Why Do I Need A Chimney Cap?
A crackling fire in a beautiful fireplace is inviting and relaxing on a cool autumn evening. In order to keep your fireplace in tip-top condition, it is important to keep the chimney clean and up to regulations. One area that is often overlooked is the chimney cap.
Two-fold Purpose of a Chimney Cap
Chimney caps hold a dual purpose when it comes to protecting your chimney. First, a chimney cap keeps sparks from escaping from your chimney, a dangerous situation that could cause fire on your roof. Sparks can also fly onto the ground; during the dry season, this can cause a yard fire which, if undetected, could cause major damage to your home or your neighborhood.
Second, a chimney cap keeps elements from outdoors from getting into your chimney. Leaves, twigs, animals, and birds have all been known to get into chimneys and can cause build-ups that can block proper air flow or cause fires in your chimney. Other natural elements, such as rain, sleet, and snow are also kept out of your chimney by a chimney cap. According to wiseGEEK, moisture mixes with the creosote that can build up inside your chimney and this can eat away at the mortar in the firebox and flue. It can also cause rust to build up on the metal parts of the fireplace, such as the damper.
Types of Chimney Caps
There are several types of chimney caps depending on the kind of chimney in your home. According to the National Fire Protection Association, standard chimney caps can be fitted over different shaped chimney types (square, oval, round, or rectangular). Draft increasing chimney caps can be used on flat roofs; an adaptor is used to install this type of chimney cap if you have a masonry chimney. Draft master caps use wind to increase performance of the chimney flue. Integral damper mechanisms can be used in old fireplaces to cause a better draft, while top sealing fireplace dampers reduce heat loss and downdrafts.
Chimney Cap Care and Repair
The Chimney Safety Institute of America states that chimney caps are “probably the most inexpensive preventive measure that a homeowner can employ to prevent water penetration and damage to the chimney.” Chimney caps should be sturdily constructed of a corrosion resistant material. A quality chimney cap will be easily removable, which will allow for ease of inspection and cleaning. This inexpensive buy could be the smartest move you can make to keep your home safe and protected from chimney fires.
Chim Cheroo Chimney Service, Inc. offers quality chimney cap maintenance, care, and inspection. Trust the professionals at Chim Cheroo to take a look at your chimney cap. If they determine it was built with improper materials or was otherwise improperly installed, they have the tools to rebuild or repair your existing chimney cap. And if rebuilding or repairing won’t take care of the problem, they have the know how to replace your chimney cap with a new one. Keep your chimney in great working order with the professionals at Chim Cheroo!