack Demolition, ON, Canada

Image: kingofthenerds

Entitled 4-3-2-1, this wonderful image preserves the successive moments in which the smokestacks of Mississauga’s Lakeview Generating Station came tumbling down in 2006. Every few seconds, one after another, the monoliths disappeared into their own dust cloud emitting a thundering bellow. Known as the ‘Four Sisters,’ the stacks had stood tall for forty years, icons of what was once the largest coal-fired station in the world. The demolition team had to wait days for the wind to blow in the right direction – out over the lake and away from residents – before the charges were detonated that brought the columns down. The 493-foot (150 m) structures were the tallest ever imploded in Canada.

Bonus Entry: Blyth Power Station Chimneys Demolition, Northumberland, England

Image: Stewart Snowball

The chimneys of the former Blyth power station in North East England were leveled in 2003 in what is said to have been the largest such demolition in half a century. The four 17,000-ton, 460-ft (140 m) structures had dominated the coastal skyline for over four decades before crashing to oblivion, rocked by explosions that saw them teeter then fall in sequence like toy soldiers. People had to move from their houses as over 300 lbs of high explosives were placed at the feet of the reinforced concrete, brick-clad chimneys, and it was only from a safe distance that spectators heard the air raid siren which presaged the power station’s death throes. A piece of the region’s history was finally laid to rest.

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Chimneys in some form or another have been an inextricable part of our lives for hundreds of years. Vital to centuries of domesticity and industry, the chimney has become a ubiquitous sight in many countries around the world.

Image: David Blaikie

While most chimneys are distinctly utilitarian, being everyday objects that go unnoticed by the majority of onlookers, some have transcended their base functions in both appearance and style, becoming works of art in their own right and proving that even purely practical constructions can still be creative and inspiring. Below is a list of some of the most creative and interesting chimneys to be found today.

10. The Goetheanum, Switzerland

Image: Taxiarchos228

Located in Dornach near the city of Basel in Switzerland, the Goetheanum is the center of the Anthroposophical Society and the seat of the School of Spiritual Science. Not only is its use well-known, but it is also famous around the world for its imaginative and unique architecture.

Just north of the Goetheanum is the estate’s boiler house, which was built in 1914 and heats all 15 buildings that dot the area. The boiler house’s architecture, and its huge chimney, reflect architect Rudolf Steiner’s organic designs. His style has been described as: “A liberation from traditional architectural constraints, especially through the departure from the right-angle as a basis for the building plan.” It is certainly one of the planet’s most creative chimneys.

9. Labuan Mystery Chimney, Malaysia

Image: Sam4605

With a height of 106 feet (32.5m) this structure in Malaysia is something of an enigma. Constructed from thousands of red bricks that were imported from England, the chimney was made in the early 1900s, in an architectural style that is strongly redolent of the British design of the age, making it somewhat incongruous amid its Asian surroundings.

Image: Eugene Cheng

In fact, the mystery does not end there; the chimney’s primary purpose has not yet been confidently determined. Situated on a rise at Tanjung Kubong, it was initially believed to be a legacy of Labuan’s coal mining industry – perhaps used as a ventilation shaft. However, no connective tunnel or pipes have been found underneath the chimney. Deepening the mystery is the fact that there are no traces of smoke damage or burning to the bricks, suggesting that it might not even have been used as a chimney. Perhaps, as some say, it is part of an unfinished mansion, a disused lighthouse or even an elaborate bell tower. Whatever the truth is, the Labuan Chimney has become an engaging curiosity that charms locals and visitors alike.

8. Carlsberg Winding Chimney, Denmark

Image: Niall Forrester

Brewer and son of the Carlsberg founder J. C. Jacobsen, Carl Jacobsen wanted to combine his love for art with his family business. So, when his factory overlooking the Danish capital Copenhagen needed a new chimney, he employed architect Vilhelm Dahlerup and master builder P.S. Beckmann to create something more beautiful and inspired than the usual industrial stack. With a winding pattern of grooves reaching to its peak, Egyptian lotus flower motifs and even gargoyles, this 183ft (56 m) tall chimney stands as one of the most interesting of its kind. It is now dormant, having been replaced by a taller and more modern sibling in 1980.

