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Fireplace dampers come in two varieties: a throat damper, which is located just above the firebox, and a top-mount damper, which is installed on the exterior of the chimney at the top. In both cases, dampers are very important when you’re using your fireplace as well as when you’re not. Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, would like to share some helpful information about getting the most out of your fireplace damper.

The purpose of a damper

A damper is a device with a plate system that opens and closes with a handle that’s located somewhere near your fireplace and is easy to access. The primary purpose of a fireplace damper is to regulate the flow of air when starting and maintaining a fire in the fireplace. A secondary purpose is to seal off the exchange of air between the home and the outside when the fireplace isn’t in use.

Correct damper operation

When you’re starting a fire, the damper should be fully open. If it’s particularly cold outside, hold a lit rolled-up newspaper beyond the damper and into the flue to warm the air. Super-cold flue air is heavy and will hinder the drafting of warmer, lighter smoky air from the fireplace. When the flue is warmed up a little, keep the damper open and light your kindling to get the logs burning. During this time, a fully open damper will provide enough draft air to allow the logs to combust properly and completely. Once your fire is burning well, adjust the opening of the damper to control the vibrancy of the fire. A little less air will slow the combustion; more air will make the fire more robust.

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When you’re finished using the fireplace

After the fire has died down and no more smoke and flames are visible, you should shut the damper completely. This will prevent warm air from the house and radiant heat from the fireplace from escaping up the chimney. At any time the fireplace isn’t in use, it’s good practice to keep the damper closed. There are several reasons for this.

• Keeps conditioned house air from escaping
• Keeps non-conditioned outside air from moving in
• Helps to prevent chimney odors from entering the house
• Provides a barrier against the intrusion of squirrels, birds, rodents and other small animals

A note on top-mount dampers

Top-mount dampers do the same job as throat dampers where fires are concerned, but they also add a layer of protection at the top of your chimney to keep out moisture, debris and animals. If you use a throat damper, it’s a good idea to have a full-width chimney cap installed at the top of your chimney. This device will keep things out of the flue.

When to call for damper service

A squeaky or difficult-to-move damper needs to be looked at. Cleaning or repair work might solve the problem. If the damper is severely rusted out or otherwise damaged, it should be replaced. The fireplace damper is an important part of your overall fireplace/chimney system. It should be inspected once a year along with all other parts of the system to ensure safe, efficient operation.

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The post How Dampers Control Fires and Air Flow appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Winter storms can wreak havoc with chimneys. In the Midwest, we regularly see powerful storms that bring snow, wind, hail and ice to our cities and towns. Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, would like to share four important tips for getting your chimney ready for whatever winter brings.

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Tip 1: Have your chimney inspected

Before the cold season starts, schedule a chimney inspection with a licensed chimney technician. You can do your own visual inspection, but a trained technician will be able to see things you can’t. A proper inspection will turn up areas that need repair and parts that need replacing. Having the inspection done in the summer or early fall will allow plenty of time for any work that might be necessary.

Tip 2: Install a custom full-width chimney cap

If there’s no cap on the top of your chimney, your flue is open to all sorts of stuff you don’t want in there. Rain, hail and snow will move into your chimney and can easily begin a cycle of water damage to the flue liner, interior masonry, smoke chamber, fireplace damper and other parts of the system. Along with keeping out winter storm elements, a full-width chimney cap will do two other things for you:

• Prevent small animals from taking refuge in your chimney
• Protect the concrete chimney crown from damage that will send water to the interior areas of your chimney

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Tip 3: Consider a top-mount damper

A top mount damper does much the same job as a standard throat damper located just above the firebox. But it also allows you to seal off the top of the chimney when the fireplace isn’t in use.This is beneficial when you want extra protection against moisture inside the chimney flue. Another benefit is that top mount dampers have mesh siding to keep fiery sparks and embers from jumping out of your chimney.

