We Can Install a New Quality Chase Cover
Homeowners are increasingly taking advantage of the many benefits offered by a prefabricated or factory-made fireplace and chimney system.
- These manufactured pre-fab systems can be more affordable than a traditionally built chimney/fireplace.
- They pass significant safety testing before they’re sent to market and some of them can be highly efficient.
- They come in a broad mix of styles, shapes and sizes
What is a chimney chase?
Chimneys that come with prefabricated fireplaces are generally double or triple wall metal piping. This works well, but leaves little to be desired in the area of curb appeal. One way home builders address this situation is to build chases around the metal prefabricated chimneys. A chase in this application is basically a plywood box that is covered with some kind of siding (vinyl, brick or stone). Chases can greatly improve the looks of the prefab metal stack, and they also serve as some protection for the chimney from the elements. However, these chases need maintenance and that’s where Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps comes in.
Chimney Chase Covers
Old Rusty Chase Cover – Before
New Rust Proof Chase Cover – After
What Is a Chimney Chase Cover?
At the top of a chase, a chase cover is installed to keep rain, snow, and other kinds of precipitation from getting in and deteriorating the wooden building materials. Chase covers can be made of galvanized metal, stainless steel or copper. Galvanized metal chase covers have been known to fail and corrode, allowing water to access the system and cause damage. A failing chase cover will quickly lead to bigger problems and costly repairs. If you think your chase cover needs to be replaced, call Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps – we can help!
Is My Chase Cover Failing?
You’ll see some pretty obvious signs if the chase cover on your prefabricated chimney is starting to fail. The first sign is rust — if you notice patches of rust on the top of the chase cover or streaks running down its sides onto the chase exterior, water has begun to damage the chase cover, and it’s no longer providing the kind of protection you need.
Water damage in or around your fireplace can also indicate a failing chimney chase cover. If you notice any of these issues, call Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps — we can determine if a faulty chase cover is causing or leading to leaks.
Custom Chase Covers Are Designed To Properly Protect Your Chase
Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps installs custom chase covers that are made to fit your chimney chase perfectly. These are also designed with a slope for optimum water-shedding ability and bracing when the cover is oversized. Chase covers are routinely made with galvanized metal, but at Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps, we highly recommend stainless steel or copper, as these metals are rust-resistant and can last for decades. While galvanized metal is the least expensive option, it is much more susceptible to water damage, so we don’t see the same durability as we do with copper and stainless steel.
Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps can “Bless Your Hearth” by installing a custom chimney chase cover that will bring protection and beauty to your prefabricated chimney for years to come. Call us today or click here to make an appointment with our CSIA-certified technicians!
ChimneySaver Water Repellent is a great product for protecting your chimney from unwanted water intrusion. Ask us for more details.