Caps vs. Crowns vs. Covers
Chimneys have more components than many people realize. Of all the chimney parts, three that often need to be sorted out are caps vs. crowns vs. covers. It helps to understand such chimney terminology because ongoing maintenance is essential. The friendly experts at Chimney Saver Solutions find that informed customers experience less stress when chimney fixes are needed. A chimney cap, crown, and cover are three altogether different things, though they all are located at the top of something. Read on for enlightening insights.
What are Chimney Caps?
Chimney caps are metal covers installed at the top of masonry chimneys. They have several aka’s, such as rain cover, flue cap, spark arrestor, and chimney tops or hats. A chimney cap keeps rain and all other types of precipitation out of the chimney. Moisture is a chimney’s Enemy Number One, and it is no friend to homeowners, either. It can be very costly to fix moisture problems in chimneys.
The more effective chimney caps come with mesh. This extra feature is often referred to as a “spark guard.” The mesh helps to prevent embers from escaping the chimney and starting a roof fire. Chimney caps with mesh will also prevent debris and animals from getting into your chimney and creating dangerous blockage and various distasteful problems. For example, animals leave toxic waste behind. Even worse, they can die in the chimney, creating an unimaginable stench. Call your CSIA-certified chimney sweeps at Chimney Saver Solutions to remove animals, alive or dead, and animal waste.
The best chimney caps are known as “top-mount chimney caps.” They do everything a chimney cap with mesh does plus they also protect the crown, which is highly at risk for damage. Because of that vulnerability, top-mount chimney caps can cut your overall chimney maintenance and repair costs.
What are Chimney Crowns?
The white part at the top of masonry chimneys is known as the chimney crown. Crowns are often built with substandard material, which shortens their already brief lifespan. If a chimney crown deteriorates, the chimney system is much more vulnerable to water intrusion. One of the most important reasons to schedule annual chimney inspections is that chimney crowns are prone to develop cracks.
If cracks in chimney crowns are discovered quickly, repair may be all that is needed. With further damage, a chimney crown rebuild becomes necessary. Chimney crown damage is often the cause of chimney leaks and the need for partial or complete chimney rebuilds.
What are Chimney Covers?
Chimney chase covers are the metal coverings installed at the top of manufactured chimneys. These covers sit on top of the “chase,” which is a wood-framed chimney. There is also a chase “top,” which has the same attributes as chimney caps.
As with caps, chimney chase covers are made with several types of metal. Chase covers are prone to rust quickly, however. So, opting for a chase cover made from stainless steel or copper is recommended.
Rely on the Chimney Experts for Help with Caps, Crowns, and Covers
Our clients at Chimney Saver Solutions are encouraged to ask their “burning questions” about chimneys and fireplaces. We are happy to provide the answers you seek as we have here, addressing caps vs. crowns vs. covers. Whatever services you need, we provide reliable chimney cleaning, chimney inspections, masonry rebuilds, chimney cap repair, flue liner replacement, flashing repair, chimney leak fixes, professional fireplace installation, and all other chimney-related services.
Call us today to schedule an appointment or fill out our online form.
