7 Tips for Choosing the Ideal Chimney Cap
Every fireplace should be topped with a chimney cap! There are just too many benefits to these appliances to go without one. A chimney cap keeps rain out of your fireplace, which provides essential protection from damage caused by moisture. It also helps you possibly avoid major hassles by keeping animals out. With a spark guard on your chimney cap, you can also prevent hot embers from potentially starting a fire on your roof. If you’re in the market for a chimney cap, the following tips can help you make the perfect choice.
Insights for Choosing a Chimney Cap
A chimney cap is a really important part of the chimney system, no matter what region you live in. You have options to choose from, and the information below can help you make the right chimney cap purchase for your home.
1 – Material
Chimney caps come in three basic materials, each with their own benefits. The least expensive chimney caps are made with galvanized steel. If it’s helpful to have a small upfront cost, this is a fine choice. Galvanized steel chimney caps are significantly less durable than the other options, however. It will be necessary to repair or replace this type of chimney cap much sooner than with the other types. For a mid-range price and much better quality and durability, you can get a stainless steel chimney cap. Copper chimney toppers are also available. They come with a heftier price tag, and copper chimney caps are the perfect choice if you want to add a more stylish look that will enhance the aesthetics of your home.
2 – Custom Options
A wide range of sizes are available for chimney caps made with all three materials. There are many times, however, when a chimney isn’t a standard size. Custom-made chimney caps can be ordered, which can be necessary to ensure that you get all the benefits of the appliance.
3 – Size of the Mesh
The mesh on a chimney cap comes in different sizes. To benefit from the safety aspect in which mesh doesn’t allow embers to go through, choose mesh that has openings of about ¾ inch. If you live in a snowy area and the openings are any smaller than that, ice could form around it and create a situation where combustion materials can’t escape the chimney as they’re supposed to.
4 – Wind
If high-speed winds are common in your area, your chimney cap should be somewhat strong and heavy. If it’s too lightweight, a strong gust might pull it off.
5 – Draft
When a chimney cap is sized correctly, it should not create any type of interference with the chimney draft. How well combustion gases are drawn up and out of your chimney is determined by the draft. The general rule is to be sure the chimney cap lid is at least 5” above the top any of the flue tiles being covered, though a distance greater than 5” is even better.
6 – Measurements
The best approach to ensuring that you get the right chimney cap is by calling on expert chimney technicians. You can save money and effort by getting a chimney cap of the correct size that won’t interfere with draft.
7 – Warranty
If you’re interested in a lifetime warranty, you may be able to get one with a stainless steel or copper chimney cap. Those made with galvanized steel may come with a limited warranty, at best.
Contact Chimney Saver Solutions
If you need professional installation of a chimney cap, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Chimney Saver Solutions. We’ll get there ASAP. Every fireplace really needs a cap; so call us as soon as possible. We will also be happy to perform your annual chimney inspections, in which we inspect chimney caps and much more, to ensure that your chimney is safe and in good condition.
