7 Tips for Choosing the Best Garden Chimney

With their striking, tower-like appearance and capacity to add another dimension to your garden, chimneys are a great way to introduce an atmospheric element to any outdoor space. As well as providing a natural focal point and serving as the perfect habitat for geese and other wildlife, chimneys also have the benefit of introducing beneficial outside air into your home in the colder months. That’s right—chimneys aren’t just for keeping witches out. They are also a great way of introducing cool, fresh air into your home during the summer when it’s most needed. If you want to find out more about why you need a chimney in your garden and which ones are best for you, keep reading for our top tips!

Check if your chimney is compliant

Before you start shopping, you need to be sure that your chimney is compliant. In Europe, chimneys are required to have a flue and be connected to the masonry wall of the house through a stovepipe. If you have an existing chimney, it’s worth checking your house’s building regulations before starting any work. Alternatively, you can install a freestanding chimney without needing to link it to the building. For chimneys in the United States, local building codes vary widely so, again, it’s worth checking these before you commit to buying a product.

Stainless steel or iron?

Stainless steel and iron are both commonly used materials for chimneys. Stainless steel, however, is more often used these days as it’s more eco-friendly and rust resistant. Indeed, some stainless steel chimneys are designed to last up to 60 years. Stainless steel chimneys can be further customized, too, with different color options available. Iron chimneys, meanwhile, are more traditional and can be cheaper to buy and install. Iron chimneys are available in different grades, so you can opt for a higher-quality product if you wish.

Chimney height and location

The height and location of your garden chimney will depend on the house it is being attached to. Generally, you should have the chimney at least 10 feet above any hard standing and 2 feet above any soft landscaping. You should also have the chimney at least 10 feet from any buildings or overhead wires. You may need to check that the maximum height of your chimney does not interfere with your roof. The location of your chimney is important, too. It’s worth checking that your chimney isn’t in a position that will cause it to catch on fire as it will be fully exposed to the elements. Garden chimneas

Don’t forget the ventilation

You might think that a chimney is all about bringing in fresh air, but it’s also important to create a natural outflow through the chimney to prevent backdraft. You can do this by installing a specialist flue damper, which will help to regulate the flow of air through your chimney. Typically, you want a balanced flow; not too much air going in or out. That’s why you need a flue damper that will close when not needed and open when there is an excess of outside air.

Conclusion

There are lots of reasons to install a chimney in your garden. Whether you want to create an atmospheric focal point or add a great habitat for wildlife, a chimney will do the trick. When choosing the right chimney for your space, it’s worth considering everything from the materials used to the height of the chimney and the location. Choosing the right chimney can transform your garden, so it’s well worth investing the time to find the perfect one for you!

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