Chimney Cap Installation & Crown Services
Rain and snow can introduce moisture into a chimney, contributing to deteriorated mortar joints and damaged brickwork. Chimney Experts Cleaning & Repair provides chimney cap installation, cap replacement and crown services across New York. Our chimney crown installation service helps protect the top of the masonry and direct water away from the chimney.
what isa chimney cap?
A chimney cap is a protective covering fitted above the chimney flue or flues. Available in different styles and materials, it helps keep rain, snow, animals and debris out while allowing exhaust gases to escape.
The cap and crown serve different purposes. The cap covers the flue opening, while the crown covers the top of the chimney masonry. Both help protect the chimney against weather exposure.
If your existing cap is missing, loose, corroded or damaged, our team can assess whether chimney cap replacement is appropriate and recommend a suitable fit.
Reduces Moisture
An uncapped chimney allows rain and snow to enter the flue. This moisture can contribute to deterioration of chimney components. A properly fitted cap helps reduce direct water entry, although leaks involving the crown, flashing or masonry may require chimney leak repair.
Keeps Animals Out
Sure, some of the neighborhood critters can be cute, but it’s all fun and games until you find a raccoon or squirrel in your chimney. Although you might question whether animals would be attracted to the billowing smoke of a chimney the dark, warm environment majorly appeals to critters.
When animals make their way into the chimney, they can get stuck and cause clogging and foul odors. Installing a cap can help you prevent animals from getting in your chimney, and in turn, save you from cleaning costs. If animals are already inside, contact us about chimney animal removal before arranging cap installation.
Preserves Your Chimney Liner
A chimney typically has a lining that is either clay, ceramic, or metal, and its purpose is to protect the chimney walls and keep smoke and debris at bay. Chimney liners limit the amount of heat transfer within the chimney, ultimately preventing fire hazards.
A chimney cap will help maintain your chimney liner by reducing the amount of debris and excess water that passes through the chimney. Consequently, this preserves your chimney’s performance quality and is more cost-effective than repairing a damaged chimney liner.
Types of Chimney Caps
Chimney caps come in different materials and designs. The appropriate choice depends on your flue dimensions, appliance requirements and exposure to weather. For chimney cap installation or replacement, our team assesses the existing setup before recommending a suitable option.
Galvanized steel
Stainless steel
Copper
Aluminum
Speciality Chimney Caps
While most chimneys use a standard chimney cap and only require you to know the shape of your chimney’s flue, you might have additional circumstances worth keeping in mind as you choose a chimney cap. Here are a few of the most common specialty chimney caps:
If you live somewhere with high winds, you might need a special draft-increasing chimney cap. This cap prevents the wind from creating static pressure that keeps the smoke from properly leaving the chimney. The increased ventilation allows your chimney to have a better updraft.
In some cases, you might need to upgrade to an electric chimney cap for reducing drafts. These caps come with an electric fan that you can adjust to configure the best draft for your chimney. This technology, however, adds to the cost of your chimney cap and may need a professional for the installation.
Older chimneys that need an upgrade to the chimney damper—which keeps the air in your home from coming out through the flue when it’s not in use—can benefit from a chimney cap and damper combination. This combo works just like a regular chimney cap, only it contains a lever-controlled damper that sits on the top of the chimney’s flue.
Also called an outside-mount chimney cap, these caps cover the crown of the chimney and are often used for multi-flue chimneys. Since they have a mounting system that attaches to the chimney’s body, this makes multi-flue chimney caps ideal for chimneys with unusually-shaped flues or damaged crowns. They’re also a good option for dual or triple flues, as you can fit the cap over the entirety of your chimney.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a chimney cap and a chimney crown?
A chimney cap covers the flue opening while allowing exhaust gases to escape. A chimney crown covers the top of the masonry and helps direct water away from the chimney.
When should I consider chimney cap replacement?
A missing, loose, corroded or damaged cap should be assessed. Our team can inspect its condition and explain whether repair or replacement is appropriate.
How do you choose the correct chimney cap?
We consider the flue dimensions, number of flues, appliance requirements and mounting arrangement. The cap must fit correctly without restricting the required exhaust flow.
Do you provide chimney crown installation?
Yes. Chimney Experts Cleaning & Repair offers chimney crown services. We assess the existing crown and masonry before discussing suitable installation or repair work.
Will installing a chimney cap stop every chimney leak?
No. A cap helps reduce rain entering through the flue opening, but water can also enter through damaged crowns, flashing or masonry. An assessment helps identify the source.
How can I request a free estimate?
Call 332 317 7152 or complete our website’s contact form. Share your property location and whether you need a new cap, cap replacement or chimney crown work.