7. Engineerium Chimney, England

Image: The Voice of Hassocks

Built in 1866, the chimney at the British Engineerium in Hove, England is now a grade II* listed building. Formerly Goldstone Pumping Station, this mock-campanile construction was part of a system of buildings consisting of a boiler house, engine room and storage cellars for keeping coal. The polychrome brick structure dwarfs its surroundings, reaching to a height of 95 feet (29 m) from its ‘rusticated’ base and tapering plinth. Cornices, arching panels and a connective entablature top the narrowing edifice, making this chimney resemble a fusion of classical and industrial styles.

6. Thornbury Castle, England

Image: Nicksarebi

Near the city of Bristol in England stands the majestic Thornbury Castle. Although called a castle, the building, built in 1514, was never fully fortified. However, it still managed to survive centuries of erosion and warfare to remain one England’s most historic homes, where (among others) the English king Henry VIII stayed with Anne Boleyn in 1535. After the ravages of the English Civil War, Thornbury fell into disrepair, only to be saved, and renovated, in 1824 by the Howard family. Thornbury’s skyline is punctuated by many intricately decorative chimneys that were typical of the rich houses of the Tudor period. Molded and carved bricks combine to create symmetrical patterns. Thornbury is now a luxury hotel and venue for weddings.

5. Oxburgh Hall, England

Image: Peggy Cannell2009

With a secret priest hole, examples of none other than Mary, Queen of Scots’ needlework, beautiful gardens and splendid vistas, Oxburgh Hall is an historic delight. Located in Norfolk, England, and standing within a large square moat, this 15th century mansion’s features don’t stop there, for its rooftops boast a number of fabulous chimneys, each rendered in barley-twisted, molded terracotta and Cosseyware. They date from the early 1500s when Sir Henry Bedingfeld added them during renovation work. The hall has featured in several films and television shows.

4. Casa Milà, Spain

Image: Error

The Casa Milà apartment house in Barcelona is a famous example of Antonio Gaudi’s much-admired architectural flair. Sometimes called La Pedrera (‘the Quarry’), this apartment house was constructed between 1905 and 1912 and features Gaudi’s distinctive and organic flamboyance, and the clustered chimneys that crown the building are no exception. These chimneys are far beyond the normal form and function of their plainer brethren, so ornate and original are they that they are more appropriately described as ‘roof architecture.’

Image: Andrew Fogg

The building is now owned by the Caixa Catalunya Bank and is a fitting venue for its main use as host to exhibitions and concerts.

3. Margam Castle, Wales

Image: Gouldina1

Built between the years 1830 and 1840 for the Talbot family, the striking Margam Castle is situated in Wales, near Port Talbot. Although famous for its reputation as one of the most haunted properties in Britain, this Tudor Gothic Grade I listed mansion possesses more than paranormal entities. The mansion’s many chimneys were made in Bedfordshire, England specifically for Margam and are all variations of the elaborate Tudor style.

2. Casa Batlló, Spain

Image: CharlieCLC

This is another of Gaudi’s masterpieces. Erected in 1877, the building was remodelled by Gaudi for Josep Batlló, a wealthy aristocrat, as a residence between 1904 and 1906. There are no straight edges or sharp corners here: “Even the walls are rounded in undulations and have in essence the feel of the smooth skin of a sea serpent about them,” says one source.

Image: Cary Bass

Elegantly curving balconies decorate the sandstone façade. The Casa’s chimneys match the rest of the edifice’s organic design and reflect the shapes and colors found in marine life.

1. Palau Güell, Spain

Image: Frank Kovalchek

Near the Liceu Theatre and along Nou de la Rambla, the Palau Güell in Barcelona is another of Antoni Gaudi’s amazing buildings. It was commissioned by the Catalan industrial tycoon, landowner and politician, Eusebi Güell, and stands as the only building that Gaudi finished that has not been considerably modified since its completion, in this case in 1890. Along with the Casa Batlló and the Casa Milà, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site owing to its “exceptional universal value” as well as for its “contribution and influence on technique and form in modern 20th-century building and for its remarkable creative character.”

Image: Frank Kovalchek

Many of the chimneys that crown the building’s rooftop were faithfully restored by artists and designers in the 1990s. Ceramics, glass, sculptured stone and pottery all come together to create a unique chimneyscape that is unmistakably Gaudi. It is unsurprising that it is considered “an architectural jewel of Catalan Art Nouveau.”

