While chimney caps are expected to last a lifetime, the truth is quite different. Whereas a chimney cap can remain intact for up to 50 years, another portion of your home will eventually need to be fixed or replaced. Timely chimney cap replacement may ensure that your chimney remains functional and secure.
But how can you tell when it’s time for a new chimney cap? What should you be looking out for? Here are the 3 situations when chimney cap replacement becomes essential!
Your Chimney Cap is Missing Key Features
As with any other industry, chimney caps have developed over time. Research and development have resulted in innovations that provide homes with improved protection and longer-term peace of mind. If you have an older cap, look for wire mesh on the sides. However, some earlier caps do not have this feature. These meshless caps still have a cover (or hood) to keep precipitation out, but animals can still enter the flue(s) and your chimney. If your cap does not have mesh sides, you should consider a chimney cap replacement for one that does.
Some modern caps include a removable hood, making it simple to clean the chimney. If your current cap’s hood is not removable, switching to a new cap with a removable hood will make cleaning your flue much easier. Choosing a chimney cap replacement not only increases convenience but also improves overall chimney functionality.
You Have a Rusted Chimney Cap
Most chimney caps today are made from copper, stainless steel, or galvanized steel, ensuring that they maintain their structural integrity, as these strong metals do not corrode or rust. Unfortunately, rust can form in ancient chimney tops or caps constructed of inferior materials. A rusted chimney cap is extremely unstable and easily damaged.
If your chimney cap is rusted, replacing it should be a top priority. Repairing a rusted cap may be a temporary remedy, however purchasing a new, rust-free cap is a simple investment that will produce considerable dividends over time, assuring the longevity of your chimney.
Your Chimney Cap is Damaged
An antique round chimney flue in close-up, covered in rust. The cap’s animal exclusion hardware fabric has been nibbled through and damaged. Several factors can lead to deterioration of a chimney cap:
- Animals may bend it or eat through it.
- Strong gusts could distort or completely blow it off.
- Broken tree branches might fall on it and squeeze it.
- It could deteriorate due to general weathering or wear and tear.
A chimney cap needs to be changed right away if it is twisted, cracked, or distorted in any other manner. For a satisfactory draft, the chimney cap’s hood must be raised sufficiently above the flue tile. Fireplace gases, such as smoke or carbon monoxide, could blast back into your home if it isn’t functioning properly. If you notice significant damage, don’t delay in considering chimney cap replacement.
A chimney top must also be changed if the mesh is bent or broken. Wildlife is always searching for opportunities to enter dwellings, and a bat or squirrel could exploit even the smallest imperfection in the mesh. Thus, investing in a chimney cap replacement not only safeguards your chimney but also protects your home from unwanted guests.
To summarize
Regular examination and timely replacement of your chimney cap are critical for keeping a safe and effective chimney. By addressing symptoms of wear and upgrading to new designs, you can improve moisture and animal protection.