Tip 4: Waterproof your chimney

Two of the biggest reasons for service calls to chimney companies are masonry damage and leaky chimneys. When bricks become loose or cracked, and when mortar joints begin to crumble, trouble is almost always on the way. Damaged masonry will allow water from winter storms (and water from any kind of storm at any time of year) to infiltrate and begin a cycle of chimney deterioration. Severely damaged masonry can lead to major problems throughout the chimney system and eventually cause a chimney to collapse. Your masonry can be protected by having your chimney technician apply a waterproofing sealant. This will keep water away from the bricks and mortar and out of any cracked or decayed areas. Because the sealant is “vapor-permeable,” it will allow naturally occurring moisture to escape the seal and not build up against the masonry.

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The post How to Prepare Your Chimney for Winter Storms appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Do you have a drafty chimney? If so, this is most likely a major disappointment. After all, your fireplace is supposed to add value to your home and keep your house warm and cozy during the cold winter months. The good news is that there are ways to stop a drafty chimney.

If your chimney has been drafty or if you are in need of any chimney service, our team is here to help.

We will now explain some possible causes of drafty chimneys, along with how to stop your chimney from being drafty.

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Causes of Drafts and How to Stop a Drafty Chimney

Here are some reasons why your chimney may be drafty and tactics for preventing drafts.

Chimney Cap and Damper Problems

Downdrafts are frequently the cause of a drafty chimney. Downdrafts happen when cold air from outside is able to enter the chimney and travel downward into your home.

If you do not already have a chimney cap, we recommend having one installed. Not only can a chimney cap help with downdrafts, especially with wind-induced draft issues,  but it will also keep animals and debris out of your chimney, keeping it more clear and helping to prevent dangerous blockages. If you already have a chimney cap, but it is old, it is possible that it needs to be replaced. Check out our ultimate chimney cap guide to learn more. 

Your chimney damper may also be causing this problem if it is old or not ideally positioned. Many chimneys have throat dampers, which are usually just above the firebox. These are too close to the fire and therefore unable to seal tightly enough. We recommend having a top sealing damper installed to ensure a tight seal and prevent downdrafting. 

Incorrect Usage

Sometimes, draftyness is caused by homeowners not using their chimneys correctly. Here are some tips for correct usage that will prevent drafts: 

• Close your chimney’s damper when it is not being used
• Before starting your fire, prime the flue (view our blog about how to start a fire in a fireplace for instructions) 
• Make sure that your chimney has been recently swept. Having dirty connectors from the fireplace/stove to the chimney can cause issues. We recommend having your chimney swept annually. 

Consider Installing a Fireplace Insert

Fireplace inserts are an option in both wood burning or gas. Inserts for wood burning are placed inside the firebox, so you’re not using any additional floor space, and usually have blowers that circulate the heat to nearby rooms. Inserts for gas fireplaces are super efficient and allow you to turn on/off and adjust temperature via remote control keeping your home nicely heated. 

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The post How to Stop a Drafty Chimney appeared first on Boston’s Best Chimney.

As the seasons change — you need to be ready for the season, and your fireplace becomes dormant until the fall. It is the perfect time to undergo yearly gas fireplace maintenance to avoid any problems with your fireplace.

Maintenance is crucial for the longevity of your fireplace and its safe operation. However, it is best to perform fireplace maintenance by professionals because if any of the gas components get damaged, it can be potentially dangerous.

For gas fireplace servicing, you must contact High’s Chimney Service in Maryland, Washington, DC, or Virginia. At the time of the visit, we will inspect the venting, corrosion, excessive condensation, proper fittings, and mutual connections.

Today, gas fireplaces have outpaced traditional wood-burning fireplaces, and homeowners appreciate them because they run on natural gas and are also healthier for the environment.

 

Types of Gas Fireplaces

There are two primary types of gas fireplaces; freestanding and insert-type. Both fireplaces can be installed with a relatively simple process. They require proper upkeep and regular maintenance to prevent damage to your gas fireplace or chimney.

Difference Between Freestanding and Insert-type Fireplaces

Freestanding Fireplace: This fireplace does not require a unique installation space but must have its chimney to bring the heat and smoke from the fire out of the room.

