Chimney breast
A chimney is typically a stone, block or brick structure consisting of a wall or walls enclosing one or more flues. A chimney breast is the part of the chimney structure that projects into or out of the building.
A flue is a passage that conveys the products of combustion from a combustion appliance to the outside air.
The front of the chimney breast is carried over and above a fireplace on a structure referred to as a chimney bar. A fireplace is a very simple combustion chamber, with or without front door, in which fuels are oxidised to obtain thermal energy, which is transferred into a space mainly by radiation.
In many older buildings fireplaces may have been removed, but the chimney breast may have been retained as they can form a significant part of the structure supporting the building. Where fireplaces have been removed, it is best practice to introduce ventilation at the bottom of the flue and to leave it open at the top (perhaps with a cowl to prevent rainwater penetration) to prevent the accumulation of moisture and potential deterioration of the structure. Unused flues may be filled with inert insulating material such as vermiculite that allows some continued movement of air for ventilation.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Ministers to unleash biggest building boom in half a century
50 major infrastructure projects, 5 billion for housing and 1.5 million homes.
RIBA Principal Designer Practice Note published
With key descriptions, best practice examples and FAQs, with supporting template resources.
Electrical businesses brace for project delays in 2025
BEB survey reveals over half worried about impact of delays.
Accelerating the remediation of buildings with unsafe cladding in England
The government publishes its Remediation Acceleration Plan.
Airtightness in raised access plenum floors
New testing guidance from BSRIA out now.
Picking up the hard hat on site or not
Common factors preventing workers using head protection and how to solve them.
Building trust with customers through endorsed trades
Commitment to quality demonstrated through government endorsed scheme.
New guidance for preparing structural submissions for Gateways 2 and 3
Published by the The Institution of Structural Engineers.
CIOB launches global mental health survey
To address the silent mental health crisis in construction.
New categories in sustainability, health and safety, and emerging talent.
Key takeaways from the BSRIA Briefing 2024
Not just waiting for Net Zero, but driving it.
The ISO answer to what is a digital twin
Talking about digital twins in a more consistent manner.
Top tips and risks to look out for.
New Code of Practice for fire and escape door hardware
Published by GAI and DHF.
Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication
Pertinent technical issues, retrofit measures and the roles involved.
New alliance will tackle skills shortage in greater Manchester
The pioneering Electrotechnical Training and Careers Alliance.