Save Money By Replacing Your Fireplace Throat Damper With A Top Sealing Chimney Damper!

Fireplace throat dampers are used to regulate the flow of air from inside your home from moving up the chimney and being released outside. They are usually made of a cast iron plate that can be opened or closed with the help of a lever or handle. However, even the top-of-the-line plates do not hold a strong seal and you can lose valuable energy. Recent studies have shown brand new fireplace throat dampers can leak up to $200 worth of heating and cooling per year. Imagine what you may be losing with that old rusted throat damper that you have been meaning to replace. Do yourself a favor and start getting the most out of your home’s energy source – convert your fireplace from a throat damper to a top sealing chimney damper. Top sealing chimney dampers create a tight fit on the flue to ensure that your conditioned air cannot leak out through your chimney. They have been proven to be up to 90% more efficient than the traditional fireplace throat dampers.

There are a few different models of chimney top dampers to choose from – the most popular being the Lock-Top and Lyemance brands. The Lock-Top chimney damper is constructed of a stainless steel lid that is attached to a cast aluminum frame by stainless steel springs. The Lock-Top chimney damper also features a safety device that will automatically lock the damper so it will stay open in the case of a chimney fire. The Lock-Top II chimney damper is complete with an included chimney cap and your choice of a 3/4” or 5/8” mesh animal guard. The Lyemance energy-saving damper is made out of solid non-rusting aluminum and features a silicone rubber seal that creates a tight hold at the top of your flue. Opening and closing your top sealing chimney damper is a breeze with the long cables that are threaded down the flue and mount with the handle to the inside of your firebox. The Lyemance damper is also available for round flues. Whether you are heating or cooling your home, the top sealing chimney damper will act as a storm door to keep that expensive conditioned air inside your home where it belongs.

Start saving your energy dollars – replace your fireplace throat damper with a top sealing chimney damper!

Do-It-Yourself Chimney Caps: When to Call in a Professional

How difficult is it to install a chimney cap and is it a project that should be taken on by the typical homeowner? This question can be easily answered by asking another question. How easily can you gain full access to the top of the chimney? A difficult to reach chimney crown can render the easiest of chimney cap installations impossible for a typical do-it-yourselfer. Even when the chimney top is reasonably or even easily accessible, getting to the top of a chimney can be the hardest part of the job.

Getting to the Top of the Chimney

It’s often been said with regards to heights and ladders: it’s not the fall that is the problem, but rather that sudden stop at the bottom. For some safety tips from the leading authorities on ladder safety, please click here.

Once you have made sure that you are able to safely access the chimney top, here are some tools you will most likely need:

· Cordless Drill (you can use a corded drill, but you may find that the extension cord is cumbersome)

· Phillips Head or Flat Head Screw Driver

· Caulk Gun

· Socket and Socket Drivers

· Tape Measure (for determining the size of the chimney cap that you need)

Not every cap will require all of these tools. Here’s a quick summary of how each of the different style chimney caps are installed –

Single Flue Cap – A single flue cap sets over a flue tile like a shoe box lid. You simply seat the cap on the flue tile and tighten the bolts. You will tighten the bolts using either a screw driver or a socket set.

Top Mount Chimney Cap – This style cap is secured to the top of the chimney using masonry screws. First, you seat the chimney cap in the appropriate position and then mark the position of the holes with a marker. Then remove the cap and drill the holes. Reseat the cap and then secure it using the masonry fasteners, which are typically provided by the manufacturer of the cap.

Outside Mount Chimney Cap – These caps have skirts that hang down over the side of the chimney. If installing on a 2×4 wood construction chimney, you will screw through the skirt until you tap into the wood under the chimney’s finish exterior. Provided you are fastening to a brick and mortar chimney you should line your hole up with a mortar joint and secure this cap using masonry fasteners into the mortar joint. You can fasten into the face of a brick or stone, but drilling into this material is difficult and time consuming.

Who to call if you decide you need a professional to do the job for you:

· Roofers – These contractors will have the equipment and tools to get the job done.

