When we bought our home in rural New England, the first order of business was to make sure the chimney was in good shape.
We weren’t too worried about it at first- after all, the previous homeowners had kept it clean and well maintained.
But as we started poking around, we realized that there was a problem. The cap on the chimney was missing. And without this essential fireplace accessory, rain and snow could easily get into the chimney and cause damage.
We started doing some research online to figure out what type of chimney cap would be best for our home. There were so many options to choose from!
We could get a metal cap, a copper cap, or even a slate cap. We considered our budget and what would look best with our home’s architecture and finally decided on a copper cap:
The next step was to find someone who could install it for us. We contacted a few local contractors but none of them seemed very interested in working on such a small job.
Finally we found someone who was willing to do it and he came out to give us an estimate. It turned out that installing a copper chimney cap wasn’t cheap, but we decided to go ahead with it anyway.
Contents
- My favorite chimney cap
- Types of chimney caps
- What to Consider When Choosing the Best Chimney Cap that Protects from the Elements
- Some of our Favorite Chimney Caps
- 1. The Flieeya Stainless Steel Chimney Cap
- Pros
- Cons
- Video Overview
- 2. The Superior Round Chimney Cap
- Pros
- Cons
- Video Overview
- 3. The Homesaver Stainless Steel Chimney Cap
- Pros
- Cons
- Installing a Chimney Cap
- Maintaining a Chimney Cap
- Conclusion
My favorite chimney cap
- 13'' x 13'' Complete Chimney Cap: We provide you with bolts and extended edges to adjust the bottom size for smaller or bigger chimneys, efficiently making the chimney cap a flexible and cost-effective outdoor protection solution. NOTE: Fit flue sizes from 11'' x 11'' to 15.4'' x 15.4''.
Now that the cap is in place, we can rest assured that our chimney is protected from the elements. And it looks great too! If you’re thinking about getting a chimney cap for your home, we highly recommend it. Just be sure to do your research and find the right one for your needs.
Types of chimney caps
There are three main types of chimney caps:
Single flue: A single flue chimney cap covers one flue. It’s the most common type of chimney cap.
- TOP PERFORMANCE: Ultra-thick premium grade stainless steel with an advanced design, our Wind Directional Chimney Cap is a unique alternative to traditional fireplace weather cap - providing resistance to corrosion, bad weather and hostile flue gas.
Multi-flue: A multi-flue chimney cap covers multiple flues. This type of cap is great for homes with more than one fireplace or stove.
- Attractive chimney cap for multi-flue masonry chimneys. Top-Mount design attaches easily and securely with included tapmark masonry screws and tube of all-weather construction adhesive.
Specialty caps: Some flues need special chimney caps to help the smoke go up and out of the chimney. Or, you might need a damper style replacement (a small door inside the chimney) to keep warm or conditioned air from exiting your home when the fireplace is being used.
Draft-increasing chimney caps are designed to help the chimney draw better. This type of cap has a screen or mesh that goes over the top of the flue, and some have a wind-directional vane on top. The idea is that the screen or mesh will help keep downdrafts out while the wind vane will always point the opening into the wind, which should help the chimney draw better.
Flue stretchers are placed inside the flue to help it draw better. They come in different sizes to fit different flue diameters.
- Material: 100% 304 galvanized
A downdraft coming from structures blocking the airflow around the flue opening can cause smoke to go back into the home. A stretcher helps to improve the upward airflow by extending the height of the flue beyond these impediments and improving upward airflow.
If you think you need a non-standard cap, ask a CSIA certified chimney sweep to come and take a look at your particular situation. They can help you figure out what kind of cap you need and where to get it.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Chimney Cap that Protects from the Elements
When choosing a chimney cap for rain and other outdoor hazards, there are several things to consider:
- Chimney type: The type of chimney you have will determine the type of cap that will work best. If you have a masonry chimney, for example, you’ll need a different type of cap than if you have a prefabricated chimney.
- The mount: The mount is how the chimney cap will be attached to your chimney. There are several different types of mounts, so be sure to choose the one that will work best with your chimney.
There are two types of chimney caps: top-mount and outside-mount. Top-mount chimney caps attach to the crown of the chimney, while outside-mount chimney caps attach to the exterior of the chimney.
Top mount styles are generally employed with multiple flues but are also used with single-flue designs. On the other hand, outside-mount chimney caps have skirts that snugly fit around the rim of your chimney- it’s best for single-flue systems.
- The material: The material the chimney cap is made from will determine how long it will last and how much maintenance it will need. Stainless steel, for example, is a very durable material that won’t rust or corrode. Copper is another popular option because it’s also durable and has a beautiful patina.
- The climate: If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, you’ll need a cap that can keep the water out. Look for a cap with a good water sealant.
- The type of roof: If you have a sloped roof, you’ll need a wind directional chimney cap to keep the wind from blowing the smoke back into your home.
- The size of your chimney: Make sure to choose a cap that’s the right size for your chimney. A cap that’s too small or too large will not be effective.Once you’ve considered these factors, you’ll be able to choose the best chimney cap for your home.
A chimney cap is a type of hood that fits over a chimney’s top. They are mainly used to keep rain and snow from entering the building. They can also protect the flue, especially if using a gas-powered appliance.
Some of our Favorite Chimney Caps
1. The Flieeya Stainless Steel Chimney Cap
- ADJUSTABLE CHIMNEY CAP-The 8" x 8" Flue Cap can be adjusted through the bolts and extended edges for the bottom for your various uses to fit your smaller or bigger chimneys. The flue sizes are from 16.7 x 28.7 in to 19.3 x 31.3 in, more flexible to meet your requirements.
