Chimney Cap Installation Near Your: Trust SureGlow for Local Chimney Services
SureGlow Stove & Chimney offers chimney cap installation and repair services throughout our wide service area. Stay protected against rain, snow, sleet, animals, and outside debris with a new chimney cap from us.
What Is a Chimney Cap?
A chimney cap is a protective covering that sits at the very top of a chimney flue, right above the crown. It should be made of metal, and it acts as a barrier against rain, snow, critters, debris, and anything else that tries to enter your home through the top of the chimney opening.
How does smoke escape a chimney with a cap? Chimney caps are slightly raised, so smoke can still easily escape the sides. In many cases, chimney caps come with mesh siding to go over this area – this allows all of the toxic exhaust to exit freely, while still protecting your home from debris and animals. Schedule your new chimney cap installation today.
What Does a Chimney Cap Do?
The primary function of a chimney cap is to act as a shield between your home and the outdoors. However, chimney caps are multipurpose and are important to the overall efficiency of your chimney system. What exactly does a chimney cap do?
It Keeps Water Out
Water is enemy number one for chimneys. During rain, snow, and other weather events, water can enter your chimney flue and set off a chain of events that can impact several parts of your chimney system and make your chimney unsafe to use. Like what?
- Brick is naturally absorbent and when water seeps into brickwork, it can eventually cause brick spalling and chipping mortar.
- If water enters the flue, it can lead to the deterioration of the flue liner, which can increase the risk of fires and gas leaks.
- Water can damage different chimney components and metal parts, like the damper, which keeps them from functioning properly.
- Water instigates the growth of mildew and mold, leading to foul odors and potential health hazards.
It Prevents Debris From Entering
There’s not much you can do to stop a bad storm from knocking over a tree or dislodging a branch onto your property, but you can take precautions to keep it from blowing debris into your chimney. A chimney cap is a safeguard that keeps leaves, twigs, needles from surrounding trees, and other random debris from falling into your flue and clogging it up.
It Ensures No Critters Are Allowed In
When not in use, chimneys are dark, quiet, and contained spaces. For birds, squirrels, bats, and other little critters, a chimney is a perfect nesting spot away from the threat of predators. Bees and hornets are also common pests found in chimneys and can build intricate hives that span the length of your flue.
Aside from the biological hazards they present, animals leave behind nesting materials and waste that can be flammable or a health hazard. One spark can cause a chimney fire that would cost you significant money in repair work. A chimney cap will deter wildlife and protect you from any unwanted roommates or an insect infestation.
It Prevents Downdrafts
When heavy winds swoop across your rooftop, this can lead to downdrafts entering your home through the chimney, which causes a domino effect – your home is colder, people are uncomfortable, you raise the thermostat, your HVAC system works harder, your energy bills rise, you need a replacement heating system sooner… It’s a cycle no one wants to start.
In addition, drafts can lead to smoke or carbon monoxide coming back down into your living space, filling the house with cloudy air, foul odors, and other toxins. A properly installed chimney cap should effectively block downdrafts.
It Serves As a Spark Arrestor
A spark arrestor is a device that guards against the emission of flammable debris from combustion sources – and your chimney cap can act as one to protect your roofing materials.
Temperatures inside a wood-burning fireplace or wood stove can hit well over 1100° Fahrenheit. This type of intense heat combined with combustible gases can send hot embers and sparks out the flue. The cap’s metal body can put these embers and sparks out well before they get the chance to land on your roof, nearby trees, or flammable materials on the ground, thereby preventing fires.
Are There Different Types of Chimney Caps?
Chimney caps may seem straightforward, but there is no one-size-fits-all chimney cap on the market. With so many materials and shapes available, there are a lot of options to ensure your chimney is fitted with the right model for your unique needs.
Chimney caps can be made of galvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. There are also specialty caps that are designed to address specific issues, should the need arise. For instance, if you live in an area with high winds, a wind-resistant chimney cap that prevents downdrafts is probably best for your home.
Different caps provide different benefits and downsides. These are some common types of chimney caps used during installation:
- Single-Flue Chimney Cap: A single-flue cap is designed to cover one individual flue. It attaches directly to the flue tile or chimney crown and provides protection from rain, debris, animals, and downdrafts.
- Multi-Flue Chimney Cap: A multi-flue cap is larger and designed to protect multiple flues. It offers a more streamlined and unified appearance – while providing protection against weather and debris for all the flues.
