It’s simple to overlook the chimney perched above the roof of your house while taking pleasure in the warm and inviting atmosphere created by a lovely gas or wood-burning fireplace. The flue is responsible for removing smoke and dangerous combustion gases from your house so that your fireplace may run safely and effectively. You should always have a chimney cover built on top of the stack since water may lead to extensive damage, such as corrosion, mold, and mildew.

 

How Do Chimney Caps Work?

A chimney cap covers the exposed flue pipe much like a rain hat or umbrella, shielding it from the elements such as rain, snow, wind, debris, and even small animals. A chimney cap protects the whole width of the chimney whereas a flue cover just covers the flue, leaving the cement chimney crown unprotected. Chimney caps come in a wide range of shapes, forms, and materials, including steel, copper, and aluminum. Fireplace repair companies Chicago such as Delta Chimneys have experienced chimney cap installers Chicago that advise installing a bespoke chimney cap that is made to precisely suit your individual chimney. Our fireplace experts Chicago also employ materials of a better caliber than those found in typical off-the-shelf products.

 

Prevention of Fire

When sparks from embers in the flue fly out and fall on the roof or, worse yet, a neighboring tree limb that is hanging over the top, a disastrous home fire may result. It might jeopardize the lives and property of neighbors in addition to seriously damaging your house. So, it’s a crucial justification for installing a chimney cover.

 

Animals Are Stopped In Their Tracks

Bats, mice, raccoons, pigeons, and other tiny animals live in Chicago and the surrounding region and enjoy a warm, pleasant habitat far from predators. And the closest inn they choose to stay in may be your chimney. Sadly, these animals are unaware of the risks associated with dwelling within a chimney flue. They often get trapped as a consequence and pass away within, unable to escape. Also, the nests they construct are flammable, so a chimney fire might be started by sparks or heat. By putting up a chimney cover, you may prevent nearby animals from getting into the flue. Your family will all have a more restful sleep at night.

 

Guards Against Moisture Infiltration

Rainfall noises may be relaxing, but not if they are coming down on top of the fireplace. Compared to the outer brick and mortar, the inside masonry is softer. Because of the cascading effects caused by moisture within the chimney, using your fireplace or stove becomes dangerous due to spalling masonry, firebox damage, and drafting issues. In extreme circumstances, the chimney might collapse and cause siding, chase, and roof damage.

 

Avoid Replacing Your Chimney Liners Too Soon.

Rainwater, creosote accumulation, and corrosive combustion gases from an open flue will hasten the liner’s degeneration and need early replacement.

 

By actually “eating” their way through the liner, these contaminants raise the risk of fire and expose more people to dangerous pollutants, such as poisonous carbon monoxide exhaust. A chimney cap is a simple tool that will help the liner last longer and need fewer fireplace repairs Chicago.