We Install Chimney Caps & Custom Caps Near You: Protection That Looks Great
Does your chimney have everything it needs to withstand damage from animals, wind, rain, and other types of wear and tear? Get all that and more from an affordable and quick-to-install chimney cap. These components are one of the most vital components of any system, and we’d be happy to set you up right with the perfect one for your setup. For chimney cap installation near you in Delaware County, reach out today.
Ready to get started? Give us a call or book online with our techs today. We’re here and happy to help.
What Does a Chimney Cap Do?
If you look at the top of your chimney, you’ll see that your flue actually extends up past the chimney stack and crown. Without proper protection, your flue is out in the elements and vulnerable to damage, day in and day out, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Every chimney needs a properly-fitted cap, and here’s why:
#1 Chimney caps are guaranteed to keep out animals and birds.
The chimney might not be on your list of “best places to raise a family,” but for some birds and animals, it’s a cozy and inviting place away from the elements. When it starts to get cold, the warmth of the chimney makes it an inviting place for animals to nest. Birds, raccoons, squirrels, bats, and chimney swifts can easily enter an uncapped chimney, bringing diseases, feces, and unpleasant smells and sounds with them. Additionally, their nesting materials can block the flow of exhaust gases, which can cause smoke and carbon monoxide to enter your home, result in your heating system to shut off, or even spark a house fire.
Unfortunately, most animals that get into the chimney can’t get out, and end up dying inside. They may also fall down into the fireplace or make their way into your home, which can make for an interesting Friday night, but certainly not a fun one. But installing a quality cap is one of the best ways to protect yourself against these unpleasant and costly situations, and it’s cheaper than removing an animal from the chimney.
#2 Chimney caps keep out debris.
Debris like branches, leaves, pine needles, and other flammable materials can easily fall into an uncapped chimney and restrict the flow of exhaust gases, resulting in a house fire, smoke and carbon monoxide problems, or system shutdown. Debris can also build up behind your fireplace damper, which can make it difficult to open the damper when you’re ready to enjoy a fire in your fireplace.
#3 Chimney caps keep out water and can prevent leaks.
Water, the most destructive force your chimney will face, can easily enter an uncapped chimney as well, eroding the mortar between the sections of the clay tile liner or corroding the metal flue liner. Water can also rust out your damper or any other metal components in your fireplace, damage your furnace exhaust pipes, and potentially damage the furnace itself. The cost to repair missing mortar joints in the flue, replace rusted out components, or replace a furnace far exceed the cost of installing a new chimney cap.
Single Flue Cap
Multi-Flue Cap
What Types of Chimney Caps Are There?
Here at Lou Curley’s Chimney Service, we work hard to keep water out by installing quality chimney caps and custom caps for single and multi-flue chimneys.
- Single Flue Caps — We’re proud to offer our neighbors a large selection of single flue caps in a large variety of sizes and styles. Each cap is designed to cover one flue, so if you have multiple chimneys, you may need more than one. Our caps are available in stainless steel or copper (both materials are designed to last, despite our winters), and each can be powder-coated to the color of your choice. Every cap we sell also carries a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty, and we carry stainless steel caps in the three most common sizes on our trucks at all times.
- Multi-Flue Caps — We also have a variety of multi-flue cap options for homeowners in need of a cap that will cover several flues at once. These are typically preferred when the flues are too close together to fit multiple single flue caps or when the flue tile doesn’t stick up far enough to bolt on a single flue cap. Another reason to opt for a multi-flue cap is that you prefer the look or you’d like your cap to offer protection to a great area of the chimney top. Like our single flue chimney caps, our multi-flue caps come in stainless steel and copper, and can be powder coated to the color of your choice. Each also carries a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty, so you can be confident your cap will offer a long-term solution to water and animal problems.
What Is a Full-Coverage Chimney Cap?
Full-coverage chimney caps are relatively new and are gaining popularity for their ability to protect the entire chimney crown – not just the flue. These caps are custom-made to fit the exact dimensions of your chimney and provide maximum coverage of the entire chimney crown. They also have a water runoff that takes water away from the brick on the side of the chimney, directing it to the roof instead.
The benefits of a full crown coverage cap include:
- Maximum Protection: Full-cover caps provide maximum protection for your chimney by covering the entire crown to prevent water, debris, and animals from entering your chimney. You’ll have fewer problems with water damage, animal infestations, and other chimney-related issues.
- Durability: Because these caps are custom-made to fit your chimney, they are more secure and less likely to become dislodged during high winds or other extreme weather conditions. They are also made with high-quality materials and can last for years without needing to be replaced.
- Aesthetics: Full-cover caps are very attractive. They can be made from copper or stainless steel, as well as be powder-coated in a variety of colors. If you’re looking for something to stand out, this just might be the ticket for you.
How Do I Take Care of a Chimney Cap?
Believe it or not, taking care of caps is really easy. Just schedule your annual chimney sweep and inspection right now by calling our team of experts, and we will inspect the cap at the same time we inspect the rest of the system.
For caps specifically, we check for signs of damage and wear and tear to make sure that your cap is still providing adequate protection for your chimney. If you go with the full-cover cap, remember – they are custom-made, which means they can be more expensive to replace. That’s why it’s important to take good care of it from the get-go and address any issues as soon as possible.
Can I Install a Chimney Cap Myself?
We recommend you hire a certified and experienced technician to do this installation. Especially on the full-coverage chimney caps, as they have to be custom-measured and fitted to give your system maximum protection. If they aren’t installed properly, that might not be the case and we want you to get what you pay for.
What happens if a cap isn’t installed correctly from the get-go? Well, then water, animals, debris, etc. – in other words, all the things your cap is supposed to be protected against – will still find their way into your chimney and wreak havoc. It’s simply best to let a professional get the job done right from the very start.
When Do I Know I Need a New Chimney Cap?
No matter what chimney cap you decide on, it’s a great idea to do a visual inspection from the ground after any wind or major weather events. This alone can help catch needed repairs or replacements. if you see the cap is missing, bent, or just doesn’t look “normal,” give us a call as it might be that the storm tore the cap off or damaged it.
Other than that, regular cleaning and maintenance will go a long way in extending the life of your cap, and your chimney technician will be able to show you pictures of the cap if there is damage. At that time it may be time to replace the chimney cap.
Request an Appointment With Us Today
Is your chimney missing a cap? Let us take care of it! Give us a call or fill out our online appointment request form to schedule your chimney cap installation today and enjoy a lifetime of protection against water!
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