- Outside Mount Chimney Cap: An outside mount cap attaches to the exterior of the chimney structure, providing a snug and secure fit. These caps are typically custom-made to fit the chimney and offer protection by covering the entire top.
- Specialty Chimney Caps: Specialty caps are customized or designed for specific purposes – think decorative caps, wind-resistant caps, or caps for unusual chimney sizes or shapes.
- Full-Coverage Chimney Caps: Full-coverage caps extend beyond the chimney crown, offering maximum protection. These caps overhang the sides of the chimney, helping to push water away from the masonry.
Not sure what you need? Request an appointment with us online or simply give us a call to discuss your options.
What Is the Difference Between a Chimney Crown & a Chimney Cap?
The terms “chimney cap” and “chimney crown” are sometimes – mistakenly – used interchangeably. While they do work in conjunction to keep your chimney system working efficiently, they are distinctive components.
- The chimney cap is mounted on top of the flue vent or crown and helps prevent water, birds, small animals, and debris from getting inside the flue.
- The chimney crown is a sloped surface made of cement that sits atop your chimney. The sloped shape directs water away from your chimney, protecting the external masonry.
What about chase covers?
Chase covers are often confused with chimney caps, as well, but they also serve a unique purpose. In fact, a chase cover relates more to the crown than the cap.
Think of the chase cover as a metal crown for prefabricated systems (although, some masonry systems utilize them too). A chase cover is a slightly sloped metal covering designed to fit over the top of your factory-built chimney chase.
Will a Chimney Leak Without a Cap?
In short, yes. Even if you waterproof your chimney and have an intact chimney crown, a chimney without a cap will still have that big opening at the top that will allow all types of water, debris, and more to enter.
Eventually, untreated water damage can lead to a leaky chimney and structural damage to the flue liner. Water can also cause rust to form on other chimney components which makes them weaker and more vulnerable to damage.
So, if you’re wondering whether or not a cap is actually necessary…it is!
How Often Do Chimney Caps Need To Be Replaced?
Stainless steel and copper chimney caps should hold up for many decades with proper maintenance. In most cases, a ferrous metal chimney cap will last for 5 to 6 years, depending on the material surrounding weather conditions.
With that said, it’s important to have your chimney inspected annually by a technician certified through the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) – like us. Trained technicians are able to assess chimneys and can advise you early on of suspected problems.
In the long run, chimney inspections are an easy and affordable investment that can prevent any found issues or damage from getting worse – and putting a big dent in your bank account in the process. Avoid bigger repair jobs, rebuilds, and the like by having that inspection done every year.
Can I Install a Chimney Cap Myself?
It can be tempting to take a do-it-yourself approach to home repairs and maintenance, but when it comes to your chimney and fireplace, trusting an expert for all repairs, inspections, and maintenance is the way to go.
For a chimney cap to work as it is intended, it needs to be fitted to your chimney’s specifications and installed correctly. If your measurements are off even slightly or the chimney cap is not properly sealed, water will seep into your chimney, deeming all that work you did null and void – and you’ll likely need expensive and time-consuming repairs down the line too.
Consider the professional installation of a chimney cap as an investment that will save you money (and stress) in the future.
In addition, from a safety perspective, chimney professionals are outfitted with the most up-to-date personal protection gear, including helmets, respirators, and harnesses. Working on roofs is inherently dangerous. As professionals, we understand the risks involved and come completely prepared.
How Much Does a Chimney Cap Cost?
Chimney caps are relatively inexpensive to purchase, but there are a lot of variables that can impact total cost and influence the bottom line. Things like:
- the type of materials used
- installation time
- chimney cap type
- the size of your chimney
- …and more
For example, if your chimney is a unique shape, you may require a custom chimney cap that requires more labor. Or if you have multiple flues, that’ll be more costly than having a single-flue cap installed.
Not sure where to start? The chimney professionals here at SureGlow Stove & Chimney are experts in the chimney business and we’re happy to discuss your options with you.
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417-386-3897
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Schedule an Appointment With Us Now
If you need a chimney cap installed or repaired, reach out to SureGlow Stove & Chimney. One of our customer service representatives will be happy to answer any questions you may have and get you set up with one of our certified technicians.
Give us a call at 417-739-0715 or visit our website to schedule an appointment online. We can’t wait to speak with you soon.
What chimney leak repair service do you need? We offer chase cover installs, waterproofing, masonry repairs, and more.