How to Choose the Perfect Chimney Cap for Your Two Story Home

As a Utah homeowner, you probably haven’t thought twice about how important a chimney is for your two-story home. It’s more than just a curb appeal; it protects your home from pests and elements.

The right chimney cap keeps rain, snow, and debris out, preventing moisture damage. It stops birds, squirrels, and critters from nesting inside your chimney. Investing in a chimney cap stops downdrafts that can push smoke back into your home, reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It also prevents stray sparks and embers from burning down your roof. 

At Ace Gutter, we specialize in chimney cap installations. With several of them under our belt, we know a thing or two about what works best for your home and the climate in Utah. So, in this post, we’ll talk about selecting the perfect chimney for your two-story home and different types of chimney caps.

Let’s get started.

Tips for Selecting the Perfect Chimney Cap

Choosing the right chimney cap involves more than just picking out a design that looks good. 

Here’s what you should consider:

1. Choose a Design That Suits Your Needs

While all chimney caps protect your home from elements and critters, each design offers unique benefits. So, the first step is to choose a design that serves the intended purpose.

If you live in an area with heavy rain or snow, choose a cap with a solid lid and a wide base to prevent water from entering the chimney. With many parts of Utah getting hit by intense thunderstorms and heavy snowfalls more frequently, installing a stainless steel or copper swooped-style chimney cap makes more sense. 
Likewise, a chimney cap with a mesh screen can keep out birds, squirrels, and other animals, making it ideal for two-story homes in areas prone to critter and pest problems. When you call a professional for chimney cap installation, be sure to ask about its features and whether it’s the best choice for your home.

2. Measure Your Chimney Flue Correctly

Before looking for chimney caps, you’ll need to know what type of chimney flue you have. Chimney flues come in different shapes, sizes, and materials. Brick chimney flues can be more commonly found on older properties in Utah. 

Other flue types include masonry parged, concrete, pumice, and clay-lined flues. Knowing which types of flue your two-story home has and measuring its length, width, and height helps you find a cap that fits perfectly. If the cap is too small, it won’t provide adequate protection.

3. Check for Spark Arrestor Requirements

Chimney spark arrestors prevent embers from escaping and reduce the risk of wildfires. Like most states, Utah also requires all chimney caps to have spark arrestors. However, you should check local building codes and choose a chimney cap that meets the requirements. 
Typically, chimneys require a 1/2″ spark arrestor, which means the mesh around your chimney cap has to be small enough to prevent half-inch embers from escaping. Usually, a woven mesh is used as an arrestor because it’s durable and highly effective. Speak with your chimney cap installer to know which type of arrestor your chimney needs.

4. Look for Quality Materials

Typically, chimney caps are available in materials like stainless steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, and copper. Each material offers unique benefits and drawbacks of its own. 

Here’s what you’ve to keep in mind: 

• Galvanized Steel: Galvanized steel chimney caps are the most cost-effective option, making them a good choice for Utah homeowners on a budget. Although coated, these caps may not last as long as their stainless steel or copper counterparts. If you install this cap, inspect it regularly for rust and other signs of damage. 

• Aluminum: Lightweight and rust-resistant, aluminum chimney caps are another budget-friendly option. But again, they may not be as durable as stainless steel or copper and can be prone to bending or denting in high winds. 

• Stainless Steel: Durable and rust-resistant, stainless steel chimney caps cost-effective yet durable. They can provide long-lasting protection with minimal maintenance and are ideal for Utah homes, which have to endure harsh weather.

• Copper: Known for its durability and curb appeal, copper is a premium option for chimney caps. Over time, copper chimney caps develop a natural patina that adds character to your two-story home. While more expensive than other materials, these caps are a long-term investment because of their longevity and low maintenance.

We recommend investing in chimney caps with a lifetime warranty, usually made from stainless steel or copper. Besides adding to your curb appeal, they can brave harsh Utah summers, thunderstorms, and heavy snowfalls without falling prey to rust and decay.

5. Hire A Professional for Chimney Cap Installation

Whether you choose a stainless steel or copper chimney cap, we recommend hiring a professional for installation. For one, chimney cap installers have the necessary tools, experience, and skill to install the cap securely, reducing the risk of leaks or critters in the future.

Secondly, they can help you select a cap based on the local climate and your budget. They also know local building codes and regulations, which can help you avoid potential fines or safety hazards. But more importantly, unlike DIY installations, a professional job helps you save time, reduce stress, and avoid damaging the flue. 

Ace Gutter has helped many homeowners in Utah with chimney cap installations. We provide swooped, straight, and customized options in both stainless and galvanized steel – and even copper. 

Moreover, our options include six different colors to match your home’s exterior. Whether you want a classic look or something that stands out, you can choose from black, white, musket brown, Victorian gray, charcoal gray, and bronze finishes.

In Conclusion 

Choosing the right chimney cap is necessary to protect your two-story home in Utah from rain, snow, downdrafts, critters, mold, and debris. However, when installing a chimney cap, you must consider your requirements, the size of your flue, and local climate and regulations. Therefore, it’s best to hire a professional for chimney cap installation.

At Ace Gutter, we can help you find and install the perfect chimney cap that fits your needs and style. We also specialize in rain gutters, leaf guards, siding installation, and ice melt systems. Call us at (801) 676-1048 or fill out our online contact form for a free quote.