Image: Sébastien Bertrand

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Seasoned wood simply refers to wood that has been cut and left to dry for a year or more.  It has been through all of the seasons and is now ready to burn.  The reason for using dry, seasoned wood is that it will burn hotter than moist, unseasoned wood.  The reason for this is that so much of the heat goes toward evaporating all of that water.  This means that you are not getting the maximum amount of heat from your fireplace; just extra smoke.  The extra smoke can cause smoke to leak into your home, especially in chimneys with draft issues.  There will also be heavier creosote buildup from burning wet wood.

So, now that you know that the wood you burn should be seasoned for at least a year, you must now choose the type of wood that you will be chopping and stacking.  It is recommended, for regular wood burners, that hard woods such as oak or walnut be used.  However, it is also suggested that a good supply of soft woods, such as pine, be on hand as well as they make great kindling for getting a good, hot fire going.  Once the fire is going, adding some chunks of hardwood will create greater heat and warm the room even more.

If you are concerned about the aroma that the burning wood will give off, then some woods will be better for you than others.  Cedar, for instance gives off a strong aroma while it burns and many people find it pleasing in their homes.  Cedar is also easy to burn, though it does not give off a lot of heat and is known to throw some sparks.  It is probably not a great idea to only burn cedar in a fire.  However, to get the rich aroma that cedar gives off; throwing one or two pieces into a good, hot fire can accomplish this.

Soft woods are usually easier to light and, therefore, make great kindling.  However, they can give off quite a few sparks and will burn more quickly than harder woods.  With many factors taken into consideration, some of the best woods to burn are: white ash, oak (red and white) beech and blue beech.  These woods will burn hotter and more evenly and are generally easy to light in a fire that has already been started with softer kindling.

If you are just simply concerned with getting a fire going, then the one thing that really matters is that the wood is seasoned.  If you are getting free fire wood from someone who has fell some hardwood trees on their property, then it really doesn’t matter what kind of wood it is because is FREE!  Just be sure to season it before use.

How to Season Wood

In order to get the best fire in your fireplace that will effectively heat your home, you must first season the wood.  Seasoned wood has a great deal less moisture within it, will burn hotter and give off less smoke and other pollutants.

Leaving a fallen tree in the woods as it is for a year or two does not mean that you can simply cut up that tree and use it right away.  The way the logs lose their moisture is through the cuts on either end of the log.  Therefore, a fallen tree in the woods will still hold a lot of moisture.  In order to season the wood correctly, the ends should be cut and the wood should be stacked in a single stack in a place where sufficient air can get to it.  Some kind of shelter from rain and snow is preferable for it will prevent extra moisture from getting into the wood that you are trying to dry out.  Note, however, that you should never stack wood within a few feet of your home or any other structure, for termites that may be present in the cut wood can find their way into your home.  It is best to stack the wood between two trees in order to support the stack and far away from your house.  After about a year like this, the wood will be seasoned and significantly drier and ready to burn.

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Chimney flashing is the metal material that rises up your chimney a few inches from the roofline.  The flashing is responsible for preventing water from leaking into your roof from the gap that is left between the chimney and roof.  There should be a good, thick line of caulk around all of the edges of the flashing.  Without the caulk, the chimney flashing would be pointless because water would still be able to get into the roof.

Over time, the chimney flashing will probably show signs of needing repair.  It should be inspected yearly to ensure that all of the caulk is still in place and not cracked or split.  If the chimney foundation has started to weaken, then the chimney will begin to shift ever so slightly.  This can cause the chimney to pull away from the flashing and the caulk to separate from the brick and open a gap through which water will certainly find its way.  If the chimney has pulled away from the house this much, then it should obviously be repaired or at least inspected to ensure that it is still in working order.  Once the seal on chimney flashing has been compromised, it is hard to get the proper seal back and the flashing should be replaced.  It will be cheaper to replace the chimney flashing now than to deal with moisture and mold issues later.

No matter what the reasoning is for replacing the chimney flashing, is should be done correctly in order to ensure that moisture will not leak into you home.  Installing chimney flashing is better left to the professionals, for you wouldn’t want to take any chances on not installing it correctly.

