Does Every Chimney Need a Cap?

A chimney cap is arguably the easiest and least expensive way to protect your chimney flue system. If your chimney is older, chances are you either don’t have a chimney cap or the cap that was installed is due to be replaced. Over time, the chimney cap cracks and the screen can break or tear. This not only allows moisture intrusion, but debris and pests can get stuck in the flue and block harmful contaminants from escaping the flue.

Moisture Protection

If you have an uncapped chimney, hail, rain, and snow can congregate inside the chimney. Even though a chimney is a robust structure, water is its number one enemy. Water can also damage the hard, outer shell of the porous brickwork. The constant freezing and thawing create tiny cracks and crevices in the bricks. It can also soften the mortar joints and loosen the bricks or stones. And when this occurs, your chimney’s structural integrity is significantly compromised. You face the risk of a chimney collapse, which can also result in significant property damage to your home. In addition, the water may leak into your home damaging floors, walls, and ceiling.

Resists Pests

During cold weather, small animals, rodents, and pests are always looking for a warm place to hide. And an open chimney is often an inviting space to build their nests. But these nests may cause obstructions and hinder the venting of smoke and toxic fumes. When a fire burns, it produces carbon monoxide and smoke. A flue obstruction will cause these toxic fumes to blow-back into your home which may have deadly consequences. Also, once inside these pests often become trapped. With no way to escape, they simply perish inside the chimney. You may even notice a foul odor during the decaying process.

Keep Debris Out

As the tallest structure attached to you home, the chimney is in touch with nature. Windy days can bring leaves, twigs and other debris from nearby trees into your flue. Not only can debris obstruct the flue, the burnt embers from a roaring fire can cause them to ignite resulting in a dangerous chimney fire. Investing in a chimney cap with a spark arrestor is an easy solution to prevent accidental chimney fires and allow the venting of smoke and fumes.

Prevent Downdrafts

Some people may argue that a chimney cap is the one that causes downdrafts, but this is not the case. In fact, without a chimney cap, your flue is completely exposed to the outside air. High quality chimney caps are designed in a way that allows air to flow across the top of the cap, thereby significantly minimizing downdrafts. Similar to a way that air flows across the wings of an airplane. A professionally installed chimney helps prevent downdrafts.

A fireplace and chimney provide a cozy and warm atmosphere during those cold winter days and nights. Protect your chimney with a professionally installed chimney cap with a spark arrestor. Choose from a variety of pre-fabricated and custom designs to give your home the desired appearance.