Evolution of Chimney over the Ages

EVOLUTION OF CHIMNEY OVER THE AGES IN ENGLAND, most of the people lived in simple houses that can be warmed with single open fire which burnt at the middle of the house. People used to gather some combustible materials which they use to cook during the day and huddled around it for warmth at night. HOWEVER, when the two-story houses came into existence, fire could not be burnt at the middle of the floor anymore. So, the fire was shifted to the wall. At first, holes are made at the exterior walls so that smoke can escape. 12TH CENTURY :::::::: Eventually flues were constructed to control downdraft. Chimneys first appeared in the large dwellings in northern Europe in the 12th century. 16TH AND 17TH CENTURIES Chimneys become common in the houses during the 16th and 17th centuries. Smoke hoods was the early method of collecting the smoke into a chimney. Chimney in common houses were first built of wood and plaster or mud. After a few days, in both and small large buildings chimneys are made of stone or brick. Early chimneys are simple brick structures and later these were constructed by placing bricks around the tile liners. Coal is also used as an alternative. COAL IS COMMONLY USED FOR THE DOMESTIC FIREPLACES. BUT THE COAL SMOKE WAS MUCH MORE TOXIC AND THEREFORE REQUIRED SOPHISTICATE VENTILATION. Each of the coal fireplaces required vast amount of fuel and several hours of maintenance per week. It only grew the demand of professional chimney sweep. AFTER THE GREAT FIRE OF LONDON IN 1666, New building regulations demanded narrower chimneys. Professional chimney cleaners started using young boys to clean out the soot that often clog the chimney airflow. In the Victorian era, the governmental regulations curbed the use of children for cleaning process. 18TH CENTURY, From the beginning of the 18th century, innovations of central heating systems began to replace the fireplaces for heat. THE GROWING ENERGY BILLS HOWEVER, FORCED THE HOMEOWNERS TO RETURN TO THE TRADITIONAL FORM FIREPLACES AGAIN. Rain cowl However, the modern chimney is lot more sophisticated. The intricate structure protects the inner liner from the detrimental weather condition and the by-products of combustion. Chimney pot Closing plate Top fixing clamp Rockwool insulation sleeves Steel register plate with clamp that holds the flex adapter Flex pipe adapter connects to stove flue pipe Stove flue pipe running from the stove to the flex pipe adaptér en Stove Mordern fireplace is a thing of beauty that enhances the interior decore 07587 134589 www.jamesthesweep.co.uk JAMES THE SWEEP Source:http://pottery.about.com/od/potterygloassary/g/downdraft.htm