Is Your Chimney Cap Safe?

Chimney caps are vital accessories because of the essential functions they perform. When chimney sweeps are discussing work to be done on your chimney system, you may be asked, “Is your chimney cap safe?” Chimney caps suffer premature deterioration for various reasons, including damage caused by severe weather events. Read on to learn details about the significance of chimney caps, how to recognize signs that chimney cap replacement may be necessary, and the different types of material chimney caps are made with.

Why is a Chimney Cap Important?

A chimney cap is installed at the top of the chimney flue. If you don’t have one at the top of your chimney system and you live in the Houston/Conroe area, give Guardian Chimney Sweep a call without delay. Chimney caps are necessary to keep rain and other types of precipitation from entering and potentially destroying the masonry in chimney systems. Another benefit of a chimney cap is that strong downdrafts are prevented from sending soot and smoke into your home interior. Chimney caps with mesh provide additional protection. The mesh prevents animals, birds, and debris from going into your flue. Chimney flues often become obstructed if there is no chimney cap with mesh. The mesh also prevents sparks from flying out of the chimney and igniting a roof fire.  It’s good to question, is your chimney cap safe if it isn’t complete with mesh?

Signs Your Chimney Cap Needs to be Replaced

Identifying the need for chimney cap replacement may not be obvious without a rooftop view. Telltale signs that your chimney cap is not safe because it’s not doing its job include:

• Rusting or deterioration of the metal
• The chimney cap is broken or cracked
• The chimney cap edges have gaps
• The mesh is no longer fully intact

Types of Chimney Cap Materials

The basic types of chimney cap materials are galvanized steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and copper.

Galvanized steel is the least expensive and least durable type of material used to make chimney caps. Galvanized steel chimney caps are more prone to develop rust and corrosion than other types of material. The normal lifespan of a chimney cap made with galvanized steel is estimated to be approximately 5 years.

Aluminum chimney caps are corrosion-resistant and affordable. However, they are less sturdy and durable than other options. Because aluminum is lightweight, it is prone to bend or break in extreme weather such as high winds.

Stainless steel chimney caps are considered the best value when considering both cost and performance. Chimney caps made with stainless steel are more durable and expensive than those made with galvanized steel or aluminum. In addition, minimal maintenance is required when you have a stainless-steel chimney cap. For an exceptionally durable and stylish chimney cap, invest in one made with copper. Whether you allow the copper chimney cap to acquire a charming patina caused by oxidation over time or whether you routinely polish the copper, it will add to the aesthetics of your home.

Contact Guardian Chimney Sweep for Chimney Cap Installation

The certified chimney professionals at Guardian Chimney Sweep can answer all of your chimney-related questions. Avoid the cost of major repairs by ensuring that your chimney cap is keeping out moisture as well as animals and such debris as acorns, limbs, and leaves. We provide chimney inspections, cleanings, chimney cap installations and more.  Simply fill out our contact form or call us today at any of the numbers below:
Toll-free: (888) 306-6069
Conroe: (936) 271-9781
Houston: (713) 401-2011