Types of chimney caps
How do I choose a chimney cap?
A properly sized chimney cap should not interfere with draft. Draft is that which controls how well smoke is drawn up and out of your chimney. The lid of the cap should be at least 5” above the top of the any flue tiles it is covering. Having more clearance than 5” is a good idea.
What is the difference between a chimney cap and shroud?
A chimney shroud protects the pan while, as with chimney caps, adds a nice finishing touch to the chimney and therefore the home. Both chimney caps and chimney shrouds offer good protection from outside elements, the most important of which is rain.
What is the difference between a chimney cap and a rain cap?
Chimney Cap
A rain cap, a chimney cover or an animal guard is something that mounts over the top of the flue. It helps to keep rain and animals out. While you can get a cover made out of ordinary steel, don’t. You absolutely want a stainless steel chimney cover because the other ones rust.
What are chimney caps called?
Chimney caps for brick chimneys often get called by a few different names such as spark arrestor, chimney rain cap, flue cap, and animal guard. It is crucial for brick chimneys to have a chimney cap.
What is the difference between a chimney cap and a chimney crown?
Chimney caps are installed at the top of the chimney and protect the flue against water and wildlife as well as prevent sparks from escaping. On brick chimneys the cap is installed directly onto the chimney crown. The chimney crown is the equivalent to the chase cover.
How long should a chimney crown last?
50-75 years
Chimney Crown Lifespan
High-quality chimney crowns are able to last anywhere from 50-75 years. However, a poorly constructed crown could break down in less than 20 years and will cost far more to rebuild than a correctly constructed crown.
What is the best material for a chimney cap?
Widely considered the best type of chimney cap material, stainless steel chimney caps balance cost and performance. Although stainless steel caps are more expensive than aluminum or galvanized steel, they are more durable and require very little maintenance.
Are stainless steel chimney caps worth it?
If you’re on a budget, you may be tempted to go for a galvanized chimney cap. But these caps won’t work with gas logs and can rust out and damage your chimney and siding over time. Stainless steel and copper caps are more expensive, but they look better and require less maintenance.
Are chimney caps a good idea?
It’s pretty easy to see why this is such an important part of your chimney system. And not only does your chimney cap keep water out of your chimney, it also keeps sparks and embers in. This protects your home from the chances of a roof fire.
What is a chimney shroud?
Chimney shrouds are much like chimney caps, and work to direct water away from the flue and prevent other intruders from entering. The major difference between a cap and a shroud is appearance. Shrouds are designed of metal and typically match the style and aesthetic of the rain pan.
Do you need a chimney shroud?
One very important reason to have a fireplace shroud is to prevent rainwater from getting inside the chimney liner. As one of the worst enemies to enter a home, any water that enters your chimney poses a danger. A fireplace shroud stops this from happening by directing from the center.
What is a shroud on a wood stove?
A chimney shroud is a decorative addition that can be installed on top of your chimney to add beauty, hide unattractive chimney caps or pipes, and aid the chimney cap in keeping out rainwater.
Is a chimney cap necessary?
You see chimney caps are very necessary. They have two principal functions: First they keep “outside things” out and “inside things” in and they act as “the guard of the gate”, if you will. Protecting your chimney from water, snow, animals and other entry which could do you and your chimney harm!
What size chimney cap do I need?
Add five inches to the height of the tallest flue pipe and use the width and length of your chimney crown to find the height and dimensions of a working chimney cap.