Chimney siding and trim are unique parts of the home. Finding itself getting wrapped in with the siding of the entire home, yet the siding on your chimney has its own specific needs. It ascends to one of if not, the highest point of the home. It’s something we see so often and yet, think so little about. At least until we decide to repaint our homes, notice some rotten portions of the siding. Then, it can become a lingering thought, one that decides to hang around in the mind, and not only that but a thought that can spawn many more questions.
- “Is this chimney safe?”
- “Do prefab chimneys need to be cleaned?”
- “Should my chase be insulated?”
Those among many other questions, all of which can be a little overwhelming to most homeowners. In this post, we will narrow down some of your questions about chimney chase siding and trim… and more!
Some Important Prefab Parts of Your Chimney Chase
What is a “prefab”?
Prefabricated fireplaces are manufactured off-site in a factory. They undergo testing in these facilities to ensure safety and proper function. A plus to a prefab is that of easier installation than a traditional masonry fireplace and chimney. They are also quite versatile in the units that can be installed into the chase and the siding material used on the outside.
What is the “chimney chase”?
The chase refers to the space inside the chimney that runs from the fireplace to the top of the chimney.
What is a “chase cover”?
A chase cover refers to the covering or “lid” on top of the chase itself. Think of a shoebox lid, for example. The chase cover protects from weather entry, leaves, or animals finding their way inside but also allows the metal pipe inside the chase to pass through and expel flue gases.
Setting Prefab Chimneys Apart From Masonry
What sets these two types apart? Well, of course, one is constructed from brick or stone and mortar, and the other is made from one of many different siding materials. That’s another versatility of prefab chimneys. There are several different options for the outside. Some of those are Hardie siding, various stone veneers, and vinyl. Each of those options has its unique look. Vinyl and Hardie siding offer another layer, in that they are painted and have trim pieces. With those, they can flow into your home, giving a more modern aesthetic, one that can blend in, or stand out. How else might masonry and prefab chimneys compare?
Maintenance/Durability:
Prefab chimneys: Prefabs come with a metal flue system which is typically easier to clean and maintain that cleanliness over time. With that, proper maintenance and safe usage of the fireplace will help extend its life and help to boost the efficiency of the system as a whole. Not the mention the most important aspect of safety for you, your family, and your home itself.
Masonry chimneys: While certainly not impossible to keep clean, older masonry chimneys come with an “expiration date” on their clay liner systems that provide more unique challenges to that cleaning process. The possibility of an escape of flue gases into the home, the build of creosote, and its dangers are more prevalent with masonry chimneys that still operate with the use of a clay liner system.
Visit our service page for more info on those issues and their solutions such as the installation of a stainless steel liner system.
Aesthetics of the Fireplace and Chimney:
The Modern Look of Prefabricated Chimneys: Prefab chimneys are a more modern and versatile format. The siding materials can differ in not only color but also material. Combined with the accenting trim pieces (if applicable to your siding material) and paint choices, the chimney can truly blend in and become a seamless contour of your home. On the same note; provide an avenue inside the home to “blend in” or become its unique centerpiece; a versatility that isn’t always possible with masonry work.
The Classic Style of Masonry Chimneys: Timeless. Masonry, be it brick, stone, or even a combination of the two can add a certain timeless elegance to your home. Pieces of the home that draw the eye to them, both on the outside and of course on the inside as the centerpiece of the room that they happen to be in. However, depending upon your personal preferences, this could be the opposite of your desires for your home, and concealing masonry can be an expensive and timely task.
The Layered Costs of Repairs Can Vary Drastically from One Job to the Next Depending on Many Factors!
Chimney Repair Cost is a multi-layered consideration that can be applied to both prefab and masonry. The short-term costs would be the maintenance, possible installs, and repairs or desired changes that arise. Another layer to cost is the long-term investment. A fireplace will add value to your home and will continue to do so as long as the fireplace and chimney are taken care of. Where the two may differ is in the cost of repairs. Repairs will be needed over time. A difference is in the materials. Masonry is more durable and therefore will have a longer life span than prefab chimneys. But, with good maintenance, one can generally expect a lifespan of around fifteen to twenty years. A masonry chimney can have a lifespan of fifty or more years, with good maintenance.
The lifespan of a prefab chimney chase and its trim can be shortened by many different things. The sun will have a huge impact on your siding, probably being the most constant offender. Being vigilant about peeling paint and repainting when needed will help extend the life of your prefab chimney. Water entry, however, is quite possibly the most dangerous offender to your siding. Improperly sealed prefab chimney’s allow water entry every time it rains or snows, which in turn will allow the issue to not only persist but grow worse. Rotting boards are things to keep an eye out for. Sealing the chase properly can be done with caulking in all of the joints and seems as well as over any exposed nail or screw heads from the construction of the chase and painting overtop that will add even further security.
Caulking:
While doing siding and trim, as with many other construction projects, caulking is a must. A multi-purposed tool, caulking seals the seams, and joints and covers nail heads in your siding and trim. Sealing these areas helps protect your chimney from the elements, moisture damage, and pest entry and adds life to your chimney overall.
Silicone Caulking:
Silicone caulking is a durable and flexible form of caulking. Typically a bit pricer than its latex counterpart, however, silicone is still a solid choice as it can last for up to twenty years when properly applied.
Latex Caulking:
A bit less expensive than silicone; latex caulking is another choice you will find while in the hardware store. This type of caulking is often referred to as “painters caulk”. When looking to apply latex outdoors, look for vinyl latex caulking which is designed to have added durability in all forms of weather. A caulking gun will be needed to apply. Other tools to assist with caulking and its application also exist.
Chimney Paint:
Paint is another multi-purpose tool for your homes chimney. Most noticeably, aesthetics; making your home look and feel the way you want is an important part of owning a home. The less obvious but more crucial task of paint is to protect your home. Shielding your siding and trim from the elements is a must to extend the life of your chimney, all the while, making your home look exactly the way you want it to!
Types of Paint:
Water-Based Exterior Paint: The best choice for vinyl siding; Water based paint is naturally breathable and durable. Expanding and contracting with the home, it is less likely to crack or peel while also not trapping moisture. In preparation for paint, both oil and water-based primers are okay to use with water- based paint.
Oil-Based Exterior Paint: Longer lasting than water-based, oil-based paints penetrate the working surface and are known for their gloss finishes and stain blocking. However, this type of paint may crack or peel over time. The use of oil-based primer is a must when using oil-based paint.
In summary
The choice of chimney is a layered one. Perhaps though, the chief factor in any decisions you may make would be cost. But also personal preference in the above areas.
Making the proper choices depending on your type of chimney is important. Every choice has weight to it and each can add life to your chimney and your home. Things like paint and caulking are a must where applicable, like on siding and trim for a prefab chimney and moisture protection on a masonry chimney. Both masonry and prefabs have their unique benefits and challenges but one thing they do share is the ability to bring people together in the home. A warm place to gather and enjoy one another’s company, these things are priceless and a fireplace of any kind can offer a spot to build those memories upon.
