Invest In the Right Chimney Cap To Protect Against Chimney Leaks
When water gets into a chimney, it wreaks havoc. If left unchecked, water can settle into your structure and cause rust to form in metal components, cracks in mortar joints, spalling and crumbling brick, and structural instability. You can’t relocate your chimney indoors to protect it from rain and snow, so how are you supposed to protect your chimney?
Don’t worry – Smalling Masonry has you covered. We offer several services that can shield your chimney from the damaging effects of water like installing flashing, repairing your concrete crown, or adding a new chase cover or chimney cap.
What Is a Chimney Cap?
A chimney cap is the first line of defense your chimney has against water. Without a cap (or if your cap has been damaged or is missing) your home is completely open to water intrusion, pest invasion, and debris accumulation.
These devices are coverings located at the very top of the chimney flue, sitting just above the crown. They are usually made of a durable metal like copper, stainless steel, or aluminum, and they have mesh siding that allows smoke and toxic byproducts of combustion a safe exit path out of your home.
What Is an Outside Mount Chimney Cap?
The team at Smalling Masonry is fully equipped to install any type of chimney cap. Whether you have a single-flue system, a multi-flue system, or need a specialty design, we can take care of all of your chimney cap concerns. That said, the one we most recommend is the outside mount chimney cap.
An outside mount chimney cap extends over the chimney crown and attaches to the chimney itself. We love these options because they provide the highest level of protection and coverage, ensuring water is diverted away from your home and doesn’t pool around the chimney. In the end, these tend to offer the biggest bang for your buck.
Can I Try a DIY Chimney Cap Install?
If you have a background in handiwork or similar experience in replacing chimney parts, you can take a swing at installing a chimney cap – as long as you have the right tools and safety equipment.
But contrary to popular belief, chimney repair work isn’t as simple as watching a few YouTube tutorials. Part of what makes chimney caps, crowns, flashing, and chase covers so effective at safeguarding your chimney is that they are installed properly (by a professional) from the beginning. An incorrectly installed chimney cap is just as vulnerable as a damaged one, leaving your chimney unprotected against weather and other elements.
At Smalling Masonry, we have more than 20 years of experience in chimney services. Make the right choice by hiring us from the start. You can trust our team to get the job done accurately and promptly.
Smalling Masonry Is Here for All of Your Chimney Needs
Are you looking for a new chimney cap? Or are you interested in learning more about outside mount chimney caps specifically? Get in touch with Smalling Masonry now. We’re here and ready to help you get started.
Contact us with questions or pictures on our website, book with us online, or reach out to us by phone at 317-903-8121.
When it comes to chimney repair, we often find that repairing the chimney crown is what’s called for.