What a Chimney Cap Will Do for Your Chimney & Home

Operating your chimney without a chimney cap is like going outside in the pouring rain without an umbrella or even a hat! An open chimney top is an open invitation for water, debris, and small animals to move into the chimney flue. American Chimney & Fireplace of Louisville, KY, and southern Indiana would like to inform you about the benefits of a secure chimney cap for your chimney and home.

Two types of chimney “tops”

There’s a flue cover, typically made of metal with mesh sides, that covers just the flue opening. A full-width chimney cap that spans the entire top of the chimney is preferred. Both styles keep rain, debris, and animals out of the flue; however, only a full-width cap guards the vulnerable chimney crown and the bricks beneath it.

Chimney cap benefits

Here are six of the most important benefits.

1. Keeps rain out of the chimney flue

Rain in the chimney flue can eventually cause damage to the chimney liner, fireplace damper, interior chimney masonry, firebox, and other parts of the system. Moisture sitting in the flue can lead to the growth of mold, which can spread to different parts of the home. Chimney caps and flue covers are excellent for keeping the rain out.

2. Guards the concrete chimney crown

The chimney crown is a slab that covers the entire top of the chimney minus the flue opening. Cracks are common in concrete crowns, and if water infiltrates, the crown begins to deteriorate soon after. A seriously damaged crown can lead to brick damage beneath it and water intrusion into unseen areas of the interior chimney.

Only a full-width chimney cap can guard the crown.

3. Blocks the flue opening from tree debris

Leaves, twigs, and falling fruit will narrow the flue passage. This debris can cause smoke and combustion gases to draft sluggishly, serving as fuel for a chimney fire. A significant blockage can send smoke and deadly carbon monoxide into your home.

4. Prevents small animals from setting up shop in the chimney

Raccoons, squirrels, birds, snakes, rodents, and other small animals often find their way into chimneys. Some animals use chimneys for shelter during harsh weather; some of them build nests that contribute to a drafting blockage. The occasional animal dies in the chimney, resulting in horrible odors in the home.

5. Contains sparks and embers

During everyday fireplace use, sparks and embers can fly up through the chimney flue. With their spark-arrestor functions, chimney caps and flue covers prevent flying materials from landing on your roof and contaminating your yard.

6. Helps to reduce downdrafts

The mesh sides of chimney caps and flue covers allow air to move in and out of the system, while their flat, solid tops help prevent large gusts of wind from blowing down into the flue. Downdrafts can send smoke, ash, and fiery particles from the fireplace into the room.

We install custom chimney caps

If your chimney lacks a chimney cap, American Chimney & Fireplace will install a custom, full-width cap to protect the top of your chimney and the entire chimney system. Learn more by giving us a call or submitting your inquiry through our contact form.