Pros & Cons of a Chimney Cap
June 25, 2019
When you look at your whole fireplace unit from the ground up, you may forget one of the most important parts of it, your chimney cap. A chimney cap is a covering on top of your chimney, usually made of a wire mesh that comes with a lot of benefits. Although, there are some problems we want you to be aware of as well.
Pros:
1. Water Protection: Without a chimney cap, water can enter the flue anytime it rains. This can cause water to get inside your attic, house, walls or ceiling and cause damage.
2. Preventing downdrafts: A chimney cap helps prevent again downdrafts from rushing down your chimney and blowing smoke into your home. This is especially the case in windy areas and stopping that draft is very energy efficient.
3. Animal & Pests: Animals and pests are often drawn to warm places, and when mesh netting is installed with a cap, this stops animals from entering your chimney. We see all too often, birds building nests in uncapped chimneys. There are other animals that enter your chimney such as raccoons, snakes, squirrels and more!
Cons:
1. Clogging: The openings in the chimney caps can something be really small creating a clogging situation with creosote and soot!
2. Chimney Discoloration: With build up of creosote or soot, discoloration of nearby brick or stucco can occur.
3. Winter Storms: If you get hit with a big winter storm, ice and snow cause circulation issues with the chimney.
Regular chimney cleaning will take care of any issues that may arise.
For more information about chimney or fireplace issues, please feel free to reach out. We can be contacted over the phone at 800-472-1717 or through our online contact form.