· Chimney Sweep – From top to bottom these professional will be a great resource for chimney caps and more. Find a pro sweep at: www.csia.org

· Handyman – Installing a chimney cap is a quick project that most will be glad to handle for you.

Vacu-Stack Product Review

There are many reasons you may be experiencing troubles with smoke downdraft in your chimney, but the most commonly known are wind-induced downdraft due to hills, mountains, and tall buildings nearby. Also, there can be downdraft if there are tall trees located near the chimney.

Vacu-Stack chimney caps are used to help eliminate any of these wind-related problems that may cause back draft in your chimney. Back draft or down draft is any smoke/gas that becomes backed up in your chimney from burning a fire and cannot be properly vented.

Simply put this is how it works – when wind flows around the Vacu-Stack its velocity increases, which increases the pressure in the area. The result of this creates a partial vacuum. This vacuum helps to pull any gases that are in the chimney up and out, which will prevent any downdraft from occurring, no matter what direction the wind is coming from.

The Vacu-Stack chimney caps are available in a 26 gauge alloy stainless steel and in copper,  and are made in the U.S.A. These caps are so well made that they are even backed by a lifetime warranty! It also functions as a normal  chimney cap – keeping debris, animals, rain, and snow out of your chimney. The Vacu-Stack is the premier chimney cap for solving most wind-related draft problems!

Old World Craft Finds New Use in Modern Home Design: The Return of the Copper Chimney Pot

Most homeowners see the business end of a chimney as the hearth. After all, this is the part that throws off warmth and adds visual charm to the interior of a room. Architects and builders; however, regard the chimney top with equal importance. The chimney top is usually the tallest point on the house and is often a home’s visual pinnacle. One of the best ways to visually enhance the chimney top is to add a chimney pot.

Chimney pots have been around for hundreds of years. First as a necessity in that they extended the exhaust point of fireboxes which often burned coal. Later as chimney pots became the standard for chimney tops, they became a status symbol. At one time, England even had a special tax just for chimney pots. Likely brought to America by French and English settlers, the chimney pot has a prominent place in the design and construction of distinctive American homes and estates.

As home science and building techniques advanced, functionally, the need for chimney pots was eliminated. The advent of zero clearance or prefabricated fireplaces as well as the use of round metal  exhaust pipes for furnaces and other appliances offered a functional albeit unsightly alternative to the beloved masonry chimney and the ornamental chimney pot. But what may have been functionally acceptable was not esthetically pleasing and homeowners are turning to the chimney pot as a way to not only cover but enhance their chimneys once again.

Chimney pots come in a variety of materials including iron, cast cement, and copper. The latter being the most popular due to its versatility and distinctive look. Many homeowners have custom copper pots made to include architectural features of their homes. They are placed as stand alones atop a chimney or in clusters on a multi-flue crown. Considering most are made using time honored crafting techniques, these are affordable, easy to install, and made to last a lifetime.

Chimney Caps for Your Home

How to Buy the Right Chimney Caps for Your Home
If you are a homeowner and you have to replace a chimney cap, chances are, it is your first time you are doing so. If
you do your homework and you’re willing to pay a little more than you probably want to, you can also make it the last time you have to replace your chimney cap. There are only a few key things you need to know about chimney caps to make your purchasing decision quick and painless. In this article we are going to go over those key points and give you some recommendations.

Your Chimney
First of all, what kind of chimney do you have? There are only a few different kinds so identifying your chimney should be easy. Most chimneys have one or more flues that stick up in the middle of the chimney. The flue is typically orange, made of clay, and lines the inside of your chimney and protects the brick from the heat of your fireplace. The shape of the flue or flues will determine what style of chimney cap that you will need to purchase. The three most common shapes are round, square and rectangle.

If you were adventurous enough to climb up on your roof to take a closer look for yourself, you may find that you have a flue that is square or rectangle yet has rounded edges. Some homeowners may consider these to be oval flues, however, for our discussion they are still considered square or rectangle.

• If you have only one flue and it is round, then you need a round, single flue chimney cap.