Moving down from the roofline, your chimney will be butted up against the side of your house.  This joint should also be well taken care of and inspected often.  If the waterproofing at these joints has failed, then water damage is sure to occur.

Further down the chimney is the foundation.  The foundation is supporting a lot of weight.  Imagine how heavy one brick is and then multiply it by how many bricks you think make up your chimney.  That is a lot of weight.  Because of the extreme weight that the chimney foundation holds, the foundation itself must be at least 12” thick and extend out about 15” from each side of the chimney.  Check the foundation regularly for any signs of cracking.  A cracking foundation could mean that the soil underneath the chimney is not stable enough to hold the immense weight.  Things can be done to strengthen the soil; however, with the foundation already in place, it is too late to do anything about it without tearing down the chimney.

Up at the top of the chimney is the chimney crown.  The crown, which is usually made of cement, caps off the chimney and protects it from rainwater and other debris that could get into it.  Each side of the crown is angled away from the center so that water will run off of it instead of into it.  Be sure to check the crown regularly for cracks.  If any are found, hire a professional to make the necessary repairs.

The chimney cap also plays an important role in the correct functioning of a chimney.  This part works for the chimney liner like the crown works for the chimney as a whole.  Without a proper chimney cap, rainwater, debris and animals could get into the chimney liner and cause all sorts of issues.  Some caps even help with the chimney draft, which is what makes a chimney work.  The proper chimney cap will also have a wire netting that wraps around the outside and serves as a barrier for birds and other animals that may like to make a home in the chimney flue.

All of these parts play an important role in the functioning of a chimney.  Without them, there would just be a helpless liner extended from the house with no protection and, more than likely, no purpose.

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It is important to know some advantages and disadvantages of wood burning and gas fireplaces before choosing which kind you will have in your home.  Both of them do well in most settings, while some applications will require a certain type.

Wood-Burning Fire Places

For the more traditional kind of people out there, a wood burning fire place is the only way to go.  A natural fire always seems to feel better and warmer than a gas fire.  In recent years, some improvements have even been made to simple wood-burning fireplaces such as insulated fireboxes.  And insulated firebox can help keep the warm air from the fire inside and the cold air out.  Along with installing chimney liner insulation, your fireplace and chimney should be well protected from outside air getting in.

Certain kinds of wood also give off stronger aromas and can fill the room with a warm, welcoming and relaxing scent.  Throwing a piece of cedar in a hot fire can definitely accomplish this.  Check online or experiment for yourself on the best types of wood to burn.  With a gas fireplace, you cannot get these natural aromas.  Along with getting the right kind of wood, comes that task of chopping and stacking the wood.  Chopping wood, though it is a lot of work, can also be a stress reliever.  As many fathers will say: “there is a valuable life lesson to be learned in chopping wood to keep your family warm.”

There are also some downsides to having a wood-burning fireplace.  For instance, the added cost of a chimney to exhaust the smoke and harmful gases can be high sometimes.  Also, due to the need for a chimney, you are limited as to where you can place the fireplace within your home.  These days, chimneys are more often located on the outside of a house.  It is also possible of have a chimney rise up through the inside of a house; however, this will give you random awkward chases all throughout the house in the area where the chimney is.  Due to the safety codes of having a chimney within the home, there will also be a loss of square footage because any walls built around the masonry will have to be a certain distance from the actual brick or cement.

Another downside to having a wood-burning fireplace is the maintenance, chimney maintenance.  The chimney serves as an exhaust for the fireplace.  If the chimney is not kept cleaned and the chimney itself is not maintained properly, then there is a chance that the smoke and harmful gases such as carbon monoxide could leak into your home.  If you decide to go with a fireplace that requires a chimney, it is important to know the basics of how to take care of the chimney.  It is recommended that your chimney be inspected and cleaned professionally at least once a year before using it for the first time.

Gas Fireplaces

A lot of new homes these days are being built with gas fireplaces.  Some people are just happy with any kind of fire no matter where is comes from.  Some don’t want to have to do the work required for wood-burning fireplaces such as buying or chopping wood, or keeping up with the demanding maintenance of chimneys.  There is also an overall sense of rush in society today.  Everyone is in a hurry.  For that reason, gas fireplaces are becoming more and more popular.

