5 Critical Things to Know About Chimney System Design

It’s not a mystery: chimney systems are designed for a specific purpose—to remove steam, exhaust and other gases from a facility, and to do so efficiently, safely, reliably, comfortably and for a reasonable cost. After all, an inadequate system can lead to grease and exhaust leaks, condensation and other safety and environmental hazards. To ensure your chimney system is working properly and installed correctly, look out for these five things to know about chimney system design.

1. Appliance Parameters

Engineering design choices for chimney systems are influenced by a wide variety of factors, all originating the type of appliance that needs to be vented, the purpose for that appliance and the specific conditions in which that appliance functions. Each of these, and more, will inform design decisions that will ultimately lead to the safest, most efficient system:

• Exhaust temperature and flow rate
• Outlet style and location
• Fuel being used
• Available space and distance to vent the appliance outside
• Unique conditions (high heat or cold, rapid temperature changes, potential obstructions or extreme use cases, etc.)

At Schebler Chimney Systems, we gather all the required information before recommending a chimney system design. Only with a complete understanding of the requirements for your appliance can we create a complete and optimal chimney system design. A complete solution to us means taking into consideration all impacting factors such as geometry, space, technical conditions and aesthetics, among other elements, to provide the best outcomes.

2. Measure Twice, Cut Once

It’s a familiar saying, but it absolutely applies to chimney system design. Detailed field measurements are a must to get the specifics of the final system correct. Getting them right at the submittal stage is critical and sets a project up for success right out of the gate. Oftentimes, the contractor may perform these measurements; at other times, it could be the distributor or the architect. Regardless, the best foot forward starts with making sure the person doing the measuring is experienced at doing so.

Of course, not every measurement will be 100% correct every time, and some measurements might be impossible to determine until installation begins. At Schebler, we know it sometimes makes sense to hold off releasing parts until after their measurements can be confirmed. The most efficient and effective system will be designed to fit the space—not wedged into or around the space—and that’s why we have a whole team of expert systems designers and engineers committed to making sure that’s what we deliver.

3. Code Compliance Is Only the Beginning

Familiarity with international, national and local codes is mandatory for a safe and effective chimney system design. Inspections can fail if proper protocols or procedures aren’t followed. At the same time, it’s important to design smartly and efficiently, complying with relevant codes but doing it in the way that makes the most sense for the appliance, the application, the space and the overall project need. While a non-compliant system simply isn’t an option, and a code-compliant system is of course better than a non-compliant one, an elegantly designed, code-compliant system is the best solution of all. Make sure your engineering and manufacturing partner is satisfying all relevant codes in the way that makes the most sense for your project.

4. One Size Does Not Fit All

There are many benefits of prefabricated chimney systems, with one of the biggest advantages being the ability to configure standard, manufactured parts to create customized systems. However, sometimes an off-the-shelf part isn’t the best option. Some spaces simply require a custom part, and it’s important to both understand that could be a possibility for your project and work with a team that can design that special part to fit your needs. Savings from custom parts can be surprising. For example, if one custom part can take the place of three standard ones in a design, then there is an opportunity to eliminate risk and cost—especially when installation time and difficulty is factored in.

At Schebler, we take a holistic approach, not just looking at how well the part fits but what is needed to install it. Will it need a lift? A crane? One team member or an entire crew? We work hard to think ahead, design the system around your space and avoid extra expense or unwelcome surprises.

5. Collaboration Is Key

After the parts are sent, is the design complete? What if something that was measured and remeasured isn’t exactly right? What if a part you thought was perfect, is anything but? What if you have questions, or a problem comes up and you’re not sure what to do?

When a project comes in, we draw it, we quote it, we provide necessary calculations—we do everything to the highest level of quality and diligence to make sure your project kicks off right. From there, we refine the project through filters of supplied information and discretion until we ultimately have an installed system that works just as it’s supposed to, in the most efficient way possible.

A quality manufacturer, like Schebler, never considers a job completely finished until the customer says it is. Even if our drawing has been given the green light, we ensure all parts fit and work to their specifications. We work through every customer question, every project specification and unique need to ensure we are providing the best solution. After all, we take pride in providing a service, not just a product—and that’s why we support and collaborate closely with our partners and customers from project start to finish.

The Certainty of Schebler Chimney System Design

When working with your manufacturer, contractor or distributor, you want the certainty of quality, performance and longevity built into any chimney stack design. If you’ve worked with Schebler, you know what a difference—and what a relief— it is working with a company that combines expertise with care.

Contact Schebler to help develop your next chimney system design.

Or, if you’re an existing customer, we’d love to hear about our last project together and how we helped make it successful.