The top of your chimney is a vulnerable area. Without a secure covering up there, a path will be open for tree debris, rain, snow and small animals, none of which are any good for your chimney.
American Chimney & Fireplace of Louisville, KY, has helped our customers safeguard the tops of their chimneys since 2007. We’re a family-owned, family-operated company that takes pride in doing jobs right the first time.
Here’s how we approach the job of adding quality new chimney tops to chimneys.
Types of Chimney Tops
There are three main types of components that you’ll find on most chimneys throughout northern Kentucky and southern Indiana.
Custom chimney caps
Custom caps are full-width components that cover the entire top of the chimney. They’re made with mesh sides to allow smoke to draft while keeping out debris and small animals. The solid top of the cap shields the flue from rain, and the mesh helps to prevent the release of sparks and embers.
Flue covers
Like chimney caps, flue covers also guard the chimney flue, but that’s all they guard. They don’t extend across the top area of the chimney.
Chimney chase covers
Chase covers function similarly to full-width chimney caps but are designed to go on chimney chases, not masonry chimneys. Chases are the exterior venting structures that serve manufactured fireplaces.
Why Your Chimney Top Needs Protection
An unprotected chimney top can lead to serious and dangerous chimney damage as well as nuisances and annoyances you really don’t want to put up with.
An Open Flue
Water spilling into a chimney flue can begin to deteriorate the chimney liner. It can also rust out the fireplace damper and cause damage the firebox.
Open chimney flues are also at risk of debris buildup. Leaves, twigs and other debris from nearby trees can narrow the flue and impede drafting. When this happens, smoke and deadly carbon monoxide can back up into your home.
Animal intrusion is another problem with an open chimney top. Birds, squirrels, raccoons and other critters often seek shelter in chimneys. Some build nests and add to the debris problem. Some of these animals die in the flue, unable to escape. This means even more debris as well as horrible odors.
Interior Chimney Spaces
If the chimney crown is deteriorated and there’s no secure chimney cap, rain and snow can seep into the spaces around the flue. This can result in damage to the interior chimney masonry and the chimney liner.
Keep in mind as well that any moisture inside a chimney system can start a growth of potentially dangerous mold. Because it’s a living and growing organism, mold spores can spread into your living spaces and into your HVAC system, which will send it throughout the home.
The Best Protection for the Top of Your Chimney
We recommend having a sturdy full-width chimney cap installed if you have a masonry chimney. A quality chase cover is recommended for all types of chimney chase systems.
With these components in place, you’ll be protecting not only your chimney but also parts of your home and your family.
Call for Chimney Top Installation
American Chimney & Fireplace is standing by to help with your next chimney cap or chase cover installation. Speak with a chimney expert by phone, or get in touch by using our simple contact form.
Based in Louisville, KY, our certified chimney technicians serve Pewee Valley, KY, Anchorage, KY, Clarksville, IN, Brandenburg, KY, Fisherville, KY, Glenview, KY, and other communities in the greater Louisville region.
