We Install Chimney Caps Near You in New Haven & Fairfield Counties
Seeking a reliable chimney service provider that provides chimney cap installation services near you? Leave it to Total Chimney Care. We’re happy to help, and we’ll ensure your chimney and fireplace stay better protected through it all, no matter the weather outside. If you have questions or if you’d like to schedule an appointment, reach out today – we’re here for you.
What Do Chimney Caps Do? 4 Major Functions
A chimney cap is the protective cover for the top of your chimney. They are often black or silver in color and have four major functions:
1. Serve As Spark Arrestors
Chimney caps prevent sparks and embers from your fire from getting out of the chimney and onto your roof or to nearby structures where they could start a fire
2. Keeping Rain Out of Your Chimney
If rain gets into your chimney, it can cause a wide range of problems. When it mixes with creosote, it can cause the mortar of your chimney to erode. It will also eat away at the metal parts inside the chimney, such as the damper or chimney liner, causing them to rust. Chimney caps cover your flue opening, so that this isn’t an issue.
3. Keep Animals Out
Chimney caps prevent curious squirrels, birds and rodents from nesting inside your chimney, where they can have babies, invite pests and odors, and disrupt your relaxing home routine.
4. Block Outside Debris
Chimney caps play a big role in stopping leaves, branches and other debris from getting inside your chimney. All of these things can cause blockages (causing smoke and gases to enter your home), as well as invite fire hazards, so keeping them out is a must.
Chimney Cap Replacement: Rely On Us
If your chimney cap is damaged or destroyed, you should replace it as soon as possible. As indicated above, chimney caps serve several important functions in order to keep your chimney safer and more efficient. These are all important when it comes to the longevity of your chimney. Animals can cause severe damage and destruction to the chimney structure, not to mention the fact that animal droppings can be hazardous to your health.
However, water is without a doubt the biggest threat to your chimney. The more water and moisture you can keep out of your chimney, the less damage it will cause. If you protect your chimney, it will save you money in the long run. Water can quickly cause massive destruction inside your chimney, resulting in damage that can be expensive to repair.
Is a Chimney Cap Different From a Chase Cover?
Although similar in function, material, and appearance, chimney caps and chase covers are indeed different.
What is a chimney cap?
A chimney cap is a protective device that sits on top of your chimney flue (the pipe that vents smoke and gases from your fireplace or stove). It’s usually made of stainless steel, galvanized steel, or copper and comes in various shapes, styles, and sizes to match your chimney type.
A chimney cap’s main functions are to:
- protect the flue opening from rain, snow, leaves, and debris.
- keep birds and animals from nesting inside your chimney.
- act as a spark arrestor, helping to prevent stray embers from escaping onto your roof.
- help reduce downdrafts, especially on windy days.
No matter what type of flue system or chimney type you have, a chimney cap is a must!
What is a chimney chase cover?
A chase cover is a metal covering that most commonly sits over the top of a factory-built or prefabricated chimney chase, although we sometimes see them replacing chimney crowns on masonry chimneys. The chase cover seals off the top of the chase or chimney, sort of like a lid on a box. You could essentially think of it as a metal chimney crown.
A chase cover’s main functions are to:
- prevents water intrusion into the chase structure, which can cause rot, rust, and mold.
- directs rain and snow away from the sides of the chimney structure.
- provides structural protection for the framed chase, especially when paired with proper flashing.
Not every chimney will need a chase cover. Any structure with a wood or vinyl chase will need one, but most masonry chimneys have a chimney crown built instead.
For Chimney Cap Installation Near You, Trust Total Chimney Care
If you don’t have a chimney cap, call Total Chimney Care today. We offer beautiful caps that come in all shapes, sizes and materials. A chimney cap will make a beautiful addition to your home, as well as provide important protection for your chimney structure. Contact us today.
For more peace of mind, have your chimney chase cover inspected and repaired if needed. It’s important for the safety of you and your household.