Difference between chimney stack and chimney breast
In the UK, the terms “chimney stack” and “chimney breast” refer to different parts of a chimney system.
A chimney stack is the entire structure that rises above the roof of a building and includes the chimney flue, which is the interior space through which smoke and other gases escape from a fire or heating appliance. The chimney stack is the visible part of the chimney that extends above the roofline and is usually made of brick or stone.
A chimney breast, on the other hand, is the portion of the chimney that extends from the fireplace or stove up to the chimney stack. It is the vertical part of the chimney that is located inside the building, usually within a room. The chimney breast is usually made of brick or stone and can take up valuable living space.
In summary, the chimney stack is the exterior part of the chimney system and the chimney breast is the interior part that extends from the fireplace to the chimney stack. When people refer to removing a chimney breast, they typically mean removing the portion of the chimney that is located inside the building.