Insert-type Fireplace: It typically can be installed into a wall opening or other space and share a chimney with another structure.

If you need a fireplace in Frederick, MD, or nearby areas, then you have come to the right place, High’s Chimney Service. We can help you with everything from minor repairs to complete overhauls. Further, in this particular service, we will provide you with the following;

• gas fireplace installation
• gas fireplace repair 
• gas fireplace cleaning 

This Winter, are you planning to install Regency Fireplaces? So if you need more clarification about the regency fireplace prices. Then, please call 301-519-3500.  

Learn What To Do For Gas Fireplace Maintenance and Servicing

No matter what type of fireplace you have in your home, it’s always wise to know a few tips about keeping it in good shape.

Here are the 8 major steps that are required for gas fireplace maintenance. 

1. Inspection & Cleaning 

Gas fireplace inspections ensure they are in good condition; however, you must take the fireplace repair service yearly. Also, there are a few things you have to keep monitoring: 

• Is the unit adequately mounted or not?
• Does the fireplace have any gaps or cracks in the structure?
• Is there a gas leak in your house?
• Do you feel any odor coming from your fireplace?

2. Check The Fireplace Logs 

It includes logs made from ceramic or cement, which can deteriorate over time. Most often, their color will start to fade. The good news is that they can be swapped out without replacing the fireplace.

If there are any obstructions on the fireplace logs, you can remove them by using a fireplace poker or fireplace tongs. Once the obstruction is removed, check to see if the logs are still burning.

However, if they are not, place a new log on the fire and add more wood as needed.

3. Check The Chimney & Ensure It’s Perfectly Functional

If your home’s heating and ventilation are not working properly, a chimney inspection may help you to identify the problem. It can also ensure that the chimney is working properly or not. Even highlight the area that needs any necessary repairs required. 

However, the inspection includes the external chimney structure and the interior walls in front of and around the chimney.

In gas fireplaces, usually, the biggest threat is condensation in the chimney. The significant signs of a compromised chimney are

• Damp patches on the walls
• Stains on the Ceiling 
• Or white blotches on exterior masonry

Get the chimney sweep service today if your chimney isn’t functioning properly to avoid any hazardous issues. 

4. Check The Gas Ignition

There are a few steps you have to take while inspecting the gas ignition.

• First, test-fire the ignition under the logs and make sure it lights correctly. Make sure you place the wood-burning stove in the perfect position for optimal efficiency.
• Turn off the gas, then check all the valves and connections in the fuel system for any evidence of carbon monoxide and remove any such evidence, then wipe down the valves and connections with a dry cloth.
• Look for gas leaks. The smell will be the best indicator; if you are not sure, then brush some water mixed with dish soap over the lines, valves, and ports and watch for bubbles — it will highlight the point from where the gas is leaking.

5. Install & Maintain The Right Accessories

If you have a gas fireplace, installing and maintaining the right accessories is essential. It includes a carbon monoxide detector, a smoke alarm, and a fire extinguisher. All these accessories will help keep you and your family safe in an emergency.

However, don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about maintaining your gas fireplace. 

6. Vacuum The Interior & Clean The Glass

Another thing is to vacuum the interior of the fireplace regularly. It will help you to remove dirt or debris that has accumulated.

Additionally, mix 1 cup of vinegar with 8 cups of water to clean the glass on the fireplace door. Pour the solution onto a cloth and use it to clean the glass.

7. Check Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Whatever type of fireplace you have in your, make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working properly in accessories.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly if inhaled. However, the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include; headaches, dizziness, and nausea. If you think you may be experiencing symptoms, get out of the house immediately and call 911.

8. Regular Fireplace Servicing

It’s essential to have your gas fireplace regularly serviced to ensure it’s operating safely and efficiently. 

Book an appointment with a qualified technician at High’s Chimney Service, we will inspect the fireplace and chimney, clean the burner and perform any necessary repairs.

Book an Appointment  Today For Gas Fireplace Inspection

Follow these tips to ensure that your fireplace remains in good condition to keep your home warm through the Winter.

