Choosing the Right Chimney Cap

Your chimney has a cap, right? No? Well, this is something that you need to get on to immediately! Chimney caps are essential components—much more than decorative additions to your chimney system. If you don’t have one, or if yours is damaged or missing, your chimney is exposed to potential water damage, pest infestations, and safety hazards.

Here’s a closer look at why chimney caps are important and how to choose the best one for your chimney.

What is a Chimney Cap?

Chimney caps are protective covers that sit on top of the chimney. They’re typically made of metal, like stainless steel, galvanized steel, or copper, and feature mesh sides. The solid top keeps out rain, snow, birds, animals, and debris, while the mesh protects against embers and sparks while allowing smoke and gas to escape.

Think of a chimney cap like a roof for the chimney. It protects the flue opening from the elements while allowing your fireplace or stove to function properly and safely.

Why a Chimney Cap is Important

Even though it’s a small component, a chimney cap is one of the most crucial pieces of your chimney system. Here’s why every chimney owner needs one.

Prevents Water Damage

Rain is one of the biggest enemies of your chimney. Without a cap, water can get into the flue and soak into the chimney’s interior. Over time, this moisture can cause:

• Deterioration of the mortar joints and brickwork.
• Rusting of metal components such as the damper or firebox.
• Damage to the chimney liner.
• Mold and mildew growth in the flue or surrounding walls.

By keeping rain and snow out, a chimney cap helps extend the life of your chimney and reduces the risk of costly repairs.

Keeps Out Animals and Debris

Chimneys make attractive homes for birds and other animals, like raccoons and squirrels, looking for a warm place to hang out. Also, debris like leaves and twigs can easily fall into an open chimney. Anything that gets into the flue can cause a blockage, leading to poor ventilation and a potential chimney fire.

Most caps have mesh screens that stop animals and debris from getting into the flue.

Improves Drafts and Downdrafts

Strong winds can sometimes push air down the chimney, causing smoke and soot to enter the home instead of venting outside. A properly designed chimney cap can help reduce these downdrafts by deflecting wind and improving the chimney’s overall draft. This helps your fireplace burn cleaner and keeps smoke where it belongs—outside.

Prevents Sparks and Embers from Escaping

A chimney cap with a fine-mesh screen also acts as a spark arrestor, preventing hot embers from shooting out and landing on the roof or nearby trees or leaves, where they could start a fire.

Improves Energy Efficiency

Without a cap, cold air can enter the chimney and blow down into the home, especially in the winter. This can make your heating system work harder, leading to higher utility bills. A cap keeps outside air where it belongs, which can lead to better energy efficiency.

How to Choose the Right Chimney Cap

Not all chimney caps are the same, so it’s important to choose the right one for your system to ensure a proper fit and optimal performance. Here’s what we recommend.

Measure Your Chimney Correctly

Chimney caps come in various shapes and sizes, so accurate measurements are key. You’ll need to know:

• The dimensions of your flue or chimney crown.
• Whether your chimney has a single flue or multiple flues.
• The shape of your flue: round, square, or rectangular.

If you’re unsure, it’s best to have a professional take measurements to guarantee a proper fit.

Choose the Right Material

The material you choose will affect the lifespan and appearance of your chimney cap. Here are the most common options.

• Stainless steel is durable, rust-resistant, and ideal for most climates.
• Copper offers a classic look and excellent durability, but is typically more expensive than stainless steel.
• Galvanized steel is more affordable, but might rust or deteriorate faster than stainless or copper.

Stainless steel is the best choice for most homeowners because it offers a good balance between performance, cost, and longevity.

Consider the Climate

If you live in an area with heavy rain, snow, or strong winds, a cap with a wide overhang and a tight mesh screen can offer added protection. In coastal areas, stainless steel or copper is preferable because of their corrosion resistance.

Think About Aesthetics

Chimney caps work to protect the chimney, but that doesn’t mean they have to look like another piece of equipment. Many caps can enhance your home’s appearance and curb appeal. Copper caps, for example, develop a beautiful patina over time, while stainless steel provides a sleek, modern look. Pick a style that complements your home’s roofline and architecture.

Get it Professionally Installed

Even if you fancy yourself a handy person or weekend DIY warrior, it’s best to let a professional handle the installation to ensure it’s fitted securely. A pro can also check the chimney for damage or blockages while they’re up there to alert you of potential dangers.

Let Felgemacher Masonry & Chimney Install Your Cap!

Felgemacher is a three-generation chimney and fireplace company that proudly serves customers throughout the greater Buffalo, NY, and Rochester, NY areas. Our certified technicians can help you pick the right cap for your chimney and install it perfectly for maximum protection and performance. Call us today!