Chimneys are designed and built to be able to withstand cold, heat, rain, and wind. Nevertheless, the inside of the chimney and fireplace are actually made up of a number of delicate components that can’t be exposed to the elements. A well fitting, well installed chimney cap is actually the very first line of defense in protecting your chimney against the weather.
What’s a chimney cap?
A chimney cap is actually a fitted hood made out of metal like stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. Chimney caps are actually supposed to cover and protect the top of the flue while still allowing the byproducts of combustion from the fireplace to vent safely. This’s done by incorporating a good metal top with open mesh or perhaps wire sides. This allows smoke, gas, and air that is hot out, draws air that is fresh to be drawn in to feed the fire, and prevents outside elements such as moisture, debris, or perhaps even animals from entering the chimney.
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Benefits of a capped chimney
A well maintained chimney cap in condition that is good is actually among the best ways to protect the health of your chimney system. Below are just 3 of the ways that chimney caps protect your chimney system.
Animal entry: Chimneys are actually tempting nesting or perhaps hiding places for many small animals such as raccoons, squirrels, and birds ; chimney swifts, in particular, are actually known for seeking out chimneys to nest in. Animal entry is able to produce a number of issues for your chimney system, which includes harm to the liner, the development of blockages from nesting material, or perhaps even the deaths of the animals themselves in case they get trapped.
Debris: When the top of the flue is actually open, anything blowing past the chimney is able to fall into the chimney. This could include things like branches and leaves, plastic bags, or perhaps even balls or frisbees. The presence of these things in the flue increases the chance of a chimney fire and can prevent proper venting.
Moisture: Water is actually among the most damaging forces to a fireplace system; while bricks and mortar are actually built to withstand exposure to water, interior fireplace components can be harmed by even small amounts of moisture. Without having a chimney cap, water from rain, morning dew, snow, ice, and even hoses and sprinklers are able to enter the chimney is able to cause damage throughout the fireplace system.
Does my chimney cap have to be changed?
Chimney caps can be harmed from overexposure to the elements, improper installation, being poorly constructed, and more. in case a chimney cap becomes damaged – especially if it’s older – the best choice could be to have it replaced.
Replacing a chimney cap should only be accomplished by a certified chimney professional. Because a gap of as little as an inch is able to allow birds to slip into the chimney, it’s crucial that the chimney cap is properly fitted to the chimney of yours. Furthermore, a chimney professional is able to discuss with you the advantages and disadvantages of different kinds of new chimney caps; custom-designed chimney caps can be used as a means to enhance your home’s curb appeal and add a unique decorative touch while still functioning to protect the chimney.
A brand new chimney cap is able to help protect your chimney against the elements and extend the life of your fireplace system. For more info about adding a new chimney cap in your home.
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