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1) A chimney top can prevent rain
water from penetrating into the chimney and eating away at the mortar and
bricks. In addition, rain water entering a chimney can also sometimes lead to
musty smells within the home.
2) Chimney caps can also prevent small animals and birds from entering the
chimney.
3) Chimney caps can prevent fires caused by burning embers that exit the
chimney. Countless fires are started every year due to burning embers that rise
up out of the uncapped chimney and land on the home’s roof or yard.
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Chimney Cap
Disadvantages on Masonry Chimneys
Installing a chimney cover over a masonry chimney has several disadvantages.
1) An improperly sized, designed, or installed chimney cap can reduce a
chimney’s draft which can lead to the poor burning of fuel and smoky rooms
within the home.
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2) Many chimney caps also have small
screens on them to prevent birds and animals from entering the chimney however
the screens can become clogged with soot and creosote, and again can lead to
reduced draft.
3) Chimney caps can also rust over time and cause stains to form down the
exterior chimney walls.
4) Unless fastened properly chimney covers can blow off the chimney in strong
wind storms.
Chimney Caps and
Metal Chimneys
Metal chimneys are commonly used today with pre-fab fireplaces, a.k.a. low
clearance fireplaces, wood stoves, and gas stoves. Usually a chimney cap is
required on metal chimneys because unlike a masonry chimney there is nothing to
impede the flow of rain water down the chimney. Without a chimney cap, rain
water entering the chimney can quickly find its way into the fireplace or stove,
and onto your walls and ceiling. In addition, most metal chimney liners have two
or three layers. Rain water and moisture can find its way in between the layers
and cause them to rust and corrode without a chimney cap.
Chimney caps are also essential on metal chimneys for preventing birds and other
small animals from building nests that can clog the chimney and potentially
cause a chimney fire.
Selecting a
Chimney Cap
It is imperative when selecting a chimney cap to find one that is designed for
your specific chimney type and size. In addition, it is important that it is
properly mounted so that the draft is not restricted and that it won’t blow off
in a wind storm. Most metal chimney kits include a chimney cover that is
specifically designed to cap off the chimney. Make sure to check with the store
that you are buying the chimney cap from that you are selecting the right
chimney cap for your particular chimney situation.
For information on maximizing a
wood stove’s home heating efficiency see
the “Installation
of Hood over Wood Stove Ebook”.
Find a Pre-Screened Heating Contractor in Your Area
Chimney Caps
from Amazon.com
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