Chimney Services » Chimney Services » Installing Chimney Caps

Why You Need A Chimney Cap Today

A new chimney cap was needed to ensure proper ventilation.

Chimney caps can protect your chimney system from the harmful effects of rain, sleet, snow, wind, and animal intrusion. The cap sits on top of the chimney and is one of the best ways to protect and preserve your entire chimney system. Without a well-maintained chimney cap, you are bound to experience problems with at least one of the following:

• Rain, Sleet, and Snow – Rain, sleet, and snow can have incredibly damaging effects on your chimney system, causing cracks, lime-leaching, efflorescence, spalling, corrosion, and overall decay. In addition to destroying the appearance of your masonry, water can also completely compromise the structural integrity of your entire chimney system. A chimney cap can protect your chimney from this type of damage and can allow you to enjoy your chimney system well into the future.
• Wind – The cap protects the chimney from large and direct gusts of wind that are common during a strong storm. When wind gushes down into your chimney, it can push smoke and hot ash back down your chimney and into your home. These gusts of wind can also infiltrate your conditioned air, dramatically decreasing room temperature and increasing your utility bills. By blocking these wind gusts, the cap helps you control the temperature of your home and keep draft and smoke problems at bay.
• Animals – When animals enter your chimney as a result of a missing or deteriorating cap, they bring flammable materials and feces into your home. They also cause blockages within the flue, which can lead to overheating, chimney fires, appliance inefficiency, and smoke and carbon monoxide problems. Sometimes, restoring your liner is not as simple as removing the animal and its nesting materials. Birds like the Chimney Swift are protected, and must be left alone until they leave of their own accord. Installing a chimney cap is your best protection against forced hosting of these birds and other animals.

Choosing Your Chimney Cap

Caps today are typically constructed of copper or steel, and are designed to fit virtually every size and style of chimney. Whether your home is modern or traditional, large or small – there is a chimney cap to meet your needs. There are even chimney caps that are designed for high-wind areas. To discuss the many chimney cap options on the market, please feel free to contact one of our knowledgeable staff members!

Sometimes, a properly-working damper is all you need to return your chimney to efficient and safe operation. Fortunately, this simple chimney service is something we do almost every day, so give us a call.