Like traditional wood-burning fireplaces, gas fireplaces also have their pros and cons.  It is important to weigh all of your options and needs before making a decision on what kind of fireplace to go with.

It is much easier to flip a switch and have a fire suddenly spring to life than to have to go out in the cold and collect wood and then bring it back in and try to get a fire started.  Most gas fireplaces in new houses are made so that only a pilot light needs to be lit in order to just turn on a switch and have an instant fire.  For the units that have blower fans installed on them, the heat from the gas fire will be blown out into the room and warm it up quickly.

There is no dangerous exhaust from gas fireplaces, and, therefore, no chimney is needed.  That means no chimney sweeping, no chimney inspections and no concerns about draft problems and smoke filling up your living room.  Gas fireplaces have also been built to resemble a real wood fire as well.  The pipes through which the gas passes to create the fire are completely hidden behind faux logs and some even have glowing embers at the bottom to give the effect an even more realistic look.

However, with a gas fireplace, no matter how real they make it look, the rustic scent that comes from burning wood will not be there.  Even though it is an advantage to not have a chimney with a gas fireplace, it is also a disadvantage, for chimneys give a house character.  The beautiful masonry work that makes up the chimney will not be there.  The valuable life lessons that a young boy learns as he chops and stacks firewood will not be there.

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Most chimney caps will included a wire netting that wraps around the sides of the cap and serves as a barrier to animals that may like to make a home in your chimney.  However, if your chimney cap does not have such a barrier or if that barrier’s strength has been compromised, one of those pesky critters may just find their way down your chimney.  If this happens, more than like it will be in the warmer months when the chimney is not in use.  Hopefully your chimney damper is closed during this time and in good condition with a tight seal so that the animal will not find its way further into your home.  Note, however, the bigger animals like raccoons may be able to open certain types of chimney dampers if they are so tempted to do so.

If you hear a critter shuffling about within your chimney, then evicting the animal should take place as soon as possible.  Small animals such as squirrels may be trapped in a metal chimney liner by accident.  Once they crawl, or fall, down the chimney, they will be trapped because the chimney liner is not made for animals to grab on to with their claws.  If this happens, then getting the animals out can be a little tricky.  You will have to provide a way for the animal to crawl out.  For small animals, this can be accomplished by feeding a piece of thick rope down the chimney liner and attaching it to something at the top of the chimney.  Wait a little while and, hopefully, the squirrel will makes its way out.  Once you are certain that the critter is gone and you no longer hear the scuffling within the chimney, be sure to replace or install a chimney cap with wire netting around it to prevent further problems.

Some animals, such as raccoons can climb in and out of your chimney with no problems for they are big enough to use their bodies as leverage.  More than likely, if you have an animal like a raccoon in your chimney, then you may have a nest and there may be some babies involved as well.  There are odor-deterrents such as predator urine that can help get rid of some pests.  However, you will more than likely have to smell these as well.  There are also special traps that will trap an animal as it exits the chimney liner as well.  Once the mother is caught, you can usually reach up through your fireplace to remove the babies and nest, which will probably be on the smoke shelf.  Also, you can scare the mother out and then grab the babies.  Then, you can use the babies as bait for the mother in a live trapping device.  Be sure to check the laws in your area, for in some areas, it is illegal in some areas to trap animals such as raccoons.

Another common pest that you may see in chimneys is bats.  Chimneys make a wonderful place for bats for it will be nice and dark and provide the tight comfy feeling that they feel safe in.  If you think you have bats in your chimney, or if you have seen or heard the bats within you chimney, then a professional bat expert should be contacted.  Bat extermination is not the kind of thing that you need here, for bats can be small and very hard to see in dark places such as chimneys, so if there are dead bats left in your chimney after you think you retrieved all of them, then there could be other problems.  The best thing to do would be to contact a bat removal specialist.

No matter what kind a critter you have inhabiting your chimney, the immediate evacuation of that animal should be the first thing on your to-do list.  If you hear animals moving about in your chimney, then be sure the damper is closed and secure, otherwise you will have a pest problem that started in your chimney and has now spread into your home.  If you are timid to remove the animal(s) yourself, call a pest removal expert.  Chances are the expert will have special traps that are made just for trapping animals in chimneys or other such specialized removal methods.  Once the animal is out of your chimney, be sure to install a good chimney cap that will keep more animals from getting in.

