Chimney Caps - Explained
What is a chimney cap?
Chimney caps are an essential part of the chimney system as they protect your chimney flue lining from water and critter intrusion. Chimney caps also act as a spark arrestor for any embers that find their way up the flue. Chimney caps can come in different materials. Listed below is the most common materials, ranked from weakest the strongest:
Aluminium - lasts1 to 3 years
Galvanized - lasts 5 to 8 years
Copper - lasts lifetime
Stainless steel - lasts lifetime
Chimney caps come in 2 different types due to the mounting requirements of the chimney. There is a single flue chimney cap which is mounted directly to the flue tile. However this requires the flue tiles to have enough spacing between them to have cap mounted. Modifications can be made to the single flue chimney cap to fit tighter spaced flue tiles, but the required modifications can compromise the structural integrity and watertightness of the chimney cap. We do not recommend this to our home owners, we recommend and provide solutions that last, not bandaids.
If the flue tiles are too close, then a multi-flue chimney cap is required. Multi-flue chimney caps cover the entire chimney and thus provide an extra layer of protection. All chimney caps will have a 1 inch net free screen to allow air flow. It is important to have good airflow ( reduce pressure drop) to ensure a high performing chimney system.
How To Install A Chimney Cap?
Single Flue Chimney Cap
Single Flue Chimney Cap Installed by Watertite Chimney Service.
Difficulty: Easy
Tools Required:
Flat head screwdriver
5/16” , 7/16”, ⅜” nut driver
Single flue caps are the easiest type of chimney cap to install. It requires the least amount of tools and time to complete. To install, attach the chimney cap to flue tile that sticks out of the top of the chimney. Tighten evenly the hardware to secure the chimney cap and ensure the cap is inline with the chimney. Important! Do not over tighten the hardware. This can cause the flue tile to crack and require costly repairs to the chimney. Keep in mind the expansion of the tiles as the chimney heats.
Multi-Flue Chimney Cap
Multi-flue Chimney Cap installed by Watertite Chimney Service.
Difficulty: Moderate
Tools Required:
Hammer drill
5/16” Masonry Bit
Nut driver
5/16” , 7/16”, 3/8” nut driver
A multi-flue chimney cap is more difficult and requires more tools than a single flue chimney cap. It also requires specialized tools to drill into and secure the chimney cap. The multi-flue chimney cap utilizes a bi-fold mounting mechanism to wrap around the chimney. Secure the cap to the chimney using the hammer drill and tap cons. Because drilling directly on the chimney crown is required, we highly recommend this work be performed by a professional.
If you have performed any of these installations yourself to stop water or critter intrusion and are still having the same issues it is highly recommended that you call professional Chimney Sweep to diagnose your issues. You should have an annual inspection performed on your chimney and your fireplace to make sure all components are code compliant Per NFPA211 and I.R.C codes
As always we are more than happy to help you all of your chimney needs. We are fully operational and this is how we are doing our part to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Contact us here OR call: 502-365-6715 email: Watertitechimney@gmail.com