A chimney cap is more than a decorative element. Protects the interior of the fireplace from rain and other inclement weather, curious animals, and damage caused by strong winds. In addition, the air loss is slowed down through the upper part of the chimney, keeping the atmosphere warmer in winter and cool in summer.
Fireplace tops are typically made of metal, which can receive a beating when exposed to the elements. The chimney cap protects your home by transferring hot combustion gases to the outside air. For this reason, chimney caps are a measure highly recommended by most professionals. In this blog post, we are going to cover the top 5 reasons why you should install a chimney cap/cover whatever you say if you have not already done so.
Prevention of Water Damage
As we discussed in a recent blog post when water enters a chimney and undergoes freeze-thaw cycles it can wreak havoc on your chimney. In addition to compromising the masonry of your chimney, the penetration of water can cause more severe structural damage throughout your home. The cover of a chimney prevents water from entering the chimney and protects your home from damage.
Protection Against Debris and Animals
Your unprotected chimney tends to collect leaves, dirt, and other debris, and it’s a pretty common issue. This garbage clogs your fireplace, obstructs the writing of your chimney, and could cause a dangerous fire also. A chimney cap prevents the fireplace from becoming, essentially, a giant garbage can.
In addition to waste, it is likely that birds and other animals find their way to an open fireplace. The warm and dark fireplace offers the perfect environment to build a nest. For the safety of these animals and their home, the best option is to install a chimney cap.
Keeping the Chimney Lining
By protecting your chimney from unwanted water and debris, a chimney cap helps preserve the life of your chimney liner. Some elements can seriously deteriorate their coating, particularly the clay lining of your chimney. Your coating is essential for the optimal performance and safety of your chimney. Installing a smoke cap is a much simpler and more cost-effective procedure than repairing or replacing a damaged coating. Keeping up to date on your chimney care can save you time and money in the future.
Spark Containment
When your chimney is in use on a regular basis, large sparks may appear in your chimney. If those sparks are hot enough, there is a chance that they can get out of the fireplace and light patches of grass or nearby leaves. A chimney cap or spark arrest or will keep these sparks as they die, protecting you and your neighbors from potential hazards.
Improvement Project
A chimney cap helps increase the draft of your house chimney. Without proper wording, the smoke and noxious gases can re-enter your home, creating an unpleasant and dangerous situation. The installation of a chimney cap will improve your draft and ensure the proper functioning of your chimney.
As you can see, installing a chimney cap is a simple but effective measure that is worth taking. A lid preserves and protects the overall life of your useful and necessary chimney. And when it protects your chimney, it protects your home also. If you have any questions about the installation of the chimney cap, contact us today to schedule an installation.