If you live in Maryland and are searching online for gas fireplace experts near me. Then, call and book an appointment for fireplace repair at High’s Chimney Service by calling 301-519-3500.

The post What You Should Know About Gas Fireplace Maintenance appeared first on Highs Chimney.

Chimney fires can become deadly. Even if chimneys can withstand high temperatures and prevent a fire from spreading throughout your home, they might also fail if the chimney creosote catches fire. Creosotes are a very flammable chemical compound that can build up in the chimney. A stray spark or high chimney temperature ignites it. Chimney fires are fueled by creosote and can reach 2,000 degrees F. This causes the chimney liner to start cracking and allows the flames to spread in your home.

Since creosote is flammable and can probably create the biggest hazard when you use a fireplace, you should try to minimize how much buildup occurs. Failure to get rid of creosote from the flue results in a chimney fire. You might have to contact a chimney repair service.

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Defining Creosote

Creosote is a kind of soot that forms in your chimney while you use your wood-burning fireplace. The wood will burn and create smoke that can contain creosote. In case the smoke does not rise quickly enough, the creosote will accumulate inside your chimney.

Creosote will start off to be somewhat easy to remove and clean. However, while it builds up, it can develop into a tar-like substance.

Creosote Buildup Has Three Stages

Stage 1 – It comprises thin flake layers. When you first use your wood stoves or fireplace, the smoke leaves some creosote deposits. During this time, the issue is not yet urgent, but it can cause problems over time.

If you do not remove the creosote at this point, it can go into the second stage. While you can still solve stage 1 creosote with the use of at-home products, you will find stage 2 harder.

Stage 2 – In stage 2, the creosote starts to look like tar. It can look like flakes, but you are unable to remove it as easily as before. You might have to remove it using tools, but you must consider contacting a chimney sweep if you want to get rid of it all.

Your fireplace and chimney can be salvaged, but you should act right away. This way, the creosote will not go to the third stage.

Stage 3 – This is a stage you must avoid at all costs. Stage 3 creosote is challenging to clean, and it is a very concentrated fuel that can resemble a coating of tar that drips down in your chimney liner. This kind of glazed creosote becomes thick while it hardens and is repeatedly coated using another layer. A hot fire easily ignites this kind of creosote, which is very hazardous. If stage 3 catches fire, it becomes easily removable because it will leave behind spongy residue. However, a chimney fire can cause a house fire as well.

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How to Avoid Creosote Buildup

• You should only burn seasoned and dry firewood.
• Never use artificial logs for burning
• Build clean and hot burning fires
• Make sure the fire gets enough oxygen
• Warm up a cold flue to reduce condensation
• Schedule a yearly chimney cleaning service
• Make sure the fire always has sufficient airflow

How to Treat it

If you cannot minimize or prevent chimney creosote buildup, there are a few treatment options available. You can use at-home products so you can get rid of stage 1 creosote. The logs and brushes let you get rid of creosote right away, but those are not the best options.

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This post first appeared on https://www.firstclasschimneyservices.com

Dryer vent cleaning is a critical part of the winter season. We wear sweaters and coats that shed a little bit of their material with every wash and dry. But have you ever wondered what happens to all those little fibers as they leave your clothes? The lint catcher of course! Well…yes…and no. Let’s take a look at how a dryer vent cleaning helps your clothes and home.

What is a Dryer Vent Cleaning?

As clothes are tumbling around with hot air blowing into the machine getting dry, little fibers come off of the clothes. These fibers are (mostly) caught by the lint catcher, however, some fibers bypass the lint catcher and settle into the dryer vent. Lint, over time builds up blocking the passage of air. What can happen if you don’t get a dryer vent cleaning done?

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Clogged Dryer Vent Result #1

You know you need a dryer vent cleaning when it takes too long for the clothes to dry. You go to the dryer thinking that everything is ready to be hung on a hanger or folded to be put away, and instead you find that your clothes are still too damp. An hour isn’t long enough? Not if your dryer vent is clogged up with lint.

