What is a Chimney Cap?
Chimney
Cap is a covering at the top of a chimney and it usually includes a protective mesh.
Chimneys are made to protect the family as well as home from the dangers of
noxious gases like carbon monoxide. It
also protects from the high levels of heat produced by the solid fuel burning
appliances and fireplaces.
It is best to install chimney
pipes and caps with mesh around the sides to
prevent animals and unwanted debris from falling into your chimney.
Benefits
of using Chimney Caps:
Reduces moisture –
Chimney caps will keep the rainwater from coming down your home’s chimney.
Rainwater can damage chimneys with stainless steel chimney liners,
chimney dampers, and chimney mortar joints. Beyond the damage from the water
itself, moisture from rain water can produce mold and mildew.
Keeps
out animals – Small animals and birds often try to
make their homes within chimneys. In many cases, these critters will enter the
chimney, but won’t be able to exit, eventually dying. This can produce maggots,
flies and unpleasant odors in your home. A professionally installed chimney cap,
sized properly, will prevent animals from entering the chimney.
Blocks
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.
Stops
sparks and embers
– Some people refer to chimneycaps as spark arrestors, which basically mean that these caps helps prevent
lit embers or sparks that travel up the chimney from landing on the roof,
possibly catching it on fire. While installing stove pipe, similar safety measures need to be taken care of.
Prevents debris build-up – Leaves, branches, twigs
and other debris can enter a chimney and build up if a chimney cap is not in
place. It is one of the best chimney kits that every home and commercial
kitchen needs.
Potential
Problems to be considered in Maintenance:
Chimney Cap
1. The flow of
air through the chimney
The
flow of air should be maintained properly. Sometimes
the small wire mesh on a chimney cap becomes clogged by the flammable deposits
on the mesh, and the fire will be more difficult to start. This situation
should be avoided by cleaning the chimney cap properly.
2.
Possibility of high winds/heavy rain
The Wind or heavy rain may leave leaves
or other debris on the chimney cap which may lead to clogging on the mesh
again.
Conclusion
