A modern home is not complete without a fireplace. Not only does a fireplace bring class and artistry but also brings comfort and warmth chimneys are venting avenues built on top of buildings to channel out smoke from a fireplace, furnace, or stove. Residential chimneys and fireplaces in Kenya are designed and constructed to perform the same basic functions which are to provide fire protection and safely convey the combustion by-products to the outside of the building. The chimney height and the flue area are the most critical factors in chimney desire. Owing to their ability to last long when well maintained, brick and stone fireplaces are the most popular.
Good quality bricks are more durable and less labor-intensive compared to stone fireplaces. Bricks also come in various patterns and are often half the price of stone fireplaces.
What you need to know when building a chimney for your residential home in Kenya
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Chimney height
Chimney height is important to ensure a proper draft that pulls combustion fumes outside through the chimney, it should be 3 feet higher than the point at which the chimney connects with the roof to eliminate fire hazards.
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Placement of masonry chimney
Choosing the perfect position for placing your chimney is more than just the home design. You need to know where to correctly place the chimney in order for it to function optimally.
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Chimney support
A masonry chimney is usually the heaviest and therefore requires to be properly supported by a concrete footing underneath the chimney or at the foundation level.
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Chimney wall thickness
A masonry chimney must have walls at least 4 inches thick excluding the flue. The exterior portion of the chimney walls should be at least 8 inches thick to provide the needed protection against the outdoor elements.
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Insulation
The chimney used for the supplemental heat source should be properly insulated.
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Chimney lining
The lining of the flue should have proper dimensions and height similar to that of the chimney and relative to the fireplace opening. The flue protects the combustible parts of the home from being exposed to extreme temperatures. If the flue is in the wrong size the appliance cant work as intended.
Types of chimneys for residential houses in Kenya.
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Brick chimney
This chimney type is the most common and a standard choice for homeowners in Kenya because of its affordability and looks clean when installed correctly. Not only do brick chimneys match any home or roof, but they are also known for being practical and durable, this chimney type, however, is porous ad can have issues in a wet environment.
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Metal chimneys
Because of their versatile look metal chimneys can fit with almost any design. They are naturally resistant to nuisances and match well with both modern and industrial homes, however, homeowners have to watch out for running their fireplaces too hot since the metal can warp.
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Stone chimney
These chimneys have a tough surface and each of them is unique because every stone is different. They are also porous but unlike brick chimneys, they are not susceptible to erosion. assembling a stone chimney is expensive and requires more time and effort unlike any other chimney.
Bottom line
Chimneys and fireplaces are aesthetically and visually pleasing while pulling the appearance of a residential home in Kenya together. Determining the type of chimney to use comes down to the homeowner’s budget and preferences but any of them would fit perfectly with the right style. For pollution-conscious individuals, electric and gas fireplaces are a bit more environmentally friendly and emit fewer harmful emissions.
