Chimney pots top the stack: they are aesthetically appealing, increase draft, keep in sparks, and keep out debris, animals, and wind

Masonry Construction, Sept, 2003 by Ola Lessard

There is an expression that reads something like this: "Aim for the stars. You may not get there but you will rise higher than those who reach for the chimney pots."

In reality, an increasing number of today's homeowners, builders, and architects are reaching for chimney pots, and it behooves the mason to learn more about these age-old, but newly-in-demand, chimney top accessories. They are an attractive, affordable alternative to metal chimney caps and exposed flue pipes, but there is much more to them.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of what chimney pots are, their benefits, and how to install them.

Small piece of history

Chimney pots have been around for centuries, but were most extensively used during the mid- 1800s to early 1900s when coal was the heating fuel of choice. Chimney pots increased the draft by adding height to the shaft. This feature was especially important with coal fireplaces because it minimized the amount of soot and fumes that entered the home.

Chimney pots are most commonly associated with Great Britain, but also have a long architectural history in the United States. Even today, they are a common sight in certain American cities such as Cincinnati, Philadelphia, and Louisville, whose neighborhoods still reflect the early 1900s' mass production of small, coal-burning homes and apartments.

Scattered farmhouses, Tudors, Victorians, and commercial structures across the nation also have maintained their original chimney pots. But sadly, as old mortar eventually cracked, countless other pots were literally allowed to fall from the rooftops and be discarded. Without noticing, America was slowly losing a small, but interesting, piece of its masonry history.

Humble pot makes a comeback

Fortunately, chimney pots have recently been rediscovered. Homeowners, masons, architects, and builders are specifying chimney pots as an alternative to less attractive metal wind and rain guards and flue pipes. In the process, they are adding a new level of character and interest to both period and modern styled homes, even when those residences sit in a sea of mass-produced look-alikes. Likewise, chimney pots are increasingly showing up on both new and restored schools, libraries, and other community-based architecture.

This resurgence has little to do with utility. While chimney pots are still sought out fur their ability to increase draft, they are most commonly specified for other, less sensible reasons. In short, they add a style and charm that is difficult to duplicate through other means.

Finding the Deflect Dot

With names like the Pittsburgh Octagon, Halifax Hooded Three-Bowl, Bradford Windguard, and Tulip Top Tall Boy, there is little doubt as to the variety and character that exists among these terra cotta roof toppers. "There are literally hundreds of styles available, but you have got to know where to look," said Mike Bentley, owner of the world's largest supplier of the products, the Chimney Pot Shoppe.

Different countries--and even regions--offer distinct styles and coloration. American-made pots are typically red clay and tend to be thicker and heavier than those from other countries. Chimney pots from England and Australia are available in red, buff, manganese, and other tones; and their strong, thin walls make them lighter and easier to transport. Glazes vary by area, and regional weather conditions affect the shape and style of pots. In antique pots, the patina is dependent on climate and other factors.

"Selecting the right pot for the chimney and the house is part personal preference and part science," emphasized Bentley. Color, glaze (or lack thereof), new or antique, and size and shape all have an effect on the overall look and presentation of the house or building it adorns. In some cases, the result is subtle; in others, quite dramatic.

Smaller, rounder pots create a sense of warmth and welcome, while larger versions imply strength. Unusual shapes, such as dragons, turreted poles, or the relatively common bishops (as in chess), offer immediate character to the masonry and architecture that lie below and around it. More expensive custom chimney pots come with several advantages; their color, size, and shape are limited only by the imagination of the designer and the properties of the material.

Large houses or buildings frequently have more than one chimney and multiple flues per chimney. Since the rule of thumb is one chimney pot per flue, having both large and small sizes and combinations of different styles offer tremendous design freedom.

But the "science" remains. While aesthetics guide much of the selection process, correctly sizing chimney pots to the flue should not be overlooked. Not every pot belongs on every house, so it is important to work with an experienced distributor who can guide the purchaser to the right products.

When bigger is better

Many of today's bigger homes also sport larger fireplaces, chimneys, and flues. In these cases, people can use magnum pots, which are larger than their Victorian-era counterparts. A typical magnum pot might have an outside base dimension of 21 inches, compared to 14 inches for its smaller cousin.