Yes, You Need a Chimney Cap
Using Chimney Caps to Protect Your Home, Neighbors and Wildlife
Many people install chimney caps on their chimneys because they think it improves the look and line of their roof. Although this is true, there are many more important reasons to make sure that the chimney has a cap. In addition to looking nice, these simple pieces can help protect the home, local wildlife, and even the homes of neighbors. As simple as it looks, it is actually very important to get the right size chimney cap and to have it installed properly.
One of the primary reasons for installing a chimney cap is that it keeps wildlife from building nests inside of the chimney. It is common to find chimney swifts, a species of bird that can only perch vertically, in a chimney. However, many people also find that rodents of all sizes have set up homes in their chimneys. This is not only dangerous for the animals themselves, but it can cause significant damage to the structure of the chimney. In addition, the presence of animals may put the family at risk for a host of diseases.
In addition to keeping animals out of the chimney, a chimney cap protects against excess moisture. If rain or snow is allowed to get into the chimney, it can cause the clay or brick interior to weaken and flake away. This compromises the integrity of the structure and makes it more likely that there could be a collapse. This would impact the entire foundation of the home and cause a serious safety risk for the entire family.
Even simple materials such as leaves and twigs getting into the chimney can be dangerous. If the chimney becomes clogged, it will not properly vent. Instead of leaving the home through the chimney, smoke will remain in the fireplace and eventually enter the home. Clearly, this can pose a significant health risk, especially if there is a member of the family who suffers from asthma.
In addition to keeping things out of the chimney, a chimney cap protects the home and homes around it by keeping things in. The cap will make sure that all hot embers stay safely inside the flue and the fireplace, where they belong. Hot embers often remain warm enough to ignite for many days. If they pop out onto the roof, they can start a dangerous roof fire. This will not only impact the home with the fireplace in question, but these fires have been known to jump to the roofs of neighbors, causing fires in their homes as well.
Since there are so many ways that a chimney cap can help protect a home, it may seem as if it would be a complicated or expensive structure. In fact, these small pieces are relatively inexpensive and simple to install. Any chimney maintenance professional can quickly install one. They are also an excellent resource in terms of deciding what type of chimney cap will work best with the particular chimney.
Anyone who has a fireplace in their home should make sure that they have a chimney cap installed. These simple structures prevent animals from making their homes in the chimney as well as keeping other debris out. They ensure that the chimney vents properly but they also keep dangerously hot embers inside the structure to prevent external fires. This not only protects the home with the chimney, but surrounding homes. They are simple and inexpensive, and can be quickly installed by any chimney professional.