Local Chase Cover Installation: Trust SureGlow for Help With Your Prefabricated Chimney
On the hunt for chase cover installation services near you? SureGlow is the team to hire for local chimney and fireplace repair and installation services, and we’re fully equipped to install your new chase cover.
What Is a Chimney Chase? Why Does It Need a Cover?
A chimney chase is the long, narrow structure that houses the venting materials for a factory-built or prefab heating appliance. It surrounds and protects that pipe, so that it doesn’t face damage and corrosion from outside elements – and so that it looks nicer too. They may be made of brick, wood, vinyl, or metal siding.
Chase covers are found on top of chases and cover the opening at the top of the chase. Similar to a chimney crown on a masonry chimney, they divert water away from the chimney and off of the roof.
Are There Different Types of Chimney Chase Covers?
One thing you’ll have to decide before having your new chase cover installed is what type of cover you want. Chimney chase covers are available in a wide variety of materials, the four most common being aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel, and copper, each with their own list of pros and cons. Which is right for you?
- Aluminum: The big upside of aluminum chase covers is that they’re typically the most affordable. The downside is that they’re also more prone to corrosion and damage…meaning the need for a replacement sooner on and a higher risk of experiencing chimney damage.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is a very reliable material for chase covers, known for being low maintenance and for holding up for the long haul. Stainless steel is a harder metal, known for its durability and for not being prone to rust and corrosion.
- Copper: Copper is another high-quality metal known for its durability – it can endure harsh weather conditions and is resistant to rust. Copper is also known for its aesthetic appeal and may be of special interest to homeowners with an eye towards design.
- Galvanized Steel: Galvanized steel is the most affordable metal used on chimney chase covers. However, it tends to rust easily, so you will need to replace it within a few years. If you’re looking for a cheap, short-term solution, this is fine – just don’t plan on it lasting for the long haul.
Why Do I Need a Chimney Chase Cover?
Chimney chase covers are critical to the performance of your chimney system for several reasons.
- Protection Against the Elements: A properly installed chimney chase cover will act as a protectant for the exposed top of the chimney. It keeps the chimney dry by keeping out water, snow, ice, and other elements, and it directs water away from the sides of the chase.
- Wildlife Prevention: Many critters, like birds and squirrels, are attracted to your warm and sturdy chimney. Unfortunately, this presents safety issues when they clog your flue and invite fire hazards – or damage the components. And in some cases, animals cannot be removed or relocated due to federal restrictions. The best way to avoid that type of inconvenience is to make sure you have a properly installed chimney chase cover, as well as a chimney flue cap.
- Protection Against Sparks: Sparks and embers are a natural part of burning a fire in a fireplace. Unfortunately, they can escape through the chimney during normal ventilation – and if an ember lands on your roof, it can lead to a fire. A metal chimney chase cover, in combination with a chimney cap, can stop sparks from landing on your combustible chimney top, roof, and any nearby vegetation, reducing the chances of a fire.
- Structural Stability: A chimney chase cover protects the chimney chase and helps reinforce the structural integrity of the entire chimney system. If debris, rain, and critters gain easy access, you’d be surprised at how quickly things can start breaking down.
- Improved Energy Efficiency: An uncovered chimney chase can allow drafts of air to enter your home through the chimney. This can lead to a loss of heat during colder months, thereby bumping up energy consumption. A tightly secured chase cover that’s properly installed can minimize these drafts – and save you a lot of money in heating costs.
Ready to get yours installed? Reach out online or call on our techs today.
Can I Install a Chimney Chase Cover Myself?
Although some homeowners have the necessary skills and tools to take on important home improvement projects themselves, chimney work is dangerous and can be intricate, which is why a DIY approach is never recommended.
You are putting yourself, your chimney, and your home at risk if the process isn’t addressed properly or with the correct safety equipment. Our CSIA-certified chimney professionals are well-versed in the latest industry guidelines and have extensive experience in working on roofs.
If your primary concern is cost, we completely understand. However, if you try to install a chimney chase cover yourself, you run the risk of doing it incorrectly, which will then lead to water damage. Unchecked water leaks will then lead to more damage, requiring the skill of a professional to repair properly. Meaning, whatever money you save in the short term by trying to do an install yourself will not be as much as you have to spend to correct issues like brick spalling or cracked mortar down the line.
Play it safer and smarter by working with us from the start.
What Causes Chimney Chase Cover Damage?
Most of the time, if you invest in regular maintenance from professionals like us, as well as operate your fireplace properly, your chase covers can last several years. That said, they’re also one of the most exposed parts of your chimney, so facing damage isn’t totally out of the norm.
So, what’s most likely to put an end to your chase cover?
- Rust & Corrosion: If the chimney chase cover is of lower-quality materials and is not prepared with a preservative coating, it is at an increased chance of deterioration. Corrosion will weaken the cover over time, making it susceptible to cracks and leaks, which will result in water damage.
- Faulty Installation: A chimney chase cover must be fitted to the chase correctly. If it is not installed properly, water can seep into gaps and crevices and directly into the chase. Or, if the cover is loose, it can fall off completely in poor weather, exposing your chimney system to water damage. Having a chimney professional complete the installation is the way to go.
- Curious Critters: Animals love chimneys. Whether it’s birds or roof rats, wildlife will seek out shelter in chimneys because they are quiet and somewhat isolated. Rodents and birds like to build nests from materials like insulation and twigs, which present fire hazards. If the critters are very active, they can even scratch or dent the chase cover, leading to damage in the long term.
- Harsh Weather Conditions: Chimney chase covers are exposed to the elements of nature – there’s no way around this. Normal rain and snow patterns can lead to rust over long periods of time, and sudden changes in the weather can raise those stakes. Heavy rainfall, hail, and intense winds can damage nearby trees and property, and if some of that debris falls onto your chimney, it can cause dents or cracks on the chimney chase cover.
How Much Does a Chimney Chase Cover Cost?
The cost of a chimney chase cover, along with the installation, can vary, so we don’t have a solid answer for you. Some materials are cheaper than others (copper is more expensive than galvanized steel) and the scope of work can vary depending on the setup of your chimney system. The cost between a chase cover repair and a complete replacement will also impact any estimates.
To determine how much your project may cost, here’s what we suggest… Reach out to the SureGlow Stove & Chimney team. We’ll discuss different options, talk about your personal preferences and needs, then schedule an inspection to get a full assessment of your chimney’s setup.
Once we’re through with that, we’ll get you a more accurate estimate, so you can move forward with the best information available.
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417-386-3897
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Ready to Schedule Your Next Service?
Are you concerned about the state of your chimney chase cover or believe it may be damaged? Call our team at SureGlow Stove & Chimney. You can schedule an appointment on our website or call us – we look forward to speaking with you.
Our leaky chimney repair services also cover flashing repair and installation.