Do You Need a Chimney Cap?

It may surprise you to know that even your chimney needs some love. Now that the weather is getting colder, it’s time to rekindle the fire. If you love your chimney then put a cap on it, so you can protect it from the following elements:

Photo by Tom Thain on Unsplash

Downdrafts
If the wind is blowing in a certain direction, it can introduce a downdraft. If you don’t have a chimney cap and you’re using a wood-burning fireplace at the time, a wind-induced downdraft has the potential of blowing smoke back into your home. The flat-shaped top of a chimney cap is designed to help prevent wind-induced downdrafts.

Sparks and embers
Some people refer to chimney caps as spark arrestors, which basically means that the chimney cap helps prevent lit embers or sparks that travel up the chimney from landing on roof, possibly catching it on fire. Source: AngiesList

Water Damage
One of the biggest threats to your chimney’s structure and safety is water damage. Water can cause your metal chimney liner to rust, mortar to crack, and mold to develop. Structural damage can become a fire hazard, but chimney caps ensure safety by preventing excess rainwater from entering your home while still allowing smoke to escape. Source: NearSay

Animals
Animals such as birds or rodents look for small, enclosed spaces to build their nests. When viewed from above, a chimney opening resembles a hole in a tree. To bird-brained animals, the difference between your chimney and a tree is not apparent, especially during the warmer months when your chimney is out of use. Nesting animals in your chimney cause blockages that result in carbon monoxide from your gas furnace backing up into your home. This dangerous situation can be prevented by installing a chimney cap that is suspended over the flue to let gas out and keep animals out. Source: eHow

Putting a cap on your chimney can save you money in the long run. If you have questions or any other chimney-related concerns, we’ll be happy to help you out. Call us for a free estimate!

 

Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains
8279 Ross St, Vancouver, BC V5X 4W1
(604) 360-2114

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