When wood burns, the draft in your chimney can carry small pieces of burning material, embers and sparks, up the flue. Without a barrier at the top, they can land on your roof, in gutters, on a deck, or in dry leaves nearby. A spark arrestor is a metal mesh screen at the top of the chimney, usually built into the chimney cap, that lets smoke pass through while catching embers before they get out.
Spark arrestors also help keep birds, squirrels, and other animals out of the flue. A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps is a licensed and insured chimney company that installs, cleans, repairs, and replaces spark arrestors on masonry and factory-built chimneys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a spark arrestor the same as a chimney cap?
They’re closely related. The cap is the cover that keeps rain out, and the spark arrestor is the mesh screen around its sides. Most modern chimney caps include a spark arrestor screen.
How often should a spark arrestor be cleaned?
It should be checked whenever the chimney is swept and inspected. Chimneys that get heavy use, and wood stoves, may need the screen cleaned more often because creosote collects on the mesh.
Can a spark arrestor cause smoke problems?
A clean, properly sized screen shouldn’t. A clogged screen, or one with openings that are too small, can restrict the draft and make smoke back up into the room.
Do I need a spark arrestor if I rarely use my fireplace?
We still recommend one. Even if you only burn a few fires a year, the screen keeps animals and debris out of the chimney all year.
What material is best?
Stainless steel and copper resist rust and last much longer than galvanized steel. We’ll recommend a material based on your chimney and budget.
No screen on your chimney, or smoke backing up when you burn? Have your spark arrestor checked.
Call (804) 244-6639