• If you have only one flue but it is square or rectangle, then you need a standard single flue chimney cap.

• If you have more than one flue, then you need a multi-flue cap. Note: in some instances you can use more than one single flue chimney cap instead of a multi flue chimney cap but it is typically not recommended.

• Many new home builders are installing factory built fireplaces and chimney systems into new homes. If you look at your chimney and you do not have a clay flue but you have a round metal pipe, then you need a chimney cap for a metal chimney.

Chimney Cap Material
Once you have determined what type of chimney cap you need, you will want to consider what type of material you want the chimney cap to be made from. Chimney caps are made from the following materials:
• Stainless Steel
• Copper
• Black Galvanized

Stainless Steel
If you want to purchase a chimney cap made from a quality material, stainless steel is a very good option. The chimney caps are made from 304 grade stainless steel which is going to do an excellent job of resisting corrosion. The finish is a silver color that has a moderate shine to it. Custom colors are also available for stainless steel chimney caps upon request. Because stainless steel is such a durable metal, the stainless steel chimney caps come with a lifetime warranty.

Copper
Copper is also considered a high quality material for chimney caps for much of the same reasons as stainless steel. It is a durable metal, it is structurally rigid and it does not excessively corrode. In addition, copper is aesthetically pleasing and can add an excellent accent to the outside of your home. Once copper is introduced into the environment it will weather and the color will change. Copper is the highest quality metal used for creating chimney caps and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Black Galvanized
Galvanized steel is the third material that is used to fabricate chimney caps. The steel is coated with zinc which helps prevent corrosion. In addition, the chimney cap is painted black which again helps protect the steel from rust and corrosion. However, the galvanized metal does not hold up well after a couple of years. The metal will eventually rust out requiring the cap to be replaced. These chimney caps come with only a three year warranty. This may be a solution for some homeowners, but if you are looking for a cap that you will not have to replace in the near future, you should consider the stainless steel or copper.

Sizing
Once you have decided the type of material you want your chimney cap to be made from, you will need to find the right size. If you are afraid of heights, you may need a little bit of help with this one. The following discusses how to get your measurements for each type of chimney cap.

Round Single Flue Chimney Cap
These chimney caps will fit overtop of a round clay flue tile and attach to the flue using pressure mounting screws.  These screws do not penetrate the clay flue tile but do hold the chimney cap securely in place when they are tightened down. The size that you need depends on the diameter of your flue tile. Be sure to measure the flue tile end to end going all the way to the edge of the flue tile. In other words, you need the diameter of the entire flue tile, not just the diameter of the hole. The flue tile is typically ¾” to 1 ¼” thick, so using the outside dimensions instead of the inside dimensions is very important. Once you know the diameter, view the chimney caps sizing guide which will help you determine the appropriate size chimney cap for your chimney. The round single flue caps will fit a size range. For instance, an 8” round chimney cap will fit a chimney flue that has a diameter of 6” up to 8 ½”.

Square or Rectangle Single Flue Chimney Cap
These chimney caps attach to the clay flue tile using pressure mounting screws. These screws do not penetrate the clay flue tile but do hold the chimney cap securely in place when they are tightened down. The size that you need depends on the outside dimensions of your flue tile. The flue tile is typically ¾” to 1 ¼” thick, so using the outside dimensions instead of the inside dimensions is very important. Once you have the outside dimensions, view the chimney caps sizing guide which will help you determine the appropriate size chimney cap for your chimney. The single flue caps will fit a size range. For instance, the 13” x 13” chimney cap will fit a chimney flue that has a width of 11” up to 13 ½” and a flue that has a length of 11 ½” up to 14”.

Multi Flue Chimney Caps
These chimney caps are used to cover multiple flues or to cover a chimney that does not have a flue tile to attach a single flue chimney cap to. The multi flue cap mounts to the top of the chimney using tap-con screws. Simply pre-drill the hole for the screw using a masonry bit (some chimney caps are shipped with a masonry bit, otherwise you can purchase one at a big-box store) and use a drill to insert the screw through the mounting flange on the cap into the chimney crown. Some people are easily intimidated by having to drill into concrete or brick, but a masonry bit makes it a snap and the job can even be done using a cordless drill.

