The Importance Of Chimney Caps

The chimney cap is one of the most versatile parts of your chimney system, providing protection against animal and water intrusion, keeping out debris, helping to maintain proper draft, and keeping fire-starting sparks from making their way out of the chimney. Since there are so many different roles a chimney cap can and will play in the proper function of your chimney system, you’ll have a wide variety of different types of caps to choose from when you’re looking to install or replace a chimney cap.

Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps can help you decide what type of protection or benefits you need most, and point you toward the type of chimney cap that makes the most sense for your chimney system and your home. When you’re ready to have a new chimney cap installed, give us a call!

The Different Types Of Chimney Caps Available To You

Common Materials

Chimney caps are made of metal, but the kind of metal can vary, and different metals bring different strengths and benefits.

Galvanized metal — these caps tend to be relatively inexpensive, but galvanized metal also tends to be more susceptible to rust and/or corrosion. So, if durability is a concern for you, galvanized metal might not be the best option.

Stainless Steel Single Flue Chimney Cap

Stainless steel — you’ll see stainless steel used in various places throughout your home, and there’s good reason: It’s a beautiful and extremely durable material. We routinely see stainless steel caps lasting through years and years of use. And we offer and install stainless steel caps in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and looks – so you’re bound to find a cap that you’ll love.

Copper Multi-flue Chimney Cap

Copper — as far as beauty goes, you can’t beat copper. Copper is eye-grabbing when shiny and new, and as it weathers through the years, it develops a colorful and bright patina. If you’re particular about curb appeal, a copper chimney cap might be for you.

Common Types & Functions

Standard chimney caps
These provide the basic protections you should expect from a well-made chimney cap, including protection against the intrusion of water and animals.

Chimney cap dampers
A chimney cap damper offers the function of a standard chimney cap and a top-sealing damper, protecting the flue and completely sealing it off with a gasket when the fireplace, stove, or insert is not in use.

Spark arrestors
These are made with mesh surrounds that have particularly small openings, and work to prevent hot sparks from passing through. A spark arrestor can be particularly beneficial for homeowners who live in wooded areas with brush that could ignite.

Draft-increasing chimney caps
If you’ve had issues with draft, a chimney cap designed to improve your draft could be a big help. These can also clear up issues related to wind-induced downdrafts.

Custom chimney caps
There are a wide variety of chimney caps with different looks and different functions to choose from. But we can also install a cap that’s custom-made to your functional and aesthetic needs and specifications. Talk to us about what you want!

Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps can install a beautiful and functional new chimney cap for you that will truly “Bless Your Hearth”. Call us today or click here to make an appointment with our CSIA-certified technicians!

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