What is a chimney cap?
Chimney caps not only protect the inside of your chimney but are also designed to protect the mortar crown area at the top of the chimney. Why do I need a chimney cap? The most important reason for capping your chimney is to protect the inside of your chimney from water which can lead to moisture damage. Capping your chimney will reduce the risk of burning embers or sparks from escaping the open chimney top and landing on your roof or in your yard. An uncapped chimney is an open invitation to birds and animals to “nest” inside your flue. These “nests” block your chimney flue and can result in a chimney fire. How do I determine what kind of cap I need? Caps for chimneys come in many different styles and sizes. To determine what style is best for your application you will first need to know what kind of chimney you have. If you have a masonry chimney determine next if you have a single flue or a multiple flue. If you have a single clay liner sticking out of your masonry chimney, measure the top of the clay liner. These dimensions will determine what size cap will be needed. If you have multiple clay liners or no liner at all, determine the dimensions for a multi-flue cap.
|