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Chimney Safety

The first thing that should be done to make your chimney safe is to make sure that it stays clean and clear of debris.  It is recommended that you have your chimney professionally cleaned at least once a year before using it for the first time.  It should also be inspected thoroughly by a professional in order to ensure that it is in excellent working condition.
If you choose not to hire an inspector, which is not recommended, then be sure to inspect the chimney yourself.  Note, that a professional inspector will have all of tools and cameras necessary for performing a thorough inspection of your chimney liner and flue.  Be sure to check that there are no cracked or missing mortar joints and bricks.  If there are problems then all necessary repairs should be made before the chimney is put to use.  Also, make sure that the chimney cap is still in tact and that the netting is not clogged with creosote buildup.

The next thing to check your chimney for is the draft.  A chimney removes smoke and other harmful gases from your house by using draft.  Draft is created by the warm air in the chimney liner or flue rising and meeting the cold air on the outside, which, in turn, causes fresh, replacement air to be pulled into the fireplace.  If the proper airflow is not happening within the chimney, then the draft will not be strong enough to pull the smoke and gases all the way out of the chimney.  There is only one other place that it can go and that is back into your home.  There are many things that can affect the draft such as creosote buildup within the chimney liner.  If there is a draft problem present in your home and chimney, consult a chimney professional to assist in fixing the problem.

One of the biggest dangers stemming from draft problems in a chimney is carbon monoxide poisoning.  Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that can cause several health problems similar to flu-like illnesses.  Because of this similarity, diagnosing carbon monoxide poisoning can be delayed and life will go on in the same unhealthy environment for a time.  Sometimes, the warning that a person is being exposed to carbon monoxide comes too late and there is already permanent brain damage or death.  Be sure that your chimney, whether it is servicing a furnace or a fireplace, is exhausting the smoke and gases properly.

Fireplace Safety

Like a chimney, one of the first things to check a fireplace for is its cleanliness.  Creosote can build up within a fireplace as well, especially in the upper, unseen parts of it such as the chimney damper.  Once the fireplace is cleaned thoroughly, you should also check the masonry work for cracked or missing mortar joints and bricks.  Obviously there will be some extreme temperatures within the fireplace and the brick or mortar joints could experience a loss of structural integrity.  You would not want bricks crumbling and falling into the fire and sending sparks flying everywhere.

While in use, it is also good to have some kind of barrier in front of the fireplace.  This is especially true when children and pets are present.  A metal, screen barrier will keep them from getting too close to the fire.  Even if there are glass doors on the fireplace, a barrier should be in place as well, for the glass can be extremely hot and the doors can be opened.  A screen barrier can also be helpful for catching those rogue sparks that make their way out of the fireplace.  If they land on the carpet, fire will surely ensue.

The proper fire-building techniques should also be used when creating a fire.  You wouldn’t want the firewood that is burning to collapse and roll out of the fireplace.  The wood should be stacked so that as it burns it disintegrates into the fireplace.

By following the proper safety tips while using your fireplace and chimney, there should be no major issues when using them.  They will provide an excellent and very relaxing heat source on those cold winter days

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One reason to add a chimney pot is to enhance the elegance of a home.  A carefully selected and designed chimney pot can add extra beauty to a home.  When remodeling a home, a chimney pot can be the ultimate finishing touch to the outside.  There is an endless list of designs and sizes of chimney pots.  They can add that Victorian look that your home needs, or simply add that little something extra to make your home stand out.

There is also a more technical reason to add a chimney pot to your chimney.  That is: to enhance the draft within your chimney.  Not only do chimneys pots add to the elegant beauty of a home, but they also serve as chimney extensions.  Oftentimes, in houses that have draft issues, adding extra height to the chimney can solve those issues.  Using a chimney pot is a great way to add that height without the cost of brick, mortar and labor to extend the actual chimney.

