The Importance of Chimney Caps

Are you a new homeowner with an old chimney? If so, you may not even notice that it’s missing a chimney cap. Some homeowners in the past didn’t recognize their importance, and oftentimes they weren’t installed. Chimney caps are also commonly neglected because they are low maintenance and “out of sight out of mind”. If there is a problem with a chimney cap it’ll most often be detected by a professional during a routine service appointment. By the time you notice that the chimney cap is missing or damaged, there may already be costly damage.

The Chimney Cap Keeps Weather Out

The chimney cap literally serves as a cap, or lid, for your chimney flue. It’s metal cover keeps precipitation out, directing it off and away from the chimney. Water penetration is one of the most damaging things that can happen to your masonry chimney. Water damages masonry from the inside out, so the chimney cap is a worthy investment. Additionally, it’s design keeps strong winds and drafts from affecting your fire. This brings in unwanted air, and causes smoke and foul smells to push into your home.

The Chimney Cap Keeps Wildlife Out

During the typical New Hampshire winter, there are numerous small animals that might seek shelter in a warm and dry environment like a chimney flue. Chipmunks, squirrels, and even raccoons. In the spring, you’re more likely to find birds nesting in your chimney. These animals can leave flammable debris, create blockages, and even suffocate and die. Thus leaving a foul stench behind. It can be difficult to remove animals from the chimney humanely. Therefore it’s easier and often cheaper to prevent this occurrence by installing a chimney cap!

The Chimney Cap Keeps Sparks In

During a particularly hot fire, sparks and embers can rise quickly up the flue along with vapors and a strong updraft. The standard chimney cap design features both a top and a mesh screen that catches these stray fire hazards. Without the cap, these sparks can escape the chimney’s opening and ignite leaves and debris on the roof. This can cause both loss of property and life.

Hire a Professional

Having a chimney cap designed and installed is possibly the best thing you can do for your chimney. It’s one preventive step that makes a big difference, and should be combined with professional installation as well as routine maintenance like chimney inspections and sweeps. When you hire a professional like Black Moose, you not only get a professional guarantee, but we also fit you with the best cap for your specific chimney. We offer copper, stainless steel, or a specially designed cap to best suit your needs.

To find out more about how Black Moose Chimney & Stove can get you set up with your new chimney cap, or your routine service appointments, call 603-525-7905 or request an appointment online.