Every chimney needs a good chimney cap. If you are unsure of what’s sitting atop your chimney; take a peek! The opening of your chimney flue should be covered with a peaked metal structure affixed to the top of your chimney with a metal cage. A proper chimney cap plays an important role in protecting your home and your chimney.
Prevent water damage.
Probably the most fundamental function of a chimney cap is that the chimney cap’s “roof” covers your chimney opening, preventing water from flowing down the inside of your chimney’s walls and causing major damage. In fact, the Chimney Safety Institute of America has declared chimney caps as the cheapest and most effective way to protect your chimney and fireplace from water damage.
Block drafts.
In addition to keeping water from running down your chimney, your chimney cap’s solid roof can prevent sudden gusts of wind from drafting down your chimney. Drafts have the obvious negative effect of cooling your home, but they also can fill your home with smoke from your fireplace or, if they are strong enough, they can disrupt the fire in your fireplace and send burning embers or smoke out into your home.
Keep animals and debris out.
The cage that supports the chimney cap also plays a vital role in keeping your chimney safe. That cage keeps animals and birds from entering your chimney and blocks debris, such as leaves and twigs, from blowing down your chimney. Blockages within your chimney are a fire hazard, and they prevent noxious gases, including carbon monoxide, from exiting your home.
Reduce your fire risk.
That metal cage supporting the chimney caps also serves another purpose. Sometimes called a “spark arrestor,” a fine mesh cage keeps any burning embers that may make their way up your flue from exiting the chimney. Uncontained, those burning embers can ignite your roof or other nearby bushes, trees or buildings.
At Clean Sweep Anne Arundel County, we install quality, long-lasting chimney caps that are meant to protect your chimney and your home. We offer stainless steel chimney caps and, for a different aesthetic and longer life, copper chimney caps. We have chimney caps in different styles,colors and sizes to fit your flue. We even make and install custom chimney caps, so you are sure to find the right solution and the right look for your chimney!
If you’re in need of a new chimney cap, call the experts at Clean Sweep Anne Arundel County today! We can evaluate your chimney flue and provide you with appropriate chimney cap options to suit. If you are not sure what type of chimney cap you have, or if it is adequately protecting your home and chimney, be sure to ask your chimney sweep about your chimney cap during your next sweeping and inspection.