Clogged Dryer Vent Result #2

You’ve noticed that you’re telling everyone to turn off the lights when you’re not in the room. But everyone is looking at you weird, “we’re not doing anything different.” Your significant other says, “I’m at work!” What could be increasing the electric bill? You probably never thought of your clothes dryer.  When it takes more time to dry, you are increasing your electric bill for every minute spent.

Clogged Dryer Vent Result #3

Fire! Now this is the biggest reason to get a dryer vent cleaning. The build up of lint in combination with the hot air can cause a fire in the dryer vent. This can cause significant damage and to your mud or utility room along with other rooms if the fire spreads quickly. According to the NFPA ( National Fire Protection Association ). washer and dryers cause an average of 15,970 fires per year costing $238 million dollars in property damage. Of course, this doesn’t include the cost of injury or life loss.

What to Do?

Once per year, a dryer vent cleaning will avoid all of the top 3 risks listed above. This is the recommendation of the NFPA in order to keep yourself, your family and home safe. Give us a call and a highly trained service technician will come to your home and clean out the dryer vent. You’d be surprised at how much builds up over time. The lint can form a solid material that surrounds the interior walls of the vent. The technician will check and clean the vents to provide safe passage of the hot air.

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This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net

Call Us at 877-959-3534 for Chimney Service

Kids are telling their parents, “We need a dry chimney for Santa.” Many parents disregard the comment as there is nothing wrong with the fireplace or the chimney. Right?  Every year with a pinch of Santa’s nose, he travels through thousands and thousands of chimneys and into the homes to leave ‘wished for’ presents for children. Some kids are half asleep…half-awake when Santa comes, and they have noticed how Santa has black stuff on his face, hat and coat. Children instinctively know that better preparations must be made in order to keep Santa safe and dirty-free.

Special Meeting on Keeping a Dry Chimney

Once a year, Santa meets with the Technicians at Superior Chimney to ensure a dry chimney for a safe passage. Too many times, poor Santa came out of the fireplace with wet goopy soot and streaks of creosote all over his red jacket, hat and beard. Nobody likes a wet Santa. His ho, ho, ho gets a little less jolly.

Meeting with the Big Guy

At Superior Chimney, we have the privilege of personally meeting Santa as he prepares the Christmas route for the sleigh and all of his reindeer. During our meeting, Santa shares homes in Illinois that needed to be tended to prior to his arrival. We all need to take care of Santa, so keeping the chimney dry makes it much easier for a smooth and dry entrance and exit. “Make it quick,” he asked. “We don’t want a slushy Santa dripping dirty water in the next home.”

A Wet History

During our meeting with Santa, he shared with us a story from his experiences. He shared, “I brushed off the soot from my beard and my boots when I jumped from the cold, which soon became moot. It was sloshy and wet and gave me the chills as it made its way from my side to my foot.” We knew right away that poor Santa went into a chimney that had a water leak.

The water leak can come from a missing chimney cap, taken by no other than the green character chap. But let’s not put the full blame on Grinch as deterioration and repairs can happen in a cinch.

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This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net

Routine chimney maintenance starts with an inspection. When one of our Northeastern Chimney technicians visits your home, they’ll inspect each component of your chimney for issues. This includes your cap, crown, damper, firebox, masonry, and more. In addition, they’ll also examine your flue, looking for signs of damage including cracked tiles.

Why do chimney flue tiles crack? And how can you get them fixed? Let’s unpack these two questions today.

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First, what is a chimney flue?

When you look at your chimney from the outside, you may not realize that there is an internal structure called your flue. This is a tube that directs smoke and other toxic gasses up and out of your firebox whenever you’re burning a fire.

Types of chimney flues

There are three primary types of chimney flue materials. In modern home construction, contractors will usually use metal, either stainless steel or aluminum. Concrete is a second option, though also the most expensive choice.

The most common option is using clay tiles, which is our focus today. With routine maintenance, a clay flue can last for a very long time.

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Why do flue tiles crack?

There are several reasons why flue tiles crack. A less common, though not unheard of, reason is due to a lightning strike. In addition, poor craftsmanship can lead to the quick deterioration of your chimney flue tiles.

