Do I Need A Chimney Cap

Chimneys carry smoke and soot from a fireplace or furnace out of the house.

Do i need a chimney cap.

That s because a multi flue cap covers the entire chimney not just one flue. Some of the best reasons to install a chimney cap include. All chimneys require a chimney cap for protection. They are usually made of steel or copper mesh and come in a variety of styles to match the outside of your home.

In addition to the nuisance of having animals in your chimney nests can become fire hazards during winter. Squirrels raccoons chimney swifts and other critters may also decide to call your chimney home and build a nest that blocks the opening of your chimney. 1 chimney caps keep water from damaging the chimney s interior and exterior. The truth is yes.

Leaves twigs and other items can fall down your flue and accumulate inside your chimney. Chimney caps are protective coverings that go over the top of your chimney. Chimney caps keep birds bats squirrels and raccoons from entering your chimney. When we built this new house a screened chimney cap was a requirement not just because we are in the middle of the woods but in order to keep out the wildlife.

Why do i need a chimney cap. The most basic reason for this has to do with fire safety. You will likely need to install a cap for your gas furnace chimney but not for the reasons you might think. For maximum chimney protection we recommend a multi flue cap.

The top of a chimney after installation does not always have a chimney cap. Water damage inside a chimney can be even more expensive to repair. Creates a fire hazard as burning embers and sparks escape through the open chimney and land on your roof or in your yard. I decided that while you may not need a chimney cap in place for functional purposes a properly installed chimney cap is a good idea.

A chimney cap does a great job of protecting your chimney from water damage. On top of the mesh ring is a cap that helps protect your chimney from rain and downdrafts. Your typical chimney crashers are birds squirrels and raccoons. A chimney cap can prevent animals from entering your home keep the moisture out and protect the roof from burning embers starting a house fire.

Even if you live in a climate that experiences very little snow or heavy rain capping your chimney is still a good decision. Wood burning stoves and fireplaces produce more smoke than clean burning gas furnaces but both require venting through a chimney or stovepipe. Whenever you use your fireplace you create a lot of sparks. Water will over time erode the chimneys crown which will require costly repairs.

Without a cap you will most likely have to ward off critters looking to set up camp in your chimney.