To get the right size multi flue chimney cap you will need to get the measurements of the chimney crown (see diagram below). The chimney crown is the very top of the chimney; typically it is a cement slab that caps off the brick of the chimney. Measure the length (D) and width (C) of the chimney crown. Now, measure the total length (A) and width (B) around all the flues. Thirdly, measure the height (E) of the tallest flue. This is necessary because you will need to get a chimney cap that has a screen height that is 5” more than the height of your tallest flue. For example, if the height of your tallest flue is 5”, you will need a chimney cap that 10” (5” more than the tallest flue). Having 5” clearance above the flue will allow the chimney to draft properly; without it, you will end up with smoke in your house – trust me, you don’t want that.

Once you have gathered all of these measurements check out the multi flue chimney caps and decide which material you want. You then want to choose the screen size (F) that is going to give you 5” clearance above the tallest flue and a chimney cap size that is smaller than your overall chimney crown dimensions but larger than your flue dimensions. There usually are a few different sizes that will fit inside your two dimensions. You would choose the larger size if you want to have more of the chimney crown protected from rain, or you may want to choose the smaller size if you are trying to stay within a budget.

3/4” or 5/8” Mesh
You may be wondering why single flue and multi flue chimney caps have two options for mesh thickness. The mesh screen serves two functions. First, it keeps rodents and birds from entering into the chimney while still allowing for the chimney to exhaust properly. Secondly, it serves as a spark arrestor, not allowing sparks and embers to escape from the chimney and into the environment where it could cause a fire.

Many localities – primarily California, but also in other areas around the nation – have spark arrestor codes that call for 1/2" spark arrestors.

The California state building code calls for such spark arrestors on all new construction. Other California codes call for it in "wooded areas" or "within 200 feet of wooded areas" and when it comes time to sell your home, you can also bet the inspector will require you to update your chimney cap to comply with the spark arrestor codes.
To make such a reduced spark arrestor that does not clog, chimney cap manufacturers follow the interpretation that a sphere larger than 1/2" in diameter should not penetrate the screen. This is wording the National Fire Protection Association uses, as well as the one being referred to by several California localities.

Thus, the spark arrestor screens on these chimney caps measure 5/8" from center to center, but still won’t let a 1/2" sphere through. This makes them somewhat clog resistant while still meeting major code interpretations.

Chimney Caps for Metal Chimneys
These chimney caps are the easiest to determine which size chimney cap that you will need. The chimney pipe is round, so you need to measure the diameter of the chimney pipe. There are a few different types of metal chimneys, and you will need to determine from the list below which type you have.

• Single Wall Chimney – Round chimney with that is only one pipe

• Double Wall Chimney – Round chimney with an inner and outer liner (a pipe within a pipe)

• Triple Wall Chimney – Round chimney with one inner liner and two outer liners

Once you have determined what type of chimney you have, you need to determine if the chimney is air insulated or solid pack.

• If you have a single wall chimney, the chimney cap you need will fall into the solid pack chimney cap category.

• If you have a double or triple wall chimney pipe and there is insulation between the liners of the pipe, the chimney cap you need will again fall into the solid pack chimney cap category.

• If you have a double or triple wall pipe and there is only an air space between the pipes, the chimney cap you need falls into the air insulated (sometimes called air-cooled) chimney cap category.

Now that you have determined if the chimney pipe requires a solid pack or air insulated chimney cap, use the diameter of the inner most pipe to determine which size you need. For example, you have a single wall chimney that is 8” in diameter – you need a Solid Pack 8” Chimney Cap. Another example, you have a double wall pipe that is air  insulated, and the inner pipe has a diameter of 10” – you need a 10” air insulated chimney cap.