Finally, corrosion from gasses and moisture exposure both play a big part in chimney flue tile breakdown.

Is this dangerous?

Your chimney flue is designed to allow smoke and other gasses to safely exit your home. If your flue tiles are cracked, this can lead to those fumes backing up into your home. In addition, creosote can take hold within flue tile cracks, leading to an excessive buildup (and a potential house fire).

So in a word, yes. Cracked flue tiles pose a danger to your home.

Can cracked chimney flue tiles be replaced?

Also in a word, yes though with caution. It’s far easier to replace cracked flue tiles near the crown of your chimney. Deeper within, however, you’re going to want to look at relining your chimney.

Relining your chimney

Depending on the extent of your damage, it may be more cost-effective to reline your chimney with a stainless steel flue. In most cases, stainless steel includes a lifetime warranty, provided you’ve followed proper maintenance procedures, including annual inspections, sweeps, and waterproofing countermeasures.

Schedule an inspection if you’re ever in doubt

As a rule of thumb, a homeowner should schedule a chimney inspection before the start of the cold weather season. At the very least, a chimney needs to be inspected before it’s used for the first time each year.

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This post first appeared on https://www.mychimney.com

The chimney flue liner is vital for protecting your home against fire and preventing toxic gases from spilling back into the house when using your fireplace. Depending on when your chimney was constructed, it may have a clay tile lining, which can crack, putting your family and home at risk.

Let’s look at what causes flue liners to crack, how dangerous this problem can be, and how to fix it.

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How Do Flue Tiles Crack?

Clay flue liners are standard in many chimneys across the country because they’re inexpensive to install. However, compared to metal or cast-in-place liners, they’re not durable.

The most common cause of cracked clay tiles is uneven heat distribution through the chimney. Uneven heat causes the tiles to buckle and crack because clay doesn’t absorb heat as well as other materials.

Dangers of Cracked Flue Tiles

Flue liners are mandatory in new fireplace construction because they’re the first defense against chimney fires. So, if your liner is cracked, the longer you ignore the issue, the greater the risk to your home and family.

Broken or missing flue tiles can lead to the following issues.

Gas Seepage

A properly functioning chimney system shuttles toxic gas from combustion up the flue and out of the house. If your flue liner is cracked, this gas can seep back into the house, putting your family at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. According to the CDC, During 2010-2015, a total of 2,444 deaths resulted from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning, with the highest numbers of deaths each year occurring in winter months. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, and many people don’t know they have a problem until it’s too late.

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Loss of Efficiency

Think of your chimney like a straw; if the straw is cracked, it’s more difficult for the liquid to flow. The same is true for the chimney. If flue tiles are broken, the smoke and gas produced by the fire won’t flow out of the house as intended. Poor airflow causes your fireplace to burn inefficiently, and you won’t get the heat output you would if your chimney liner was intact.

House Fire

A cracked chimney liner also puts your home at risk of a fire. The high temperatures in the chimney can contact your home’s combustible materials through the cracks, causing a fire to erupt. Experts say that woodwork exposed to an unlined chimney or damaged liner can ignite in as little as 3.5 hours. If your family is asleep or not at home, the loss could be devastating.

Structural Decay

Finally, a damaged chimney liner allows the gases to penetrate the brick-and-mortar chimney components. These gases are corrosive and can cause the masonry materials to break down, leading to chimney leaning or collapse.

How to Fix a Damaged Flue Liner

As we discussed, clay flue liners aren’t good at absorbing heat, more prone to damage, and are less durable than other materials like metal. If you have a few damaged tiles, it’s safe to replace them, but keep in mind that it’s only a matter of time before the problem rears its head again. Clay liners have a lifespan of about five to ten years, depending on the quality. If your clay tile liner is cracked, you’re better off spending a little more money to replace it with a more durable material like stainless steel or a cast-in-place chimney liners. Both liners can last for your entire life with regular maintenance, making either a better investment than clay.

How Do I Know When My Flue Liner Needs Replacing?

