Top 5 Causes to Cap Your Chimney

Find out why experts advise you to have a chimney cover and how you might benefit from having one installed.

Even if you aren’t familiar with your fireplace or chimney, you should still know the importance of a chimney cover. If your home lacks a chimney cap, consider installing one for the five benefits listed below.

Keeping Water from Falling

In the event of a rainfall, you can keep water out of your chimney by installing a cap. Rainwater can corrode stainless steel chimney components such liners, dampers, and mortar joints. The growth of mold and mildew, made possible by the wetness of rain water, can cause far more damage than the water itself.

Helps Keep Pests at Bay

Chimneys are a popular colonization target for a wide variety of animals, including birds, raccoons, and squirrels. These animals frequently perish after being trapped in a chimney. Maggots and fly larvae can grow, as well as a bad stench in your home. Chimney caps should be professionally installed to prevent animals from entering the chimney.

Avoids Drafts From Below

If the wind is coming from below, it will create a downdraft. Smoke from a wood-burning fireplace might be pulled back into the home during a downdraft if a chimney cap is not installed. The purpose of the flat top on a chimney cap is to mitigate wind-driven downdrafts.

Limits the Flame Front’s Ability to Grow

Spark arrestors, also known as chimney caps, are installed on chimneys to prevent fires from being started by embers and sparks that escape through the chimney’s flue and drop on the roof.

Reduces the Buildup of Grime

With a chimney cap in place, you won’t have to worry about debris like leaves, branches, and twigs getting stuck in your chimney.