Whether you have one story or a two-story house, it’s most likely to have a fireplace and a masonry chimney. And as you may already know, a chimney is incomplete without a suitable chimney cap. With fireplaces and chimneys fast becoming a status symbol, chimney cap installation is in high demand. According to Allied Market Research, the global chimney cap market was worth $112 million and is likely to reach $128 million by 2025.
Let’s understand a little bit more about:
- What are chimney caps,
- Why do you need them?
- How to go about chimney cap installation?
Let’s start with the basics.
What Are Chimney Caps?
A chimney cap is a fixture, usually made from metals like stainless steel, copper, or galvanized steel. This fixture covers the top of the chimney like a cap hence the name chimney cap. It can be flat, round, or peaked in shape.
Modern chimney caps vary in size and shape depending on the masonry or metal tube/flue. Today, decorative chimney caps are also available to add an aesthetic appeal to your home exterior. As chimney cap installation experts, we have seen a growing demand for decorative, stylish, and customized chimney cap designs.
Do You Need Chimney Caps in Utah?
Absolutely yes! Chimney caps act as a guard of the gate. So, a professional chimney cap installation is always a good idea. Here’s why.
1. Save On Your Energy Bills: You may not think about this often, but chimneys without caps are an open invitation for downdrafts. In windy weather, the blowing wind can cause a downdraft.
The wind blowing back into your chimney enters your home, affecting your home’s temperature. Your central heating system has to work harder to keep you warm and cozy, shooting up your energy bills.
But with a chimney cap installation, you don’t have to worry about a downdraft turning your home into the North Pole. Instead, you can keep your energy bills under control.
2. Prevent Fires: Just like a campfire, your chimney fire will also generate sparks and embers. And without a chimney cap, they can drift onto your roof. Thus, your chimney cap prevents these embers from landing on your roof and causing a fire.
If you have read about wildfires, you know that one spark is enough to engulf your house. So, ask a professional to complete your chimney cap installation as soon as possible. It will reduce the likelihood of a roof fire significantly.
3. Reduce Moisture: Rainwater can readily enter your chimney without a cap. And you want to prevent this from happening as far as possible. For starters, rainwater can damage chimney liners, dampers, and even chimney mortar joints. It can travel to other areas of your house, resulting in mold and mildew.
4. Keep Animals Out: Critters will set up shop in your chimney during the hot summer months. From birds to raccoons, a chimney offers the perfect breeding ground for different animals and insects. Baby birds and raccoons can fall into your fireplace.
Moreover, the nesting material left by these critters can catch fire when you light your fireplace. The good news is your chimney cap can save you from all this trouble. A professional chimney cap installation can keep the pest from entering your chimney/house.
5. Keep Your Chimney Clean: If you clean your rain gutters regularly, you know how much debris gathers on your roof. The same debris can enter your chimney if the cap is damaged or missing. In other words, a chimney cap will help boost the performance and longevity of your chimney.
Understanding Different Types of Chimney Caps
Chimney caps come in different styles/shapes, such as boxed, swooped, and straight. But style often determines how the chimney cap will look. It’s the material of the chimney cap that matters. Usually, you have to choose from the following three types of materials.
1. Stainless Steel: Stainless steel chimney caps last long, look beautiful, and are economical. The biggest benefit of a stainless steel chimney cap is its corrosion resistance. It can brave rainwater and snowfall better than other chimney materials.
2. Galvanized Steel: Galvanized steel chimney caps are the most affordable option. However, galvanized steel doesn’t last as long as stainless steel. Due to its lower corrosion resistance, it can wear out quickly.
3. Copper: Copper chimney caps are the most beautiful-looking option in the market. They are also corrosion-resistant, durable, and come in different shapes. But the biggest drawback of copper chimney caps is the cost. It is the most expensive option.
Chimney Cap Installation: Things to Remember
As chimney caps come in different varieties, choosing the right one is an uphill task. You have to think of a few things to make this process easier.
Here’s what you need to remember.
1. Think of Your Budget: One of the first things you will need to consider is how much you can afford to spend. If you are on a budget, you may want to buy a galvanized chimney cap. However, it will not last long. So, consider investing in a stainless steel chimney cap because it is durable and economical.
2. Double Check Your Measurements: This is also a critical factor. Every chimney is unique. So, get accurate measurements for your chimney cap installation. For a square flue, measure its width and length correctly. Measure the outside and inside diameter if the chimney flue is round.
3. Secure the Chimney Cap: Most chimney caps have support systems that screw into place. Stick with these chimney caps because they are easy to secure onto your chimney flue. Avoid using the ones that slide in. They can slide out just as easily in harsh weather, causing damage to your chimney, fireplace, and the rest of the house.
4. Hire a Professional for Chimney Cap Installation: DIY chimney cap installation is possible but highly discouraged. It requires climbing on the roof, which is risky. If you fail to secure the chimney cap, it can lead to considerable property damage. You will need an expert who can take care of chimney cap installation without any risks.
In Conclusion
As you can see, chimney caps play a critical role in protecting your chimney and your home from downdrafts, critters, mold, mildew, and debris. Before you go ahead with your chimney cap installation, understand as much about the caps as possible. Hopefully, this short post will help you know the basics of chimney caps, how to install them, and why you need them.
If you need chimney caps in Utah, Ace Gutter can help. We are the experts in chimney cap installation, rain gutter installation and cleaning, leaf guards, siding installation, and ice melt systems. Feel free to call us at (801) 676-1048 or fill out our online contact form for a free quote.