Here are some signs it’s time to replace your chimney cap.
A chimney cap is attached to the flue at the top of your fireplace. Oddly enough, chimney caps are seen as an accessory rather than an essential component of the chimney system. If you don’t have a chimney cap, you should get one immediately. And if you do have one, how long has it been since you’ve had a trained technician look at the cap’s condition? When it’s time to repair or replace your chimney cap, it should be done without delay. Here are some signs it’s time to replace your chimney cap.
Rust on the Chimney Cap
Look at your chimney cap and see if you notice a significant amount of rust. If your cap has started to corrode or rust, it will need to be replaced.
If your cap is rusted, it won’t be as effective as a chimney cap in good shape. This can even result in the cap ripping apart if it becomes too heavily rusted. If the mesh is weakened in this way, it’s also possible for small animals to get inside and obstruct your chimney’s flue.
Your Chimney Cap is Missing Key Features
Like any other industry, chimney caps have evolved. Research and development have led to improvements that offer homeowners better protection and peace of mind.
If you have an older chimney cap, check if it has wire mesh on the sides. Some older caps don’t. These meshless caps still include a cover or hood to keep water out, but animals can still access the flue and get into your chimney. If your cap doesn’t have mesh sides, it’s very wise to get a new cap that does.
Some newer caps also have a removable hood. This makes it easier to clean your chimney. If your current cap’s hood is not removable, upgrading to a new cap with a removable hood will make cleaning your flue a breeze.
Visible Damage
If a chimney cap is bent, smashed, or damaged in any way, it should be replaced as soon as possible. The hood of a cap must be high enough above the flue tile to allow for a good draft. If it isn’t because the cap is damaged, fireplace gasses like smoke or carbon monoxide could blow back into your home.
Downdrafts in Your Home
Downdrafts can blow creosote, soot, and ash into your house. Typically, these downdrafts occur when there is damage to your chimney cap, or it is missing altogether. Make sure to replace your cap as soon as possible to stop this inconvenient and often messy issue.
Call the Experts at Champion Chimneys for Chimney Sweeping Today!
Champion Chimneys, Inc. is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured chimney service company that has been serving customers in Baltimore County, Howard County, and Anne Arundel County, Maryland since 2001. Our team is trained and certified by Certified Chimney Professionals, Inc. (CCP, Inc.). Courteous service is our trademark, and our crews arrive on time in uniform, driving fully equipped trucks. We specialize in all aspects of your chimney system. Whether you need chimney and flue cleaning service or a full chimney rebuild or inspection, contact us at 443-Chimney today and let us fix all your chimney problems. Also, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.