Roof Anatomy
What is Chimney?
Roofing Glossary · Roof Anatomy
Definition
A vertical masonry or metal structure projecting above the roofline that creates the draft for a fireplace, furnace, or boiler. Where the chimney passes through the roof, it requires step flashing along the sides, counter flashing embedded in the mortar joints, and often a cricket or saddle on its uphill side. Chimney flashing is one of the most common points of water infiltration in residential roofing.
Related Roofing Terms
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FlashingThin strips of impervious metal — typically galvanized steel, aluminum, or lead — installed at joint...
→Step FlashingIndividual rectangular pieces of metal flashing installed in an alternating staircase pattern at the...
→Counter FlashingMetal flashing embedded in the mortar joints or surface of a chimney or wall that overlaps the step ...
→CricketA small, peaked or saddle-shaped secondary roof structure built behind a chimney or other wide verti...
→SaddleA synonym for cricket — the peak-shaped secondary roof built uphill of a chimney or wide penetration...
More Roof Anatomy Terms
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