Although Chicago is known as the Windy City, it is in fact less windy than many other major American cities. Average wind speeds range from 8 miles per hour (13 km/h) in late summer to 12 miles per hour (19 km/h) in spring months.
A flue is a duct, pipe, or opening in a chimney for conveying exhaust gases from a fireplace, furnace, water heater, boiler, or generator to the outdoors.
Fireplace Andirons. Your fireplace, properly accented, is the visual focal point of the room as well as the center of your homeâs family and social life. Fireplace andirons, placed inside the firebox, are an important accent for a well-appointed fireplace. Decorative or Functional? When shopping for fireplace andirons itâs important to note the length of the shankâor âdogââthat the logs rest upon. At right, see an example of decorative andirons with short shanks. Andirons with 4-5 inch long shanks are purely decorative. They are made to go in front of a fireplace grate.