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Chimney caps are covers that go on top of a chimney to protect it from rain, snow, and downdrafts. They are available in various designs and sizes and are often made of steel or copper mesh.
A chimney cap is mainly used to prevent damage to the house from debris and rainwater going down the chimney and to prevent animals from building nests. Another important purpose is to prevent chimney embers from causing fires.
A ring of metal mesh around the cap's edges allows smoke to escape and also prevents the entry of insects.
Metals such as copper, stainless steel, and galvanized steel are used to make chimney caps. The chimney cap's longevity and aesthetics are influenced by the material used to build it.
Different Types Of Chimney Caps
The most commonly used types of chimney caps are:
1. Weather Shield Chimney Crown
A chimney cap often used in residential construction is known as a wind, storm, hurricane, or wind-resistant one.
The weather shield chimney cap is often made of galvanized metals, aluminum, and stainless steel and is used particularly in places with high winds and colder temperatures.
The main advantage is their corrosion resistance property and the ability to withstand very severe weather conditions. Weathershielded caps can be utilized on both masonry and prefabricated chimneys. They may prevent animals and pests from entering the chimney in addition to blocking precipitation and falling leaves (via a mesh screen). They work well in reducing the impact of downdrafts and are also quite simple to install.
2. Top Mount Chimney Crown
Top mount chimney caps, also known as multi-flue chimney caps, are available in copper or stainless steel, with two different lid types, two different lid diameters, and four different screen heights.
Top-mount caps are best suited for chimneys with flues that rise beyond the crown; therefore, consider this when choosing a cap for the chimney. They are suitable for both masonry and prefabricated chimneys.
3. Band-Around Brick Chimney Crown
The best choice for an outside chimney is a band-around brick chimney cap. It completely encloses the chimney and is tightly fitted around the bricks’ exterior.
Stainless steel or aluminum is often used in their construction. These chimney caps include an adjustable band that wraps around the chimney and a metal mesh skirt (which fits tightly around each corner of the flue). They are suitable for masonry chimneys. To achieve a proper fit, the band-around caps must be installed by a professional.
4. Electric Draft Chimney Crown
This is one of the most innovative designs for a chimney cap or crown as it comes with a fan that can be adjusted to several settings to help provide a good draft for the fire.
The cap has an electric fan with different speed settings. Depending on the weather and fire risk, owners may adjust the draft control. It is ideal for people who struggle to get a decent draught on their fires, but it is also one of the most expensive chimney cap solutions.
5. Integral Damper Mechanisms
The integrated damper cap or mechanism is made for older fireplaces that do not have dampers inside the fireplace. Dampers stop cold air from blowing into the fireplace from outside.
The damper mechanism is a simple one that is installed within the chimney, while a cable is routed inside the chimney to a lever normally mounted on the fireplace wall. This type of chimney cap is apt for older chimneys, not those seen in most newer houses.
6. Standard Chimney Crown
The standard chimney cap is the most common kind of chimney cap. They lay flush with the tile of the chimney flue and are screwed to the chimney.
To keep things out, the cap is often fastened to the chimney's interior in situations when the flue is lower. Standard caps have screens for animals and help catch big sparks that fly up from the fire and into the flue.
The major benefit is it increases updraft in windy conditions.
7. Custom Chimney Crown
Chimney flues could be quite complicated; they may need to have a custom chimney cap constructed based on the type of flue. This will guarantee that the house has the proper chimney cap for its shape and size. The cost of this chimney cap is a bit higher than that of other caps.
These chimney caps may have various features and attachments to ensure they fit any size of flue correctly and function flawlessly.
FAQs
A chimney cap is mainly used to prevent damage to the house from debris and rainwater going down the chimney and to prevent animals from building nests. Another important purpose is to prevent chimney embers from causing fires.
The most commonly used types of chimney caps are:
1. Weather Shield Chimney Crown
2. Top Mount Chimney Crown
3. Band-Around Brick Chimney Crown
4. Electric Draft Chimney Crown
5. Integral Damper Mechanisms
6. Standard Chimney Crown
7. Custom Chimney Crown
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