Managing Business Responsibly

3 Tips To Help You Choose The Right Chimney Cap

by Priscilla Terry

A chimney cap is designed to go over the top of your chimney. They can keep debris as well as pests from getting into your chimney. A chimney cap is a smart investment. When it comes to putting a chimney cap on your chimney, you want to make sure you purchase the right one.

Tip #1: Make Sure the Cap Has Some Weight to It

When you pick out a chimney cap, you need to hold the cap in your hands. You want the cap to have some weight to it. If the cap is too light, it will not be able to withstand high winds, nor will it be able to withstand tampering by animals.

You want the cap to have enough weight so that it will not get blown around with every light wind that blows through. You want a cap strong enough that if a squirrel tries to mess with it, they will not be able to damage the chimney cap.

Tip #2: Make Sure the Mesh is Fine

Inside of your chimney cap, there should be a layer of mesh. This layer of mesh keeps small debris from getting into your chimney. You want the mesh to be small enough to keep embers from getting into your chimney via the chimney cap. You don't want the mesh to be so fine though that snow builds up and ices over the cap in the winter.

Generally, you want the holes in the mesh to be between half an inch to an inch in width. This is the perfect size to keep out worrisome embers and prevent ice build-up on your chimney cap in the winter.

Tip #3: Consider the Material Carefully

When looking at chimney caps, you want a strong material that will last for a long time. You also want to choose a material you can afford, and that fits with the aesthetics of your home.

Stainless steel caps last for a long time and are durable considering the price point for a stainless-steel cap.

Copper caps are more expensive, but they tend to last for decades. Copper chimney caps are also visually appealing, especially if you have other copper fixtures on your home.

As you examine the chimney caps, make sure you look at the warranty. The warranty will give you a good idea of how long the product is supposed to last.

When it comes to picking out the right chimney cap, make sure the cap is heavy and strong enough to withstand animals and strong winds. Look for a cap made from sturdy material with mesh that will keep out embers but not freeze over. Use affordable but strong material.

To learn more about chimney cap installation, reach out to a local chimney contractor. 

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