One of the most important things you can do to prolong the life of your chimney is to take as many preventive measures that you can to prevent water penetration of your chimney. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), the least expensive way to keep water from getting into your chimney is to have a good quality chimney cap installed on top of your chimney. A chimney cap serves other important functions as well, and at The Mad Hatter, you can find different types of chimney caps that specialize in things like reducing chimney draft problems and stopping hot sparks from jumping out of your chimney. Our experienced chimney technicians provide expert installation services as well. We would like to tell you about the different functions of chimney caps and why you need a cap on the top of your chimney.
PREVENT WATER PENETRATION
Without a chimney cap installed at the top of your chimney, there is a large hole on your roof where water from rain and melted snow can easily enter your home. The Mad Hatter can keep water from leaking into your chimney by installing a chimney cap. We will make sure that the cap fits your chimney perfectly so that there is no way water can get into your chimney when it rains.
KEEP BIRDS AND WILD ANIMALS OUT OF YOUR CHIMNEY
If you have had problems with birds, squirrels, raccoons, or other wild animals getting into your chimney to nest, you need a chimney cap that is equipped with mesh metal sides. Not only do these intruders pose a hazard by bringing in possible diseases into your home, but they often leave behind their nests, which increases your risk for chimney fires and carbon monoxide leaks. When your chimney is capped, birds and animals are unable to enter your chimney.
STOP HOT SPARKS FROM JUMPING OUT OF THE CHIMNEY
The mesh metal sides that keep animals from entering your chimney also keep hot sparks and embers from jumping out of the top of your chimney. This greatly reduces your risk of an accidental fire being started by a hot ember landing on your roof or in a tree or your yard.
REDUCE CHIMNEY DRAFT ISSUES
If you have had trouble with backdrafts, you may want to consider a chimney cap that is equipped with vents. These vents help to direct the wind so that it helps the draft by pulling out the exhaust from the chimney. This special type of chimney cap can really improve the performance of your fireplace and chimney, especially if you live in a windy area.
Is your chimney uncapped, or is your existing cap damaged? Contact us at The Mad Hatter to talk to our staff about the chimney cap options we have for you to prolong the life of your chimney.