Why Your Chimney Cap is Rusting
Your chimney cap plays a crucial role in protecting your home and chimney from the weather and outdoor elements, but what happens when your chimney cap is rusting? Rust on your chimney cap is something you want to take care of as soon as possible because ongoing rust can lead to costly structural issues within the chimney if ignored.
At Best Chimney Services, we strive to provide excellent and knowledgeable chimney services for those in the Boston area. When you work with our technicians, they’ll help alleviate your chimney concerns and provide advice to keep your chimney in its best condition. Schedule an appointment with us today to stay up to date on your chimney’s maintenance. In the meantime, explore the common causes of chimney cap rusting and how to prevent it in the future, below.
Low-Quality Chimney Cap
Simply put, professionally installed chimney caps shouldn’t rust. If you had a chimney cap installed made from low-quality materials or a cap lacking proper protective coatings, then that may be your cause for the rust. Low-quality chimney caps are more prone to rusting because they’re not made of durable metals. We recommend investing in a chimney cap made of high-quality materials, like stainless steel; this can significantly reduce the risk of corrosion.
Exposure to Moisture
One of the primary reasons for chimney cap rusting is exposure to moisture. Dealing with any form of moisture in your chimney is a danger, but it doesn’t always originate from exterior factors. Condensation and water vapor are a natural byproduct of combustion, but when mixed with the other components of solid and liquid fuels, it creates a highly corrosive acid that deteriorates metal.
Lack of Chimney Maintenance
If you’re neglecting regular chimney inspections, then it’s very possible that this is contributing to the formation of rust. Without proper cleaning and inspection, soot and tar fog mix with moisture and accelerate corrosion.
Harsh Weather
Harsh weather and environmental factors, such as salt air in coastal areas and constant humid weather, can expedite the rusting on your chimney cap. Rain, snow, or even high humidity levels can cause water to build up on the chimney cap’s surface and cause these inferior metals to corrode. If you’re having this problem, we recommend swapping out your existing cap for a new stainless steel one.
How to Prevent Your Chimney Cap from Rusting
Regular Cleaning and Inspection
Schedule regular chimney inspections and cleanings to remove debris and identify any signs of rusting early on. Taking action early on can prevent and remove minor rust spots from developing into more significant issues.
Installation of Stainless Steel Chimney Caps
As we mentioned previously, the type of chimney cap you install matters. Consider replacing your current chimney cap with a stainless steel option to reduce the chance of rusting. These materials are highly resistant to corrosion and can provide long-lasting protection for your chimney.
Addressing Structural Issues
If rusting has already caused damage to your chimney cap, it’s essential to address these issues promptly. Consult with a professional chimney technician to assess the extent of the damage and determine the most effective repair or replacement options.
Call Best Chimney Services to Replace Your Chimney Cap
Your chimney cap is integral to preserving your chimney’s operations, so don’t overlook its importance! Now that you understand why your chimney cap is rusting, you can prolong its lifespan and avoid having to replace it frequently. If you’re starting to notice your chimney cap corroding or rusting, give us a call today for help!
The post Why Your Chimney Cap is Rusting appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.