The chimney caps for the air insulated chimneys have a collar that is 15 5/8” in diameter. Some chimneys have an outside diameter that is larger than 15 5/8”. If this is the case, you need an “oversized” chimney cap. Simply follow the above steps for determining the chimney cap size that you need and choose the cap that is labeled oversized or “OS”.

This article should put you well on your way to buying that new chimney cap! For more information keep checking back here at Chimney-Caps.com!

Chimney Checkup: Periodic Maintenance for Your Fireplace, Flue, and Chimney

When is the best time address a problem? We all know the answer to that question. When it comes to home improvement, in general, the best way to solve a problem is by preventing it from happening in the first place. Maintenance of a fireplace, flue, and chimney top are no exception to this rule. Like any other part of your home, your firebox and chimney need attention and regular maintenance. Here’s a list of things to look for:

1. How great is your grate? – The heat from a frequently used fireplace takes its toll on most grates. The regular cooling and heating of this fireplace accessory takes its toll on this otherwise stalwart log holder and leads to its eventual "melt down". Look for signs of warping and melting. If it’s about to go, retire it and replace with a new wrought iron or cast iron grate.
2. Mesh curtains, doors, and spark screens may need updating or cleaning. Fireplace glass is like any other kinds of glass. A good cleaning inside and out will restore the sparkle in that fireplace flame. Mesh curtains and spark screens attract dust. Take them out to the garage and use a vacuum brush attachment to remove the dust and soot. Avoid using cleaners or water on screens or curtains as they may cause premature rusting or degradation.
3. Is your firebox in good condition? A stitch in time saves nine. Taking the time to repair firebricks and mortar joints in your chimney will save you the headache and expense of more costly repairs down the road. Use high temperature refractory cement for your fireplace. This type of cement is engineered to stand the heat.
4. Is your throat damper in need of attention? This is the metal unit above your firebox. Over time this can become rusted or corroded. Even brand new, these are inefficient. Replacement or repair of these is expensive and labor intensive. If you need to replace one of these, you might consider installing a top sealing damper instead. They are simple to install and pay for themselves in energy savings.
5. Have your chimney flue cleaned regularly. Some experts recommend that frequently used fireplaces be inspected and cleaned monthly. This can be expensive if you hire someone to do it. You may be surprised by how inexpensive a set of cleaning tools can be. For the cost of one cleaning you can buy the needed tools to sweep your own chimney. Once you own them, you can clean your chimney as often as you like.
6. Check out the crown. If your chimney has a stone or concrete top, check for cracks or chipped mortar. There are flexible coatings that are easy to apply and seal and beautify chimney tops. If you have a metal chase on your chimney top, check for rust and evidence of broken seals or seams. Chase covers are easy to replace. Replacing a worn or rusted chase cover can save you thousands in water damage inside your chimney and home.
7. Seal the bricks on the outside of your chimney. Make sure you use a sealant designed to allow water and vapors to escape while keeping the rain and moisture out.
8. Caps need to be secure and in good shape. Make sure birds have not found a home in your cap. Worn or rusted chimney caps round or square can easily be removed and replaced.

Chimney Cap Screen Mesh

You may be wondering why single flue chimney caps and multi flue chimney caps have two options for mesh thickness. Standard mesh thickness for chimney caps is 3/4". Most chimney caps come with an option for a smaller mesh of 5/8". The mesh screen serves two functions. First, it keeps rodents and birds from entering into the chimney while still allowing for the chimney to exhaust properly. Secondly, it serves as a spark arrestor, not allowing sparks and embers to escape from the chimney and into the environment where it could cause a fire.
Many localities – primarily California, but also in other areas around the nation – have spark arrestor codes that call for 1/2" spark arrestors.

The California state building code calls for such spark arrestors on all new construction. Other California codes call for it in "wooded areas" or "within 200 feet of wooded areas" and when it comes time to sell your home, you can also bet the inspector will require you to update your chimney cap to comply with the spark arrestor codes.
To make such a reduced spark arrestor that does not clog, chimney cap manufacturers follow the interpretation that a sphere larger than 1/2" in diameter should not penetrate the screen. This is wording the National Fire Protection Association uses, as well as the one being referred to by several California localities.

