If you have a chimney, one of the most important steps you can take to protect it is to install a chimney cap or a top-sealing damper. Contrary to popular belief, the biggest enemy a chimney system faces is not heat – it’s water. If a chimney is not properly protected with a quality cap, water can get inside of your chimney and cause thousands of dollars of damage. While there are several precautions that need to be taken to help prevent this, one of the most important things you can do is have a professional chimney sweep install a chimney cap. Click here to request an appointment online!
A chimney cap is a metal structure that is fitted at the top of your chimney’s flue. Also known as a spark arrestor, this component helps protect the interior of your chimney from water, animals, and debris, and protects your roof and nearby property from stray sparks. What’s life for your chimney like without one?
Water – Without a chimney cap, rain, snow, and sleet will flow into your chimney unhindered. When this happens, it can cause significant damage to your chimney, fireplace, and the surrounding areas of your home. From corroded fireboxes and dampers to completely rusted chimney liners, water intrusion can quickly render your chimney system useless. One of the most common effects of water intrusion is masonry damage (cracks, crumbling, spalling). Cracks in the masonry can direct water to other parts of your home where it can manifest as a leak in your ceiling. Not only does this cause damage to your home, but it also promotes the growth of mold and mildew, which is a health hazard. Many ceiling leaks can be traced back to a leaky, cap-free chimney.
Animals – When it comes to animals and birds, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. There are many species of birds and other critters that seek out the warmth and protection of a chimney when creating a nest to raise their young. Not only is this dangerous for the animals, but this can be potentially disastrous to your home and health. If nesting materials ignite, a fire can quickly spread from your chimney to your home. Additionally, many animals cannot get out of the chimney once they are inside. Many trapped animals end up dying, leaving behind nasty smells and diseases that can get into the air in your home.
Note: Chimney swifts are one of the most common invaders of chimneys and are on the protected species list. Once they are inside of your chimney, it is illegal to remove them. When this happens, you simply have to wait for the young birds to grow and leave your chimney, which can take months.
Debris – An uncapped chimney can accumulate a surprising amount of debris in a short period of time. Dirt, leaves, sticks, and trash can all find their way into your chimney, creating a fire hazard and potentially blocking the removal of toxic gas.
Here at Brickliners, we have invested in the education and training of our team to ensure that you get expert advice and expert results. No matter which technician shows up at your home, you can be confident that they know exactly what kind of cap your system needs. Call us today at (802) 872-0123 or click here to request an appointment online!
You’ll need a chase cover to protect your prefabricated chimney, so ask us about this type of chimney installation or repair today.
51 Dorset Ln Suite 1, Williston, VT, 05495
(802) 872-0123
Monday — Friday, 9:00 AM — 4:00 PM
5 Whites Bridge Rd, Windham, ME 04062
(207) 302-0018
Monday — Friday, 9:00 AM — 4:00 PM
(833) 439-3288
Monday — Friday, 9:00 AM — 4:00 PM
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