In the modern world, it is a real pleasure to make repairs and improve the dwelling and the area around it. A wide range of diverse products, the latest developments in the fields of construction and design and other advantages make this work easier. Progress did not pass by the roof, the design of attic windows and chimneys.
The chimney cap is not only aesthetically necessary, but also carries a large functional load. A variety of forms, materials, methods of fastening make the heads a recognizable detail, but they also improve the operation of the heating system.
Chimney head functionality
The hood over the chimney has many varieties. But their functions are similar:
- Improving chimney draft. The tip of the brick chimney is designed so that the draft increases due to external air flows.
- Protection of the pipe against external precipitation, debris and flame attenuation.
- Obstruction of pressure drops in the chimney, normalization of the existing pressure for more efficient operation of the heating system.
Thus, the installation of the head on the chimney pipe is not just a whim, but an important part of the entire heating system. When choosing this element, it should be remembered that in it, as in any device, it has its own nuances.
Types of chimney tips
For each type of fuel it is worth picking up your cap. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. There are four options available today:
- The most common and common form is an umbrella. Now it has many different shapes, it can be flat, convex, rounded, etc. The most important thing is to pay attention to the quality of workmanship.
- Hood with a hip roof. This is a fairly powerful, large element. Slopes of a triangular or trapezoidal shape are characteristic of this species.
- Convertible hood. It can be of any shape. As a rule, it differs in that various decorative elements, weathercocks are installed on top of it. This is a convenient tip in operation.
- Deflector - the tip of the chimney is the most common for rooms requiring enhanced traction.
Nuances
It is important to pay attention to the material from which the head is made. But the material of the chimney is no less important. The correct and effective operation of the heating system depends on a competent combination and accounting for the type of fuel. If a new project is being developed for heating, it is necessary to consider the fuel before building the chimney. If the system is ready, it is not recommended to change the adapted fuel to another type.
What to lay the chimney from?
When designing a chimney design, it is necessary to take into account many factors that it provides, for example:
- Material and location of the pipe.
- Necessary draft, shape, section, height and thermal insulation of the chimney.
- The passage of the chimney through floor floors and the passage through the roof.
- The location of the head on the roof and design features.
If it is gas heating, it is preferable to use stainless steel for the chimney. This material, resistant to high temperatures, is not susceptible to most types of corrosion, is light in weight and quite durable, unlike galvanized steel. For solid fuels, this option is completely unsuitable. The temperature will be many times higher, and steel will not withstand such a pressure for a long time.
So-called sandwich chimneys are also made from a steel pipe, when the pipe is covered with an additional layer of thermal insulation, which allows installing such an element not only indoors, but also outside.
Ceramic chimney is very durable, but there are high requirements for installing one. First of all, you need to make sure that the foundation of the house is designed for the weight of such a channel. Then you need to make sure that the layout of the room will allow you to make the pipe strictly upright, since only this position guarantees good traction. Suitable for almost any fuel, as it is considered the most durable and durable.
The most expensive is a coaxial chimney. It is the most modern. Supplied with modules, the assembly is ultra-fast and uncomplicated. The main plus is increased security. It is also versatile and suitable for various fuels.
Brick chimneys are not recommended for gas heating, the draft of a heavy and massive construction will be small, and regular cleaning is required. Moreover, the service life is short. But it is ideal for a solid fuel boiler.
Having decided on the chimney and fuel, do not forget that the latter can change. Therefore, the chimney is better to choose the most versatile. With this in the future, you can replace the boiler, without additional modifications.
Production material
The leader in the ratio of durability and aesthetics is copper. However, it should be borne in mind that with the tip of the chimney made of copper, it is necessary to ensure perfectly correct installation and use exclusively copper mounts. Indeed, in combination with another metal, copper oxidizes very quickly.
The head on a brick chimney pipe is often put out of steel. This material is less durable than copper, but it is several times cheaper. This tip is perfect for a sandwich chimney. But it is important to choose steel. By the way, the head of a coaxial chimney is made of aluminum.
Other models
No less common are elements made of an alloy of zinc-titanium. They are similar to copper heads in both technical and external characteristics. But they also require proper installation.
A relatively new model on the market is polymer models. However, they have already established themselves as very fragile.
Features
When choosing a tip, it is important to remember that the main thing is not external characteristics, but technical ones. Do not install colored heads for boilers with dry fuel. They do not withstand high temperatures, quickly change color, and the paint begins to peel off.
Modern models have various lotions, for example, spark catchers, a built-in deflector, various decorations and weathercocks.
It should be noted that the shape is important not only to improve the quality of the chimney, but also so that during precipitation the water does not freeze along the edges of the head and the snow does not accumulate at the sides. Therefore, it is better to purchase models with sloping edges that sufficiently cover the edges of the chimney.
How to put a cap on the roof?
When designing a heating system with a chimney, it is very important to observe safety measures. In such projects, neglecting the rules is dangerous not only for one's own life, but also for the lives of all residents of the premises. When designing, it is important to consider the weight of the system. This is necessary so that the foundation of the room can withstand the load. The features of the fuel and chimney, the conclusion of the latter and the placement of the tip on the roof of the house are taken into account. It is important to know these points:
- If the roof ridge is made of fire hazardous materials, a chimney of at least a meter and a half must be discharged.
- When the distance of the chimney from the ridge of the roof from one and a half meters or less, the head must be installed higher, at least 50 centimeters.
- With a chimney on the roof above a meter, it is necessary to install extensions. Otherwise, the chimney will be unstable.
There are many rules, but they must be observed for the safety of oneself and one's family.
Tips from the wizard to install the tip yourself
Having some knowledge and skills, it is quite possible not only to establish, but also to create a headroom with your own hands. If you did not have to work with something like this, it is better to call the wizard.
When installing the hood, you need to consider its compatibility with the chimney, in terms of functionality and size. The fusion of the chimney and the base of the head should be without gaps, strong and compatible in technical specifications.
It is easiest to install steel caps yourself. In modern construction, the chimney almost always has a standard size, under which it is easy to pick up a head.
In work, it is important to observe safety precautions and safety precautions, fix the ladder, have the necessary tools, and it is best to use additional insurance (cable) during operation.
Before installing the head, it is better to disassemble it, and before starting work, understand the principle, and only after that proceed with the operation. Standard caps have the 3 most important details: base, diffuser and umbrella. The base is attached to the chimney pipe with special bolt mounts. It must be secured firmly enough, fully tightening the bolts. Then a deflector is installed, and after - an umbrella.
Minor details require considerable attention. Remember that you should not save on trifles. As a rule, the performance of the entire element depends on them.