How to Properly Build Your New Chimney

Are you planning to install a new masonry chimney in your home? You need to consider a few details first to ensure it’s properly built according to what’s required for your fireplace or woodstove. Other factors must also be considered, such as where on your roof it will be constructed and how it will be maintained. Our roofing and vinyl siding installation experts at Timberland Exteriors has the details:

Design and Support

The design of your new chimney shouldn’t be taken lightly; after all, it’s often the heaviest part installed on a roofing system. When designing a new chimney, it must be built on an eight to 12-inch concrete footing that’s either below or within the level of your home’s foundation. Your chimney must also be at least four inches thick without including the flue, while the exterior part must be at least eight inches thick to provide adequate protection against weather elements.

Placement

In colder climates, if you’re considering placing your chimney on an outside wall of your home instead of on top of your roof, you’re only exposing it more to natural elements. This “outside chimney” isn’t the best type of masonry chimney for any home as the “stack effect” won’t work to pull combustion materials up properly. As a local contractor for roofing and vinyl window installation, we recommend placing your new chimney on top of your roof so that it’s enclosed within the structure of your home. This helps your chimney in providing a warm fire no matter what the temperature is outside!

Maintenance

This is crucial if you want your masonry chimney to work as well as it should. Chimney materials will expand and contract depending on the weather, which can wear down the seals and joints over time. It’s important to have it inspected at least once a year so that any issue can be identified and addressed before they get worse. Having it cleaned professionally is also necessary to ensure the combustion materials rise smoothly and don’t stick to the inner lining.


When it comes to roofing storm damage restorationTimberland Exteriors always gets the job done! If you’re in St. Paul and surrounding MN areas, call us at 651-439-1760 or 218-849-6675 for more information. You can also fill out our online contact form!

Schedule Your

Free Estimate

Contact Us

Convenient Financing Options

We Make Quality Exterior Remodeling Affordable

May 12, 2025
Your roof is one of the most critical components of your home, providing protection from the elements and maintaining the integrity of your living space.
Two men are working on the roof of a house.
April 30, 2025
A roof is one of the most essential parts of your home. It keeps you protected from the elements and plays a critical role in the overall integrity of your house.
A group of people are standing in front of a house under construction.
May 8, 2024
Preparing your home for a roof installation is a crucial step to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible. Taking the time to get your home ready can significantly impact the efficiency and success of your roofing project.
A person is opening a window with a white handle.
April 26, 2024
In today’s environment-conscious market, energy-efficient windows have become a core component of home improvement projects, particularly in areas known for their harsh climates, such as Maplewood, MN.
A large white house with a black roof and red shutters
April 22, 2024
As the remnants of winter melt away and the first blooms of spring start gracing us in Maplewood, MN, it’s a signal for many homeowners to start contemplating home improvement projects that were put on hold during the colder months.
A blue house with white trim and a window
April 19, 2024
In the picturesque landscapes of Maplewood, MN, a home’s exterior is the visual handshake it extends to the neighborhood. Maintaining and enhancing the curb appeal of your property is crucial, not only for fostering a sense of pride but also for augmenting the value of your home.
Roof replacement
April 15, 2024
For homeowners in Maplewood, MN, and the surrounding areas, making decisions about roofing can be daunting. There’s a widespread practice known as a “roof-over,” where a new layer of shingles is installed over the existing one, which might seem cost-effective at first glance.
A large house with a large lawn and patio area in front of it.
March 29, 2024
One aspect that homeowners often overlook when tackling a siding installation or any home improvement project is the importance of a local contractor’s expertise.
An aerial view of a large house with a gray roof and blue shutters.
March 27, 2024
When embarking on a roofing project, the array of terminology used by professionals can sometimes be daunting. Understanding these terms is not just about making informed decisions for your home’s exterior but also about communicating effectively with your contractors.
A large house with a lush green lawn in front of it.
March 25, 2024
In the world of home improvement and design, a feature window isn’t just an opening in the wall; it’s a statement piece that transforms the aesthetics and functionality of your living spaces.
Show More