Thus, the spark arrestor screens on these chimney caps measure 5/8" from center to center, but still won’t let a 1/2" sphere through. This makes them somewhat clog resistant while still meeting major code interpretations.
You can check your local building codes to see what mesh thickness is required in your area.

Chimney Caps – Sorting Through a Sea of Options

When deciding which chimney cap is right for you, finding the solution is as easy as answering 3 simple questions:

How much do you want to spend?

How do you want the cap to function?

What do you want the cap to look like?

How many chimney caps does the average person buy in his or her lifetime? Some will never buy even one chimney cap. Unless you’re a builder, contractor, or chimney sweep you may have never even considered buying a chimney cap. How then, would you know what to budget for this investment? Caps range in price from single flue black galvanized caps for $40 to custom chimney caps which can cost several thousand dollars or more. There are a range of features, both functional and aesthetic, that will ultimately determine if what you want and need fits your budget.

Essentially, chimney caps protect your flue and or chimney crown from wind, snow, and rain. When it comes to function, there are two directions you can go with a cap. Your first choice is to protect your flue or flues only. You can accomplish this with single flue chimney caps, caps for metal chimneys, or multi-flue chimney caps. If you have a metal pipe flue, call a professional to help you determine if your pipe requires a special cap designed to work with an air insulated pipe. You should note that multi-flue chimney caps can also serve as protection for an entire chimney crown if you choose the right size. The second option is to cover as much of the crown as possible; thereby, covering and protecting not only the flue but the entire chimney crown. You can accomplish this using a top  mounted multi-flue cap or an outside mount chimney cap. Outside mount chimney caps are always custom  made to the exact dimension of your crown. There are special needs chimney caps as well. Some are designed to have no functional purpose whatsoever except to shroud or hide unsightly chimney pipes, caps, and flues. There are also wind resistant chimney caps designed to keep wind from causing smoke to downdraft into your living space.

Remember, big or small, on any style house, the chimney is typically the visual pinnacle of your home’s exterior. Chimney caps can significantly affect the appearance of your home. Single flue chimney caps attach to the top of the flue and can have a simple pleated flat lid or a sloped lid to match the pitch of your roof. The multi-flue and outside mounted caps can have the simple flat lids as well as the pitched lids. Some houses require more than a simple cap. Homes in historic districts, estate sized homes, or palatial buildings require chimney caps to match the architecture and detail. Copper is by far the most customizable material and a favorite choice among architects and home designers due to its distinctive appearance and flexibility as a building material. Custom copper chimney pots combined with common base caps and chase covers are a distinctive way to add an architectural jewel to any home.

Form, function, and affordability are easy to achieve when selecting the perfect cap to fit your wants and needs. Whether you are looking for the perfect chimney top for a cottage escape or a grand custom made chimney cap to crown a dream home, there is an option. Most would agree though, caps are like noses – small or large, simple or grand, your better of with one than without. Have fun and find the perfect cap!

Material Choices for Metal Chimney Caps

More expensive is not always better when it comes to choosing the right chimney cap. Sometimes your needs may call for the less expensive alternative. A basic understanding of what is available will help you decide which metal is best for your chimney cap.

By mistake, a physiologist (Luigi Galvani) in Italy discovered an interesting phenomenon. When studying frogs that hung from a brass hook, he touched a steel scalpel to a nerve on the frog’s leg. This caused the frogs leg to "reanimate" or twitch. What he discovered was what would become the basis for an understanding of dissimilar metal reactions, which later led to a number of scientific developments. Among the more notable achievements that sprung out of Galvani’s work were batteries and galvanization of iron for the purpose of corrosion resistance.

Galvanized metal used in chimney caps is treated using what is known as hot dip galvanization. Untreated steel is passed through a molten zinc bath. The zinc "fuses" to the surface of the steel. This creates a coating of an iron-zinc alloy which is keyed or permanently attached to the steel body. Because the molecules of iron on the surface are bonded to zinc, they are not able to bond to oxygen. Iron oxide (rust) does not form as a result. After assembly, galvanized chimney caps are powdercoated for two reasons.

