Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

We Have Chimney Caps and Pots!

From the top of the flue to the bottom of the firebox, each chimney component plays an important role in keeping our fireplaces burning safely and efficiently. One of the often overlooked – yet extremely important – chimney components is the chimney cap.

What is a chimney cap?

Chimney caps  sit on the top of the chimney and protect the top of the flue with a fitted metal hood. Chimney caps have solid metal tops and mesh sides; this allows the smoke and gas to safely vent without allowing moisture and debris in.

The importance of a capped chimney

A chimney cap is more than just a decorative metal top to the chimney; it plays an important role in protecting your home and fireplace system. The following are four of the important functions of chimney caps.

1. Keeps moisture out. While the exterior of your chimney is designed to withstand the elements, the inside is not. Delicate interior fireplace components can be damaged when exposed to moisture; without a chimney cap, the top of the flue is open and exposed to rain, snow, sleet, or even water from sprinklers and hoses.
2. Stops animal entry. Many animals view chimneys as a safe space to hide from predators, build nests, or raise young. Unfortunately, animal entry can seriously damage your chimney – and prevent you from using it while animals are present. The metal top and mesh sides of a chimney cap keep the chimney venting safely while keeping animals out.
3. Prevents chimney blockages. Without a chimney cap, leaves, sticks, and other debris can fall down the chimney; this creates blockages that prevent proper drafting and can increase the risk of chimney fire.
4. Reduce the risk of roof fire. Even when using a fireplace correctly, sparks and embers can still sometimes travel up the chimney. Chimney caps help prevent stray sparks from traveling onto the roof or other nearby buildings or landscaping.

Check out our chimney caps!

At Clean Sweeps of Michigan, we carry a wide variety of chimney caps and pots as a part of our fireplace store. Our fireplace experts can help you find the perfect chimney cap for your home; a well-fitted chimney cap will keep your fireplace burning safely and help it remain in good condition for years to come.

While chimney caps are an integral part of your chimney’s anatomy, they can be both stylish and functional. Our selection of chimney caps help you not only find a cap that perfectly fits your chimney, but one that can enhance your roofline as well. Choose from a variety of metals, styles, and sizes to complement your home’s roofline, or talk to one of our fireplace experts about designing a custom chimney cap for your unique chimney.

A well-fitted chimney cap prevents animal and water entry, keeps debris from creating chimney blockages, and can help reduce the risk of an accidental roof fire. For more information about chimney caps and pots or to speak to one of our chimney experts, contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today!

Schedule A Sweep Before The Holidays

From hanging stockings on the mantle to sipping drinks in front of a roaring fire, our fireplaces often play an important part in our holiday traditions. But November and December often pass in the blink of an eye, with many homeowners putting off maintenance until after the holidays have passed. This year, ensure your family can safely enjoy using the fireplace by having it swept before the holiday season arrives.

How often does my chimney need to be swept?

The Chimney Safety Institute of America, or CSIA, recommends that chimneys should be swept at least once per year – regardless of how often you use your fireplace. An annual sweeping, even for rarely used fireplaces, ensures there are no blockages in the flue that could prevent safe drafting.

If you use your fireplace as a primary heating source, it may need to be swept more than once per year. In addition to an annual sweeping, the CISA recommends the chimney be swept after 1/8th of an inch of sooty buildup. This amount of buildup typically occurs after a full cord of wood has been burned; if you burn more than one cord of wood each season, consider scheduling an additional mid-winter sweeping.

The CSIA also recommends that chimneys should “be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances.” When done in conjunction with a sweeping, a chimney inspection ensures the fireplace is burning and drafting safely.

Get your chimney swept before the holidays arrive

Scheduling a chimney sweeping and inspection now ensures your fireplace is ready to use before the busy holiday season arrives.

“A chimney inspection is like an annual dental check-up,” says Ashley Eldridge, Director of Education for the CSIA. “It’s preventative maintenance that helps minimize potential hazards.”

Regular preventative maintenance extends the life of your fireplace system, makes it safer to use, helps fires burn more efficiently, and can save you money on costly future repairs. As fireplaces are often used heavily during the holiday season, having the chimney swept and inspected before the holidays arrive ensures the entire fireplace system is ready to be safely used.

Holiday fireplace safety tips

Keep your entire family safe around the fireplace this holiday season by following these safety tips.

– Only burn firewood. While it may be tempting to throw wrapping paper and boxes into the fireplace, the materials are better off in the recycling bin. Paper products ignite and burn quickly; this can cause flames to spill out of the firebox or up the flue. Other seemingly burnable material, such as greenery or wreaths, may be treated with chemicals that can affect the air quality in your home if burned.
– Keep décor away. Stockings can be hung by the chimney with care, but should be removed anytime the fireplace is being used. This prevents stray sparks or embers from accidentally igniting holiday décor.

The weeks leading up to the holiday season are some of the busiest of the entire year; schedule your chimney sweeping now to ensure your fireplace system is ready for the holidays to arrive! Contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today for more information on scheduling your next chimney sweeping appointment.