What is a Chimney Chase Cover and Why is it Important?
A chimney chase cover is a vital component of your chimney system that often goes unnoticed, despite playing a critical role in the safety of your home. Understanding what a chimney chase cover does and how to ensure it’s in proper condition can help you avoid costly and dangerous problems.
At Best Chimney Services, we are dedicated to keeping our customers’ chimneys in the best condition possible. We offer a range of residential and commercial chimney services in the Boston area to provide clients with knowledgeable and reliable services they can consistently count on. Schedule an appointment with us today if you need a chase cover installed. In the meantime, learn about the importance of your chimney chase.
Let’s Start at the Basics – What is a Chimney Chase?
A chimney chase is a framed structure that encloses a chimney stack, which is typically made from metal. It serves as a protective surrounding for the stack, shielding it from the outside elements like branches and bird nests, while also enhancing the appearance of your home. Chimney chases are often constructed from materials like wood, vinyl, or metal, and they can be designed to match the exterior of your home, making them an integral part of your house’s design.
The Importance of a Chimney Chase Cover
Protects from Outside Elements
The chase cover sits on top of a chimney chase and is designed to protect the chase from outside elements. Without a chase cover, rain, snow, and debris can easily enter the chimney, leading to moisture buildup, rust, and deterioration. Over time, this can compromise the structural integrity of the chimney stack(s) and pose safety risks. This way, you can also extend the life of your chimney by preventing any damage.
Prevention of Water Damage
Water damage is the number one enemy of chimneys that you want to avoid. A properly installed cover acts as a shield, preventing water from seeping into the chimney and causing issues like mold growth, rot, and even cracks in the building materials. This not only protects the chimney but also prevents potential water damage to the interior of your home.
Adds Curb Appeal
Surprisingly a chimney chase cover also adds to the curb appeal of your home. It attractively transitions the chimney chase to the chimney stack(s) while offering support for the structures. Modern chase covers are custom made in stainless steel so no more rusting or unsightly gaps between the structure and the cover. They can also be customized to any color to complement the design of your home’s exterior and enhance the overall look of your property.
When Does Your Chimney Chase Cover Need to be Replaced?
Older chimney chases were made of subpar materials and can deteriorate over time, especially being exposed to New England weather. Some of the signs of needed replacement to look out for are if your chimney chase is rusting or corroding, there are water stains on walls near the chimney, there are loose or missing parts on the structure or cracks in the cover. Make sure to promptly replace your chimney cover to avoid these problems from growing.
Call Best Chimney Services to Replace Your Chimney Chase
By understanding the importance of maintaining the components of your chimney, you can avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your chimney. If you’re unsure if your chase cover needs to be replaced, don’t hesitate to give us a call, we’d love to help!
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