Reason 1: Unpainted galvanized steel is unsightly.

Reason 2: Galvanization is not completely effective and the ste el underneath will start to rust in 5-7 years. A paint coating helps prolong the life of the cap in addition to hiding the checkered look of unfinished galvanized steel.

Single flue black galvanized chimney cap and black galvanized steel caps are ideal for those who need protection but would rather avoid the expense of stainless steel or copper. They are typically the choice of contractors and builders forced to provide some protection due to building code requirements.

A significant upgrade from galvanized is stainless steel. Multi-flue chimney caps as well as single flue chimney caps are available in stainless steel. Custom caps can be made of this durable material as well.

Looking for a way to keep gun barrels clean, metallurgist Harry Brearley discovered the process by which we coat steel with an alloy containing Chromium. Much like the galvanization process, this creates a surface on steel nearly impenetrable by oxygen. The difference being, stainless steel treatment is, excuse the pun, iron clad. A high quality  stainless steel will outlast the structure to which it is attached. The cost of a stainless steel chimney cap may be a bit more, but it will last forever. Special grades of stainless steel can be used in coastal areas where salt corrosion is a concern.

Copper chimney caps are the cap of choice for those looking for a distinguished look. As permanent as the stainless steel unit, most home owners actually want their coppers caps to "corrode". The patination (the process by which copper turns green) is a welcome change for most. The formation of Copper Oxide is exactly the aged look that distinctive property owners are looking for. As copper is classified as a precious metal it is by far the most expensive choice when it comes to chimney caps.

Chimney Caps and Other Products That Solve Water Problems

Chimney caps can be used to prevent and even eliminate water infiltration. A well known home improvement specialist has a saying that I’ve always remembered –

“Water always wins!”

Ask any contractor, inspector, or builder what is the biggest enemy of the home. The wise ones will tell you – hands down – its water. Water is able to enter a home through the chimney in one of several ways.

Water can enter directly into the flue. It can creep into fractures or cracks in the crown, chase cover, or mortar joints. And finally, water can slowly absorb into the porous materials used to finish the tops and sides of a chimney. There are ways to stop all of of these things from happening, hence curbing the destruction that water does to your home.

The first step in making your chimney air tight is making sure that there are no obvious ways for water to enter via a crack or fracture. Check mortar joints for broken or crumbling mortar. You can use mix your own mortar, buy premixed, or use a mortar substitute. Break out the old fill in the gaps. If your crown is a metal chase, check the joints and reseal if needed. If the top of your chimney is cement, you may have to bust it out and replace it if it’s in really bad shape. Most cement crowns need only a little attention from one of a variety of water repellants & cleaners. Even if the bricks and cements are in good conditions, don’t forget to seal them with water repellant. This will prevent any future premature aging of your chimney.

Once you have made sure that crown and sides of your chimney are sound and water tight, the last measure of defense lies in your chimney cap. There are several options and varying degrees of protection. Because there are several types of chimney crowns and flue styles, there are an even greater number of factors that you need to consider when choosing a chimney cap.

There are specific caps for metal chimneys. If you have a round metal flue, you need to determine whether your flue pipe requires a metal chimney solid pack termination cap or a metal chimney air insulated termination cap.
Square or rectangular flue tiles require a completely different kind of cap. Adequate, but minimal coverage would be a single flue chimney cap, or a multi-flue chimney cap that is just big enough to cover the flue tile. Better coverage is a top mounted multi-flue cap that is big enough to cover most of the crown or the entire crown. The best possible protection is a custom made outside mounted chimn ey cap. These are designed to completely cover a chimney crown and overlap the sides, fitting like a shoe box cover on a shoe box.

Each of these options comes in a variety of styles and finishes. You can choose a simple black galvanized top or have an ornate cap custom crafted to your specific taste. Regardless of which cap is right for you and your budget, the most simple of caps will possibly save you thousands in repair work.