The Chimney Cap: A Silent Sentinel
A chimney cap is versatile and one of the most essential and helpful accessories of a chimney system. Not many homeowners pay attention to or understand the role it plays in enhancing the chimney's short- and long-term integrity and preventing unnecessary issues from developing. The chimney cap sits silently above, protecting the interiors to save homeowners a lot of hassle and money.
A chimney cap is a specially designed, inexpensive metal fixture that sits atop a chimney above the crown and looks like a roof for the flu. It protects the chimney from the top down. Here are a few functions a properly installed chimney cap performs for the chimney and the home:
Restricts animal entry
A chimney cap successfully prevents birds and animals like raccoons, squirrels, bats, snakes, and rats from going down the chimney and entering the homes. These creatures look for a safe and warm place to nest and hide, and uncapped chimneys provide a perfect spot. They can bring diseases, damage the chimney parts, and create unnecessary stress for homeowners. Often, these critters go inside the chimney, get stuck, and fail to come out and die in there. Dead animals or droppings lead to unpleasant smells inside the home. A chimney cap prevents all these issues.
Blocks debris
Without a chimney cap, leaves, branches, twigs, sticks, nesting materials, and debris can enter and settle inside the chimney. The chimney's interior should stay clean and clear to ensure safe and proper operation. Debris build-up can clog and prevent adequate ventilation. It allows poisonous gasses to enter the home, putting the family at carbon monoxide poisoning risk and also poses a fire threat.
Protects from water and moisture damage
Water and moisture can wreak havoc on the chimney parts and structure and cause thousands of dollars in repairs. The Masonry chimney deteriorates faster if it stays wet for longer. Moisture or chimney leaks can cause musty smells, allow mold and mildew to thrive, affect the fireplace's ceiling and wall, and damage the liner, damper, and mortar joints. A chimney cap keeps snow, rain, and hail from making their way into the home via the chimney. It will increase the chimney life and prevent structural issues.
Prevents downdrafts
A chimney cap prevents drafts from sneaking into the home through the fireplace. In an open chimney, winds create downdrafts, filling the house with smoke and bringing cold air inside. It decreases the heating system efficiency, affects indoor temperature, makes it hard to stay warm, and shoots up the energy bills. A chimney cap keeps the cold out, helps maintain more consistent temperatures, and lowers the energy bills.
Arrests spark
As the wood burns in the fireplace, sparks and embers can fly out of the chimney. A chimney cap comes with a screen to contain sparks and floating embers that can escape and pose a fire risk if they come in contact with trees, power lines, or roofs. It is particularly beneficial in regions with dry climates.
Keep the chimney cap in perfect condition
It is essential to regularly check the chimney cap to ensure this silent and often forgotten hero stays in top condition. Always hire a professional to inspect and install a chimney cap.
Sweeps N Ladders is a North Texas chimney and roofing repair service providing chimney & fireplace restorations, brick and mortar restoration, chimney caps, chase covers, and more. We provide fireplace inspection and repair, fireplace remodeling, chimney inspection and sweeping, and dryer vent cleaning. We are locally owned and operated family business and are licensed, bonded, and insured. Call us today at 469-812-5662.