Outdoor Fireplaces

Glossary

Find a Local Concrete Contractor

Know the outdoor fireplace lingo: Study this quick guide and sound like a pro.

Chimney – system for venting hot flue smoke from fireplace thru chimney or "stack effect" (the pressure difference between outside air and heated air inside room or firebox)

Damper – a valve or plate that regulates smoke and air flow up the chimney. Indoors a damper allows you to close off the chimney when not in use and eliminate draft. Dampers are optional in outdoor fireplaces. Firemagic makes a prefabricated damper/smoke shelf that eliminates guesswork.

Draw – the action of the smoke rising in the flue due to buoyancy (hot gas, like smoke is more buoyant than cool air)

Firebox – the actual size of the area that will contain the fire, usually lined with fire-bricks for thermal protection

Firebrick – blocks of refractory ceramic that protect your firebox structure. Use a matching fire retardant grout mix

Flue – duct, pipe or vent that directs smoke up the chimney

Lintel – a horizontal beam or header used to support the top of the firebox opening. Usually a simple metal "L" bracket

Smoke shelf – curved space above the firebox beow the damper that reduces down draft and promotes draw

Spark arrestor – metal screen mesh device intended to prevent sparks or other flaming debris from escaping into other areas. There are simple and decorative options available. Some spark arrestors have a rain guard to prevent water from dousing your fire.

Return to Outdoor Fireplaces

Site Sponsors