To best protect your fireplace and chimney, a chimney cap should be professionally installed at its top. All Seasons Chimney knows the importance of having a chimney cap on top of a chimney to keep water, animals, and debris out of the flue. Not only does a good chimney cap protect your chimney, but it can also prolong its life. We would like to tell you more about chimney caps by sharing some information from Best Pick Reports with you.
Why do I need a chimney cap?
Without a chimney cap, your chimney makes a square foot hole in your roof, and this allows your home to be extremely vulnerable to the elements of weather. A chimney cap prevents water from rain and melted snow from getting into your chimney. Water leaks can destroy masonry chimneys so it is essential to keep water out of the flue. Chimney caps also stop birds and animals from entering your chimney to nest. If you have ever experienced having a bird or animal inside your chimney, you know how much damage one can do to the interior of your chimney. Birds and animals also become fire hazards, so keeping these critters out of a chimney is crucial for safety reasons. Another reason you need a chimney cap is to keep sparks and burning embers from jumping out of the flue and possibly igniting a fire on a roof or a brushfire in your yard. The mesh screening on the sides of a chimney cap can prevent animals and birds from entering as well as sparks and embers from exiting.
What type of materials should a chimney cap be made from?
At All Seasons Chimney, we only sell chimney caps made from stainless steel and copper because these materials are strong, durable, and rust-resistant. Inexpensive chimney caps made from galvanized metals rust easily and do not last as long as chimney caps made from stainless steel and copper.
Do I need a customized chimney cap?
If your chimney has more than one flue, you can get a single, multi-flue chimney cap. The size of your chimney may also dictate whether or not you need a customized chimney cap.
Can I install my own chimney cap?
Although installing a chimney cap is fairly simple, All Seasons Chimney does not recommend taking this task into your own hands. Our certified chimney technicians will take time to perform all of the necessary measurements to be sure your chimney cap is properly fitted. A professional installation guarantees your chimney cap is best protecting your chimney and fireplace.
Have more questions about chimney caps? Contact All Seasons Chimney to learn more about this important preventive tool.