Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

We’ve Got Chimney Caps & Pots

Chimneys are carefully built and constructed; every component has a purpose in helping the fireplace burn safely and efficiently. One important component of the chimney is the chimney cap, which protects the fireplace system from moisture, debris, and more.

What is a chimney cap?

A chimney cap is a fitted metal hood that sits on top of the chimney structure and protects the top of the flue. Chimney caps are designed specifically to let smoke and gas out while keeping anything else from getting in; a solid top and mesh or wire sides encourage safe venting but keep the elements out of the chimney.

The importance of a capped chimney

Chimney caps do more than just adorn the roofline; they protect the fireplace’s interior from the elements, debris, and more. The following are four ways a chimney cap helps protect your chimney system.

1. Keeps water out. Bricks and mortar are used to build chimneys because they can withstand the elements. Interior fireplace components, however, are built to handle heat – not moisture. The chimney cap covers and protects the top of the flue against water entry.
2. Prevents animal entry. Birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other small animals view a chimney as the perfect place to build a nest or hide from predators. Unfortunately, animal entry can cause significant damage to your chimney. A well-fitted, correctly installed chimney cap can prevent animal entry by leaving no space between the metal and the mortar for them to squeeze through to get into the flue.
3. Reduces the risk of a roof fire. Stray coals and embers can sometimes make their way up the flue and out of the chimney; without a chimney cap to stop them, these sparks can ignite the roof or other nearby buildings or landscaping. The metal top and mesh sides of a chimney cap prevent embers from leaving the flue.
4. Stops debris from causing blockages. Leaves, small branches, and other blowing debris can fall into an uncapped chimney; this often causes chimney blockages that prevent proper drafting. By protecting the top of the flue from debris, chimney caps can help prevent chimney blockages from occurring.

Do I need a new chimney cap?

There are several reasons you may need a new chimney cap.

1. Old chimney cap has been damaged. A chimney cap that has been damaged or deteriorated beyond repair should be replaced.
2. Changes to the chimney structure. If the chimney structure itself has been altered or changed, the old chimney cap may no longer fit.
3. Change or alter the roofline. While chimney caps serve an important functional purpose, they can also be decorative. Custom chimney caps can be built to highlight the aesthetics of your roofline and improve the curb appeal of your home.

Check out our chimney caps at Clean Sweeps of Michigan!

The fireplace store at Clean Sweeps of Michigan offers a wide variety of chimney caps and chimney pots. Our team of fireplace experts can help you find a quality, well-fitting chimney cap that can keep your fireplace burning safely and efficiently for years to come. For more information on our selection of chimney caps or to have your chimney inspected, contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today!

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!