Chimney Cap

For the safe and smooth operation of your chimney, a chimney cap is very essential. Chimney caps prevent your chimney from getting cluttered with water, debris, snow and thereby protect the chimney system from damage. Typically made of stainless steel or copper, a chimney cap is placed atop the flue opening and acts as a shield against various harmful elements. Chimney caps also keep the sparks inside the chimney, protecting the combustible materials on your roof from the risk of catching fire. At times, chimney caps can fall into a less functional state and require significant repair, such as when they get blocked with twigs, leaves, or other materials. When your chimney suffers damage, you need to consult certified chimney technicians and utilize their professional chimney cap repair service. In situations where you see water entering the firebox or encounter drafting problems with your fires, it might indicate the urgent need for chimney cap repair. A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps provides the full range of chimney cap repair service, as well as chimney cap installation services, to ensure the efficiency and operational safety of your chimney. Our experienced technicians will make your chimney fully functional again.

Not every chimney uses the same cap. The right choice depends on how many flues you have, what the chimney is venting, and how your chimney is built.

Single-flue caps fit over one flue tile that sticks up above the chimney crown. They are the most common type on homes with one fireplace or appliance.

Multi-flue caps cover the entire top of the chimney and protect several flues at once. They are a good option when flue tiles sit close together or at different heights, and they also shield the crown from direct rain.

Top-sealing damper caps combine a cap with a damper that seals the top of the flue when the fireplace isn’t in use. They help keep heated and cooled air in the house, and they are often used to replace a rusted or broken throat damper.

Caps come in several materials. Stainless steel is the most popular because it resists rust and lasts for many years. Copper costs more but is very durable and looks great on traditional homes. Galvanized steel is the least expensive, but it usually rusts sooner, especially in our humid coastal climate.

Because the cap sits on top of the roof, most homeowners don’t notice a problem until something goes wrong inside. Watch for these warning signs:

• The cap is missing, tilted, or loose after a storm
• Rust streaks on the cap or on the chimney crown below it
• Bent, torn, or missing mesh screen
• Scratching, chirping, or nesting sounds coming from the chimney
• Water, leaves, or debris showing up in the firebox
• Smoke backing up into the room, which can mean the mesh is clogged with creosote or debris

If you notice any of these, it is best to have the cap checked before the problem spreads to the liner or the damper.

We start by inspecting the top of your chimney, including the flue tiles, crown, and any existing cap. We then measure each flue so the new cap fits properly and meets the code requirements listed on this page, including enough open area to let smoke and gases escape freely.

Once the right cap is chosen, we secure it so it stays in place through high winds and storms, and we make sure it can be removed for future cleanings. If the crown is cracked or the flue tile is damaged, we will let you know, because a new cap on top of a failing crown won’t stop every leak.

If you already have a cap that is in good shape, a simple repair may be all you need. We can clean clogged mesh, replace damaged screens, and refasten loose caps. For prefabricated (factory-built) chimneys and many gas appliances, the cap must be the model listed by the manufacturer, so we always check before recommending a replacement.