Tips for Choosing a Chimney Cap

An often forgotten component of any home is the chimney. The chimney is vital to many homes, as it offers either a functional or decorative purpose for a home. While the chimney might look great, it can present problems if it is not taken care of properly. One of the best things you can do to your chimney is to install a chimney cap. Continue reading to learn more about chimney caps and some tips for choosing one.

Why do I need a chimney cap?

Chimneys are prime sources of many problems if they are missing a chimney cap. Depending on the home, many times there will be leakage whenever there is a rainy or snowy weather event. A chimney cap can prevent this from occurring, keeping moisture out of your home. In addition, pests like birds, bats, squirrels, and rats can get into chimneys and make their nests. Sometimes, they can even find a way into your home if the flue is not sealed well. Chimney caps do not allow pests to get into chimneys and cause the potential for an infestation or a fire hazard. In short, chimney caps can save you a lot of time, money, and hassle.

Material

One of the most important choices you can make when you are purchasing a chimney cap is the material it is made out of. If you are looking for a chimney cap that can last you a lifetime and then some, look at some stainless steel or copper options. While many will still last you a long time, you may have to replace a galvanized steel or cheaper metal every several years or so. However, if you pick the right material and the right brand, you will be covered, which brings us to the next tip.

Lifetime Guarantee

If a company is selling a chimney cap worth having, it better be backed by a lifetime guarantee. You can rest assured that your chimney cap will last you a lifetime if it comes with a lifetime guarantee. This generally means that the company you purchased it from makes their caps out of the best material, and they are not skimping out on the design at all. While chimney caps with a lifetime guarantee may cost more, it will still save you money over purchasing the cheapest option and replacing it every few years.

Custom Sizing

One of the biggest problems you may run into with some brands of chimney caps is a lack of customization. While the design, material, and price point might be perfect for you, it might not come in the size you need. This is when you might want to shift your focus to companies that offer custom chimney caps. You pick the materials, you pick the design, you pick everything about the chimney cap, and these companies will give you the perfect chimney cap for your chimney. 

Mesh Size

When determining the proper chimney cap for your situation, it pays to be aware of the varying sizes of mesh available. While a large mesh might look really nice, sometimes the large mesh sizes are not effective at catching any embers that may make their way up to your chimney. The ideal size for most areas is roughly ¾” openings, as this will prevent mostly all hot embers from leaving your chimney. This ¾” will also keep all the nuisance animals out of your chimney as well.

Why choose Master Caps?

Here at Master Caps, we have been designing the best chimney caps for clients in the United States and Canada for years. We are proud to offer a limited lifetime guarantee on every chimney cap we create because we stand behind our quality and workmanship. If you are looking for a custom chimney cap that is built tough with the proper materials, give us a call here at Master Caps, as we would love to help you keep your chimney running in top condition.