Convincing Reasons to Schedule Chimney Cap Installation Now

Have you ever wondered whether it’s important to have a chimney cap installed? Even though chimney caps aren’t automatically installed atop chimney flues, they are essential. Perhaps the idea behind the installation of chimney caps separately from the addition of the chimneys themselves is to give owners the option of choosing the style of their chimney cap. Whatever the explanation, the following are some compelling reasons to schedule the installation of a chimney cap without delay.

What is a Chimney Cap?

A chimney cap is a cover for the top of the flue pipe. The standard materials to choose from when buying a chimney cap are aluminum, galvanized steel, painted steel, stainless steel, and copper. A standard option is a chimney cap with mesh because the mesh provides additional benefits, as detailed within the text below.

Outside-mount custom chimney caps do more than simply cover the flue pipe. They also cover the entire top of the chimney, which means the chimney crown gets additional protection against the harsh outdoor elements. Without an outside-mount custom chimney cap, the need for repair or replacement of the chimney crown is more frequent.

Prevent Moisture Damage

Moisture is Enemy Number One for all chimneys. The first line of defense against moisture damage is the chimney cap. Without this vital appliance, precipitation can simply pour into the chimney and cause all kinds of preventable damage. It is not good for rain, snow, sleet, or hail to get into your chimney.

One of the biggest of the problems caused by moisture is that freezing and thawing cycles in winter mean the destruction of any bricks that contain moisture. When the water inside the bricks expands and contracts, the movement creates irreversible destruction of the masonry.

Keep Animals Out

Animals of various kinds are drawn to chimneys and create a range of problems for homeowners. Snakes, raccoons, rodents, and birds are commonly unwelcome houseguests that enter through chimneys with either no chimney cap or no chimney cap that is complete with mesh. Whether an animal in your chimney is dead or alive, it is important to schedule a professional chimney sweep for removal to avoid potential exposure to disease.

Protect Against Rooftop Fires

The mesh on chimney caps also serves as a spark guard. Embers are typically prevented from escaping the chimney, which reduces the potential threat of a rooftop fire or the burning of other combustible materials that might be nearby.

Guard Against Downdrafts

When you have a chimney with no chimney cap, downdrafts can gust down into your chimney. Downdrafts introduce cold air into your home, which could increase your energy costs. In addition, toxic fumes, ash, and dangerous floating embers could be blown inside your home when there are downdrafts, affect.

Contact Dubuque Fireplace & Patio for Chimney Cap Installation

The NFI-certified chimney sweeps at Dubuque Fireplace & Patio have training and experience in all aspects of chimney and fireplace care. If you don’t have a chimney cap, it could save you time, frustration, and money to schedule a chimney inspection and cleaning, and to also get your chimney cap installation started without delay. Contact Dubuque Fireplace and Patio today by calling (563) 582-5156. Call our sister store, Chimney Specialists, Inc., at (608) 929-4887 if you live in or near Highland WI.