- STAINLESS STEEL MATERIAL-Made of stainless steel, the item is light weight, so it will has less load on building to protect your chimney. With good air tightness, corrosion resistance, heat resistance, heat insulation and low resistance, it is good for long time using.
This chimney cap is made of 304 stainless steel, durable and rustproof. Note: It’s not designed for use on a wood-burning stove; it can’t be used above the chimney opening.
Pros
- it is an elegant and helpful chimney cap that would fit on your ChimneyChimney.
- it is simple to install and will prevent the fuel or your ChimneyChimney from being damaged by rain or heavy snowfalls
- it is made of 304 stainless steel, making it rustproof and durable. If you decide to install the cap on the top of your ChimneyChimney, this can help cut down on backyard smoke odor and even reduce energy costs.
- if you install the cap on the top of your ChimneyChimney and you’re a wood burner, it’s also an extra layer of protection against falling trees and branches.
- it is easy to use by just attaching it to the ChimneyChimney with four screws. The cap is designed to fit into four sizes of chimneys: round, rectangular, square, and even hexagonal.
Cons
- it is not designed to be used on a wood-burning stove. If you want to manage your Chimney with a wood-burning stove, this is not for you.
- it is easy to install, but sometimes it can be too easy to install. Like most products on Amazon, it’s straightforward to install and difficult to remove.
Video Overview
2. The Superior Round Chimney Cap
- UL approved and are not for use with any product other than Superior Wood Burning Fireplaces.
- 8" Round Chimney Cap with Louvered Screen for use with Superior fireplaces.
This is a chimney cap made of metal, and it is an excellent, sturdy non-clogging product.
Pros
- excellent quality and sturdy product that would last many years depending on your environment.
- easy to install and keep clean and built with numerous benefits like; providing protection from rain, leaves, birds, and squirrels, reducing heat loss through your ChimneyChimney, and even protecting your roof from rainwater.
- non-clog, non-rusting, and made with a durable metal that can withstand fire and weather.
Cons
- This is a metal chimney cap, so it will not allow the rainwater to flow through the cap and down through your ChimneyChimney. Instead, it clogs up with all the dirt, leaves, and other things you dump down your ChimneyChimney or around it. For these reasons, this is not your best option for the type of installation you may have.
- There is no screen provided with this cap. It is an excellent and durable product, but it does not have a screen to protect your ChimneyChimney from falling ash, so it can clog up quickly if you forget to clean it.
Video Overview
3. The Homesaver Stainless Steel Chimney Cap
A chimney cap made of high-quality stainless steel that doesn’t rust. It also features a mesh and an adjustable base.
Pros
- It is made with a mesh, so you can see the fire flickering through it when you light your fireplace. It also features an adjustable base and will fit on any ChimneyChimney, whether square or rectangular.
- Very easy to install but cannot be removed quickly once installed (like many of the products here on amazon). It can be installed very quickly, but it is not user-friendly.
- It is made of a high-quality stainless steel that doesn’t rust, so that it will last for many years.
Cons
- It is an excellent and durable product, but it doesn’t have a screen to protect your ChimneyChimney from falling ash. So if you forget to clean it sometimes, it can clog up quickly. For these reasons, this is not your best option for the type of installation you may have.
- It is straightforward to install but can be challenging to remove.
- There are no customer reviews on this product.
Installing a Chimney Cap
Most chimney caps can be installed by the homeowner. However, some types of chimney caps, such as those made from copper or slate, should be installed by a professional.
If you’re installing a metal chimney cap, you’ll need to use sealant to create a watertight seal. Apply the sealant around the base of the cap and then screw the cap into place.
If you’re installing a specialty chimney cap, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Maintaining a Chimney Cap
Chimney caps require very little maintenance. However, it’s a good idea to inspect them regularly to make sure they’re in good condition. If you notice any damage, such as rust or cracks, be sure to repair or replace the cap as soon as possible.
Chimney caps are a great way to keep your chimney clean and safe. By following these tips, you can be sure to find the right cap for your home.
Many hoods can cover fireplaces or wood stoves, such as dust caps that fit on top of wood stoves.
The difference with these is that they don’t allow any light into your fireplace or stove, so placing one of these caps on your fireplace will keep rain and snow out and ensure the safety of your stove or fireplace inside.
A chimney cap is usually used to keep the rain, snow, and sleet out of your house. By allowing the water to stay outside where it belongs, you can avoid any damage to your roof and walls.
If they are large enough, they can protect your fireplace or woodstove flue (if you use one) by keeping the rain out. There are a few types of caps that are used on chimneys today, and they include metal caps made of aluminum, stainless steel, or copper; plastic caps that have a metal ring around them that keeps them sturdy; traditional clay pots which come in various sizes and colors; and finally a new style of metal cap called a shield chimney cap.
The shape of a chimney cap usually follows the original design of the fireplace or stove and comes in various colors. It’s usually a simple round shape with a hole in the middle for smoke and heat to pass through.
Conclusion
All of these chimney caps have their advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, before you purchase one or any other chimney cap, consider your requirements and the environment you live in.
Hi, my name’s Eugene Duke and I love sitting by my fireplace reading a book and sipping on an adult beverage. Do you have a fireplace in your house? I’ll help you figure out the best type and style of fireplace for your home.
