Definition – Terminology
Closed and open fireplaces

This terminology concerns open fireplaces, whether or not fitted with a heat recovery unit, and fireplaces fitted with a closed hearth or insert (Reference NF DTU 24.2 P1-1 (December 2006): "Travaux de bâtiment – Travaux d'âtrerie" – Part 1-1: Cahier des clauses techniques + Amendement A1 (December 2011) (Classification index: P51-202-1-1) using wood exclusively as fuel.

Refer to the illustrations in figures 1 and 2.

Air intake: specially designed orifice to supply the air needed for combustion.

Valance: part of the chimney, generally in the shape of a truncated pyramid, which caps the hearth and connects it to the flue, channelling the smoke. It rests on the supports and on the counter-core, and must...