Why You Should Have a Chimney Cap Installed

Toxic combustion gases from fires are transported up and out of your home through the chimney flue. But plenty of things can travel down that same opening into your home, which is the basic reason why you should have a chimney cap installed immediately. If nothing is operating as a cover over the flue pipe, the urgent need for a chimney cap cannot be exaggerated. If you live in or around Richmond VA, contact Chimney Saver Solutions for reliable chimney cap installation. Read on to learn about problems you can avoid and the benefits of having a chimney cap installed.

Keep Out the Rain and Snow

Precipitation will go directly down your chimney unless a chimney cap has been installed. For chimneys, moisture caused by rain, sleet, snow, and hail is Enemy Number One. Rusting dampers and firepit components are problems but the least of your worries. The moisture can cause deterioration of the chimney flue. The threat of a damaged chimney flue is greater when the moisture mixes with creosote. A tar-like substance, creosote is a toxic byproduct of wood fires. Chimney flue repair or replacement is needed if there is damage as small as a tiny crack. Otherwise, there is a threat of a house fire and exposure to deadly carbon monoxide.

If moisture gets into the masonry system, the bricks are ultimately destroyed. This is due to the way the water expands and contracts during freezing and thawing cycles in winter. The movement destroys the bricks. Every affected brick must be replaced to avoid a leaning chimney that can eventually collapse.

Prevent a Chimney Leak

When precipitation flows down a chimney, another costly outcome is a chimney leak. Besides destroying bricks, moisture in the chimney system results in chimney leaks that can affect the interior of your home. If you see water stains on the walls or ceiling near your fireplace, it is likely evidence of a chimney leak. One of the worst realities of a chimney leak is that it often means the moisture intrusion problem you are facing is invasive.
Getting to the root cause of chimney leaks is a challenge that usually requires help from true pros like the certified chimney sweeps at Chimney Saver Solutions.

Keep Animals Out

Nothing good generally comes from animals entering your home through the chimney. Birds, snakes, squirrels, raccoons, bats, and various other creatures commonly enter homes through chimney flue openings. Animals are a nuisance and potentially dangerous enough that homeowners should always call qualified chimney sweeps for animal removal. A chimney cap with mesh will keep animals out of your chimney flue, helping you to avoid all kinds of potential frustration.

Help Prevent Fires

Another function of the mesh on chimney caps is to act as a spark guard. When burning embers and sparks float up and out of chimneys, there is a potential for a rooftop fire. Chimney caps control sparks and help prevent fires.

Chimney Cap Installation in Richmond VA & Surrounding Area

Now that you know why you should have a chimney cap installed immediately, contact Chimney Saver Solutions today! We can help with chimney cap installation, chimney cap repair, chimney inspections, chimney cleaning, masonry repair, chimney flue replacement or repair, and more. You can also reach out through our handy contact form or schedule an appointment by calling (804) 440-5000.