Chimney caps keep the rain out (which can damage liners and saturate mortar joints) and prevent escaped embers from causing roof fires. They also help maintain a consistent draft in the flue and discourage critters from nesting inside.
Low Maintenance
Many homeowners choose stainless steel caps Woodbridge VA for their low maintenance. They can easily wipe down the surface to remove soot and creosote deposits. Stainless steel can also resist corrosion better than aluminum or galvanized steel. Unlike aluminum and galvanized steel, a stainless steel cap will not rust when exposed to acidic gases like those carried by fuel oil venting systems. The sulfur in fuel oil is highly corrosive.
The screened sides of the stainless steel chimney cap also keep birds, raccoons, and other animals from nesting in your chimney. They can carry bugs and diseases that could infest your home and harm family members and pets. All chimney caps improve your draft and prevent downdrafts, but some are designed to do much more. For instance, a chimney cap with a spark arrestor can prevent embers from escaping the fireplace and floating onto your roof. One of these embers could light your roof on fire. Chimney caps with a spark arrestor also reduce your home’s risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Durability
When a flue isn’t adequately protected, rainwater can leak into the chimney and wreak havoc. Water can cause chimney deterioration and lead to problems such as downdrafts and carbon monoxide back drafting into the home. A chimney cap protects the flue from moisture and removes rain, twigs, branches, and debris. Many caps are made of galvanized steel or aluminum, which are more affordable than stainless steel. However, these chimney caps tend to corrode and must be replaced more frequently.
Stainless steel chimney caps are nearly rust-proof and have a long lifespan, so they’re the best option for long-term chimney protection. They’re also less expensive than copper caps but are still a significant investment. They also don’t tarnish like other metal chimney caps to retain their attractive appearance for years. They are available in several colors, so you can choose one that fits your style.
Weather Resistance
Chimney caps help control sparks, which prevents roof fires. They also keep embers and smoke from blowing down the chimney, which keeps your home warmer and decreases energy bills. They also channel rainwater away from the flue opening, which helps protect the chimney liners and dampers. They can be built from various materials, including stainless steel, copper, galvanized steel, and aluminum. The best choice depends on the type of fuel used, geographic location, and style of house. They can be customized to fit different types of chimneys and flues. They come with accessories such as a chimney collar, a shim, and adaptors to adjust the height of the cap, side screening to prevent small animals from entering the flue, and an anti-corrosion coating for long-lasting durability. They are available in unfinished stainless steel or black paint and can be customized to match your chimney or exterior.
Spark Arrestors
Chimneys that don’t have spark arrestors present an undeniable fire risk to the surrounding landscape. Hot sparks that fly out of a chimney can easily ignite grass, trees, and brush located 300 meters away, creating a hazardous situation for those in the area. Woven wire mesh spark arrestors reduce this danger by reducing the flow of flaming particles into the surrounding areas. These sparks are then broken down into smaller, cooler sparks with a much better chance of cooling before reaching the surrounding trees and shrubbery.
In addition, spark arrestors keep birds and other animals from nesting in the chimney, which can block the proper flow of smoke while causing creosote buildup. These essential safety components are available for both interior and exterior installation. They can help homeowners save money on insurance premiums due to their ability to prevent chimney-related fires.