FIREPLACES

and CHIMNEYS

FARMERS'

BULLETIN

NO. 1889

U.S. DEPARTMENT

of AGRICULTURE

THAT THE WORD "HEARTH" is synonymous with "home" in many languages is

not surprising since much of the enjoyment of home and camp life centers

about an open fire. In mild climates a properly built fireplace will heat

a single room, and when equipped with a convection heater will also heat

a second room on the same floor or an upper floor. In colder climates it

is a useful adjunct to other heating systems if provided with a damper.

This bulletin is intended to give the householder and prospective

builder, especially the farmer who might superintend the construction

of his home, a working knowledge of the principles to be observed in

planning and building fireplaces and chimneys. These principles, if

observed, will make the structures useful and satisfactory and insure

their safety.

Safe fireplaces and chimneys that function properly can be built by

applying the principles given in this bulletin, but a good chimney will

not last indefinitely without proper care and repair.

Fireplaces and chimneys, being conspicuous architectural features, should

be pleasing in appearance and conform with the general design of the

building and its surroundings.

This bulletin supersedes Farmers' Bulletin 1649, Construction of Chimneys

and Fireplaces.