Fireplace Showcase Offers Chimney Caps

7 July 2010      

Ever wonder how some chimneys stay so intact and clean? The answer is simple -- chimney caps. What are chimney caps? Chimney caps serve a number of purposes, including home safety, preventing disruptive occurrences and avoiding costly repairs. Chimney caps usually are made of aluminum, copper, galvanized or stainless steel. Metal chimneys commonly have caps when purchased, while masonry chimneys may need one added. Your fireplace will be complete with its fresh new chimney cap. Chimney caps have wide benefits such as from animals to the elements

It is common for birds to enter a chimney that does not have a chimney cap, typically looking for a nesting area. The birds can also fly into the fireplace and, if the fireplace door is open, right into the house. If the nesting material in the chimney is not removed, the blockage can cause carbon monoxide to build up in the house.

When it rains, the rain coming into the chimney can cause unpleasant odors and damage flue walls. Rain also may run down into the stovepipe and the stove itself, or into the fireplace, and cause further damage. Even wind can harm an unprotected chimney by creating downdrafts that can cause smoke. Chimney caps minimize all of these negative effects. So now you know. Chimney caps do much more than preventing embers and sparks from flying out of the chimney and causing severe (and sometimes fatal) damage.