Differences Between a Chimney Chase Cover, Chimney Cap, and Chimney Crown
Chimney sweeps are known for doing dirty work involving soot, but did you know they also do important work from your rooftop? The safe use of your chimney involves maintenance from the top of the chimney to the floor of the hearth or ash chamber. Homeowners tend to leave the rooftop work to the experts, which sometimes means there is confusion about the difference between a chimney chase cover, a chimney cap, and a chimney crown. It’s a good idea to become familiar with the numerous components of your chimney and vital accessories that need maintenance. The following is information about the often misunderstood chimney chase cover, chimney cap, and chimney crown.
What is a chimney chase cover?
A chimney chase cover is at the top of chimneys built for many prefabricated or factory-built chimneys. The chimneys are usually made with vinyl siding, wood, or metal. Chimney chase covers are at the top, and they are made of metal. When installed properly, water runs off of the cover. If the chase cover is flat or concave, water will accumulate and cause the cover to rust prematurely. The most common metals used to make chase covers are aluminum and stainless steel. Aluminum is much more economical but also much more prone to rusting, which allows moisture and the damage it causes into the chimney system.
A chimney cap is an accessory that belongs on every chimney and chimney chase cover because it keeps water out whenever it rains or snows. It is installed at the top of the flue. Aluminum, stainless steel, and copper are the common metals chimney caps are made of. Whether you have an economical aluminum chimney cap or a decorative copper chimney cap, you get other benefits, in addition to keeping out moisture, as long as there is also wire mesh on the chimney topper.
One important function served by mesh on a chimney cap is that it keeps out unwanted critters. When the cold weather is severe, various animals seek refuge in the warmth of a chimney. All sorts of problems can occur. Some animals can’t get back out, which means animal removal is needed, whether the animal is dead or alive. The stench created by an animal that perishes in a chimney is horrendous.
The chimney cap mesh can also literally be life-saving, since it acts as a spark guard, preventing hot embers from escaping the chimney and igniting combustible materials.
Chimney crown
Masonry chimneys are topped with a chimney crown, which is made with concrete or masonry. The chimney crown seals off the area from the exterior of the chimney to the flue opening, and it prevents moisture from getting inside. Chimney masonry that has been exposed to internal moisture will usually flake and break off, as a result of the expanding and contracting of the water inside. The entire chimney structure could lean and even collapse, as a result. Chimney crowns tend to crack over time, allowing water into the masonry. It’s important to schedule annual chimney inspections; one benefit is that the chimney crown could potentially be repaired before extensive damage has occurred.
Once you know the difference between a chimney chase cover, a chimney cap, and a chimney crown, you will hopefully also recognize the importance of ongoing maintenance. Leave rooftop inspections to our experts at Hudson Valley Chimney. You will breathe easier, knowing that your chimney system is in a state of good repair from top to bottom. Contact our chimney professionals from Hudson Valley Chimney today to schedule chimney maintenance (845) 471-1071 and long distance it’s (800) 439-1071.