It’s difficult for the average homeowner to know something’s wrong within their chimney until a catastrophe happens. The best way to stay in the loop about the state of your chimney is to schedule an annual inspection by a certified professional. A professional chimney technician can detect minor damage and repair it before it gets out of hand—furthermore, routine chimney inspection and cleaning guards against creosote buildup, another cause of chimney fires. If your flue liner is damaged, a pro will recommend whether it’s more cost-effective to repair or replace it.

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The post Why Chimney Flue Tiles Crack & What To Do About It appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Protecting your chimney is essential to its structural integrity, keeping your fireplace in good condition and your fire burning efficiently. You’re likely familiar with the chimney cap, which prevents water, rodents, and debris from getting into the flue; however, you may not know what a chimney chase cover is, or maybe you think it’s just another name for a cap. Let’s look at what a chimney chase cover is, what it does, and why you should consider installing one.

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What is a Chimney Chase Cover?

Many people confuse chase covers with chimney caps because they provide similar functions. However, a chase cover is entirely different. Whereas a chimney cap fits over the flue opening, a chimney chase cover is a metal or wood enclosure that covers the entire chimney. It is vital to have a chase cover because it protects the chimney from weather damage and prevents animals and debris from entering. Chase covers are most typically used for factory-built fireplaces and chimneys because these systems are often made from wood.

What Does a Chimney Chase Cover Do?

As mentioned, a chimney chase cover functions similarly to a cap; both keep debris, water, and animals out of the chimney. This is essential to your chimney’s health, longevity, and safety. When animals enter the chimney and set up their nests, they can introduce pests like fleas or wreak havoc if they get into the house. Imagine a loose squirrel or two running rampant, and you can see why it’s wise to do everything you can to keep them out.

Furthermore, bird and rodent nests and debris in the chimney block airflow, causing harmful carbon monoxide and smoke to flow back into the house, and the blockage puts you at risk of a chimney fire. Finally, if an animal gets trapped in the chimney and dies, it will produce a foul odor that permeates the house until you get rid of it. Besides protecting against animal intrusion, a chase cover protects against water damage, the number one cause of chimney deterioration. A slanted chase cover directs water away from the chimney to the roof, which flows into your gutter system.

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Should I Install a Chase Cover?

Now you know what a chase cover does, maybe you’re wondering if it’s worth installing one if your chimney has been unprotected for years, and the simple answer is yes! There are a few reasons to consider installing a chase cover now. If your chimney is starting to show signs of wear and tear, a chase cover can help protect it from further damage.

If you live in an area with a lot of wind or other harsh weather conditions, a chase cover can also help keep your chimney in good condition. Additionally, if you have animals that like to climb on your roof, a chimney chase cover can prevent them from damaging your chimney. Finally, if you have a factory-built chimney, you need a chase cover to protect it and keep it sound throughout its lifespan.

When to Replace a Chase Cover

How long your chimney chase cover lasts depends on a few factors, including what it’s made from, the severity of the weather it’s exposed to, and whether it was installed correctly. Chase covers made from galvanized steel have the shortest lifespans and need to be replaced about every 5 years. Copper, aluminum, and stainless-steel fare better and can last the life of the chimney, providing you keep them well-maintained and barring catastrophic damage caused by impact or severe weather.

Signs Your Chase Cover Needs Replacing

There are several signs that a chimney chase cover needs to be replaced. One is if the chase cover is cracked, split, or otherwise damaged. If the damage is severe, it can allow water and animals to enter the chimney, which can cause further damage. Another sign is rust, which is common with galvanized steel covers. This can also lead to water and animal entry, as well as weakening of the structure. Finally, if the chase cover is loose, warped, or structurally unsound, it needs to be replaced.

The best way to ensure your chimney and fireplace components are in top condition and safe is by scheduling annual maintenance and inspection by a trained chimney professional. Hiring a certified chimney expert allows you to find and repair minor issues now before they escalate into damage requiring expensive repairs or replacement a few years down the road.

Call Us at 877-959-3534 for Chimney Service

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