How to Choose The Right Chimney Cover

A chimney cover –– also known as a chimney cap –– is a small metal attachment that fits on the top of a chimney flue. Chimney covers serve multiple purposes. For one, they help prevent fires by containing sparks, debris, and flames that may rise out of a chimney. In addition, many improve a chimney’s ventilation and prevent downdrafts. They also keep out pests and birds and stop them from creating nests in your chimney, which can obstruct airflow. Lastly, chimney covers help mitigate against snow, ice, and rain entering your chimney and affecting the brick structure within.

Clearly, chimney covers are important. But how can you find the right chimney cover for your home? Below, we’ll explain everything you need to know about purchasing chimney caps and help you make a smart decision without any hassle:

Flue Shape & Size

Most chimney caps resemble a small metal box, but they do come in different shapes and sizes. The reason for this is that chimney flues can be round, ovular, squared off, or rectangular. And different chimney caps are designed to fit into different flues. Before you purchase a chimney cap, it’s important to first inspect your flue and determine its shape and size. Take a precise measurement of the flue –– otherwise you could end up buying a chimney cap that doesn’t fit at all!

Types of Chimney Covers

All chimney covers are made of some form of metal –– typically steel, aluminum, or copper. In broad terms, copper chimney caps tend to be the most durable, (but the most expensive); aluminum caps are cheap, but can be prone to bending; and stainless steel caps are generally the most balanced option of the three.

Chimney Cap Installation

Chimney cap installation may be extremely straightforward or rather tricky, depending on the cap and the flue. Some caps require screws or bolts to be placed into either the flue or the crown (the small area around the flue at the top of the chimney). Conversely, other chimney caps simply “slip on” within a chimney flue. Often, the size, quality, and specifications of a chimney cap will determine how complicated installation proves.

Chimney Cover Prices

As we’ve explained above, chimney covers come in all shapes and sizes, are made of various materials, and require different levels of installation. Perhaps unsurprisingly, chimney cover prices vary wildly as a result. For instance, you can get some very inexpensive chimney caps for as low as $120. On the other end of the spectrum, specialized chimney caps can go for as high as $2,000. What type of chimney cover you eventually decide to buy should reflect what you want from it. Do you want one that’s extremely durable or are you comfortable replacing it in a few years? Do you want one that matches your home’s exterior design or is that not a priority? It’s important to answer these questions first before you break out your checkbook.

A Word from The Pros

Researching, buying, and installing a chimney cover all on your own can be a daunting task. Thankfully, when you contact the professionals at Brickworks, we’ll be happy to help you find the perfect chimney cap for your home. We have years of experience working with homeowners to find brick and masonry solutions, and we handle all varieties of chimney repair, maintenance, and service. Contact our team here at 586-868-3234 to learn more!