Chimney Caps

   A chimney cap may seem insignificant and maybe not that important, but it serves a variety of functions to protect your chimney and home! The CSIA suggests that all chimneys have caps as a preventative measure against damage and for safety reasons.

     There are many reasons why it is important to keep your chimney capped. A chimney cap stops rain from getting into your chimney, preventing water damage to both your chimney and your home. Water damage can cost you a lot of money in repairs as well as destroy your chimney if not confronted quickly. A chimney cap also keeps animals out of your chimney, which can create noise, smells, and provide them an entrance into your home. Chimney caps prevent environmental debris, such as sticks and leaves, from entering your chimney as well, which can cause dangerous chimney fires. Having debris or animals in your chimney can also block smoke and fumes from efficiently leaving your chimney, which will lead to improper ventilation that will not allow dangerous fumes to exit your home. Because they prevent things from entering and blocking your chimney, chimney caps ensure that your chimney’s air flow runs efficiently. Chimney caps also help to eliminate downdrafts, which blow cold air as well as fumes from your fire back into your home. A chimney cap also protects your chimney liner and prevents sparks from flying out of your chimney and lighting things on fire.

     If you are looking for a sturdy and durable chimney cap that doesn’t rust, Southern Maine Chimney can install a stainless steel cap for you. However, you also have the options of having a copper, galvanized, or aluminum cap installed. No matter your choice, chimney caps are one of the least expensive chimney repairs that can be made as well as one of the simplest. Therefore, it makes financial sense to have a chimney cap installed rather than waiting for damages to occur that will cost you more!

    Chimney caps, like their name suggest are metal covers fitted over the opening of a chimney.  There are a few reasons you should consider having one installed on your home’s chimney.  Keep reading to learn about the importance of chimney caps.

     Every so often pieces of burning embers will make their way out of your chimney and into the surrounding environment.  They can easily land on the roof and start a fire.  They could also land in a pile of debris in your yard and cause a fire as well.  A chimney cap would help keep embers inside the chimney.

     If you live in an area which experiences frequent rainfall having a chimney cap installed is a really good idea.  Generally speaking, moisture and masonry do not get along very well.  An uncapped chimney allows moisture to get inside the chimney and degrade the masonry over time.  During the summer months when you are not using the chimney you may notice a musty smell throughout your home because of this moisture. This problem can be avoided by using a chimney cap.  In addition to protecting the interior of the chimney, the cap will also help protect the crown from ice and rain.  If it is not protected it will wear down much more quickly.

     One of the main concerns people with chimneys have is keeping animals out.  Raccoons and birds can easily use the opening to get inside your home.  Birds will also create nests which can block the flue and cause smoke and gasses to end up in your living room.  You can keep all types of animals out of your chimney by installing a cap.

     Speaking of drafts, chimney caps help out in this area too.  Capping the chimney properly will help ensure it has a proper draft.  If you live in a windy area this will benefit you greatly.

Make sure you obtain the right size chimney cap.  If it is not the right size it will likely do more harm than good.  It will interfere with the chimney's draft and efficiency so you will have to burn more fuel to make up for it.

      It is a curious thing…you do not see many uncapped vents but you sure do see a lot of uncapped chimneys — and on the same roofs! We could venture some speculation about why that is, but the truth is, it defies all common sense. It is good that the venting is capped, but – given the importance of chimney caps, there really should be more of them up there.

It is a curious thing…you do not see many uncapped vents but you sure do see a lot of uncapped chimneys — and on the same roofs! We could venture some speculation about why that is, but the truth is, it defies all common sense. It is good that the venting is capped, but – given the importance of chimney caps, there really should be more of them up there.