There are also some cons that go along with having a chimney pot on your chimney.  Most chimney pots these days are made from terracotta or clay.  While it is easier to get any kind of design out of the clay, it also makes the chimney pot more susceptible to damage.  For instance, plants that make their way on to the chimney can grown into the clay and even crack the clay or the mortar that holds it in place.  If you have a chimney pot, you should inspect it regularly to ensure that no plants are trying to burrow their way into it.

In areas prone to high winds, chimney pots can weaken over time and may not hold up as well as masonry.  In the event of a severe hurricane, debris is often thrown through the air.  Something striking the side of the clay chimney pot can easily crack it or take it out completely.  These are extreme instances, but should be considered nonetheless.

In the event of a chimney fire, clay chimney pots will not be able to hold up to the extreme temperatures as well as brick.  Like clay chimney liners, if a fire were to occur, the clay could crack and even shatter under the high temperatures.

Another thing to consider before adding a chimney pot is the extra height.  While this can be a positive thing in order to enhance the draft of your chimney, it can also be a negative when it comes to chimney maintenance.  If you are one of those do-it-yourselfers and enjoy working on projects around the house such as cleaning out your chimney, the extra height can make it nearly impossible for someone without the right equipment to get up there and sweep the chimney.  If the chimney pot you choose only adds a couple feet to the chimney then this will not be an issue.  However, when it adds several feet to the height, then you may need to start hiring a professional chimney sweep to get the job done.

While it is possible to add a chimney cap to a chimney pot, it seems to take away from of the elegance that the pot adds to the home.  If you choose not to have a cap, then extra measures must be taken to ensure that the chimney flue it still well protected.  Wire mesh can be added to the top of the chimney pot before it is installed in order to provide the necessary barrier for debris and animals; however the top is still exposed to rainwater and smaller debris.

There are several things to consider when thinking about adding a chimney pot to you chimney.  They can add great architectural elegance to the home, but may also present some other problems as well.

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Chimney caps come in many different designs, shapes and sizes.  Just choosing the right one can be a chore sometimes.  Generally, chimney caps are made out of some kind of metal whether it is copper, stainless steel or galvanized steel.  Some are better quality than others and some look better than others.  No matter which type of chimney cap you have, it should be inspected regularly and replaced when necessary.

Inspecting the Chimney Cap

Inspection of the chimney cap should occur regularly.  If the cap is gummed up with creosote or coming loose from the chimney, then it can hinder the proper functioning of the chimney or allow unwanted things into the chimney liner.  The first thing to inspect is how securely the cap is attached.  Generally, on caps that are screwed into the chimney crown, coming loose should not be much of a problem.  However, if they were not installed correctly and with the right kind of masonry screws, then the existing screws may be coming out and the chimney cap may need to be secured in place again using the correct methods and materials.

The next thing to inspect is the assembly of the chimney cap.  Overtime, whether it is due to the weather, to the heat of the chimney or to animals, parts of the chimney cap may be coming loose.  The metal top of the cap could have warped over the years and could be pulling away from the sides.  If this is the case, then it should be repaired or replaced.  Sometimes, tightening or adding screws may fix the problems.

Another thing to look for is heavy rust.  This should not be an issue on stainless steel chimney cap or copper chimney caps.  However, the galvanized steel caps, which are of lower quality, will eventually begin to rust.  These caps are usually painted black with heat resistant paint, which will help delay the rust, but, overtime the paint will start to crack and peel and rust will begin to set in.  The best thing to do for this is to replace the chimney cap, preferably with a stainless steel cap.

Next, you should ensure that the metal grating or mesh is in excellent shape.  Just because this netting is there to keep bird and animals out, doesn’t mean that the animals won’t still try to get in.  Hopefully, that netting will be in good shape when a pesky squirrely starts pulling at it.  If not, then it will eventually work its way in to the chimney liner.  Also, creosote buildup can occur on the netting which can stop the air flow and hinder the chimney draft.  Even just a little bit of creosote should be removed from the netting.

When to Replace your Chimney Cap

On draft enhancing chimney caps with turbines, it is very easy for those turbines to get clogged up and stop turning altogether.  If this is the case, the best thing to do is to replace the chimney cap.  The turbines can be difficult to clean efficiently and will eventually start clogging up more and more often.

