Tall Chimney Pots

Many modern chimneys are too short - too short to be architecturally significant and "look right". As A.J. Downing wrote in 1861,

"Chimney-tops generally occupy the highest portions of the roof, breaking against the sky boldly, and if enriched, will not only increase the expression of purpose, but add also to the picturesque beauty of the composition."

Many modern chimneys are also too short to function well. Not to get technical, but chimneys should be taller than any part of the roof so that they draw better than the house does. A chimney serving a fireplace in a one story family room attached to a three story house may meet code by being "two feet higher than any part of the roof within ten feet" but still may not be able to compete with an open window or skylight on the top floor of the main house.

So, here's a solution. Some of our clay chimney pots, like the Magnum Es shown here, are made in sections. You can use two or three middle sections to create an extra tall - six, eight feet tall or taller - clay chimney pot. It'll make AJ happy and it will work better.

PS: You can leave out the middle section to make a short pot too, although I don't know why anyone would.


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