If the netting on the cap is heavily clogged or separating from the rest of the cap, then the chimney cap should be replaced.  The netting is one of the most important parts of the cap and should be kept in excellent condition.  You never know when an animal is going to try and get in there by pulling at it.  If it is weak, then the animal will be successful and you will have an animal removal specialist at your home before you know it.

Any time that you have had a chimney fire, the cap should be replaced.  Chances are, it will be warped up and damaged beyond any recognition if this happens and there will be no choice but to replace it.  If your chimney cap is on a metal chimney liner, and you have had a chimney fire, then you will have to replace the liner as well as the cap.  When you buy a flexible chimney liner kit, it should have the appropriate cap included.

The chimney cap protects the entrance to you chimney and stops rainwater, debris and animals from find their way into the chimney and maybe even into your home.  Inspect it regularly and do not be hesitant to replace a chimney cap that is in bad condition.

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It is important to get the right kind of chimney cap for your chimney in order to maintain the proper functioning of your chimney.  Some chimneys will experience draft problems.  There are certain types of chimney caps out there that will enhance the draft within our chimney.  For the most part, however, a standard chimney cap will do, but it must be the right size in order to fit the chimney flue or chimney liner that it will be capping.

One thing to consider before choosing a cap is the type of chimney liner that you have.  Terracotta or clay chimney liners can be fitted with caps that attach to the inside of the liner or on the outside.  You can only use the outside-mounting chimney caps if the clay liner protrudes a few inches above the top of the chimney crown, otherwise there will be nothing to attach it to.  For flexible metal chimney liners, the caps will be mounted on the inside.

For outside-mount caps, you must measure the outside diameter of the liner.  For the inside mount chimney caps you will obviously need the inside diameter measurement, for this type of cap should slide snuggly into the chimney liner.  More than likely, you will not find a chimney cap with your exact measurements on it; however, the package will have a range of measurements.  Simply choose the one with the range that your measurements are within.

Now that you have chosen the chimney cap that is right for you, and done any necessary assembly, it is time to install it.  For the installation, you will need a screwdriver that will work with the screws that come with the cap, a tall ladder, and an excellent comfort level with heights.  Slide the cap onto, or into, the chimney liner and insert screws in the appropriate screw holes according to the directions.  Attaching these types of chimney caps is a pretty standard procedure except that some will attach on the outside and others will attach on the inside.  For inside mounts, be sure that the screwdriver that you take up the ladder with you will fit easily into the chimney liner while you are tightening the screws.  The fewer trips up and down the ladder, the more accident free your project will be.

There are hundreds and hundreds of different types of chimney caps.  They come in all sizes and shapes.  Some will attach like the ones discussed above, while others will actually mount to the chimney crown.  The type that attach to the crown are generally quite larger than the actual chimney flue, however they are known to hold up to the high winds that some chimneys experience a little better because they are anchored directly to the chimney with masonry screws.  These large chimney caps are particularly useful when you have a large chimney with several flues in it.  These caps can cap off all of the flues with one shot instead of having to install several chimney caps.

For this crown-mounted type of chimney cap, you will need the measurement of the chimney crown.  Then, you will want to select a cap that is a few inches smaller on every side so there will be sufficient space to put the screws in.  Also, there should be a few inches of clearance between the sides of the chimney liners and the sides of the cap.  Another thing to consider is the amount of space between the underside of the top of the cap and the top of the flue.  If there is not sufficient space for air to flow, then the chimney draft will be affected.

Some of these types of chimney caps will include a masonry drill bit to drill the pilot holes.  However, for those that don’t, you will need to have one that will drill a sufficient-sized hole for the screws that are included.  Drilling a pilot hole is important for a couple of reasons: 1) it will be a lot more work to try and drill the screw directly into the concrete crown and 2) if you are able to get the screw started without a pilot hole, then you risk the chance of cracking the cement crown, which will cost more to replace than a single masonry bit would have cost.

Center the chimney cap on the crown and mark where the holes are to be drilled.  Remove the cap and drill the holes.  Then, replace the chimney cap and insert the screws.  This will take a good drill even with the pilot holes.  Don’t overwork yourself trying to put the screws in with a screw driver, especially when working from a ladder.
If you are unsure of what kind of chimney cap will be best for you, then do not hesitate to contact your local chimney professional.  The right chimney cap can mean more efficiency out of your chimney.  Who doesn’t want that?

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