Turn to Rutland Chimney for Chimney Cap Installation in the Rutland Area

We can’t emphasize enough the importance of a proper chimney cap. Despite chimney sweeps popping in and out of flues in Mary Poppins, the reality is that each of those chimneys should have been capped, making their rooftop antics quite the impossibility (although, the dances were fun to watch, we’ll give them that).

Jokes aside, a properly installed chimney cap is crucial for maintaining the health and safety of your chimney. If you’re in the Rutland area and are worried your chimney isn’t properly protected from rain, woodland critters, and outside debris, turn to us right away. Our expert team offers reliable and professional chimney cap installation services – as well as any other chimney repair service you might need – ensuring that your chimney is safer and functioning more efficiently for the long haul.

Call or book online now to get started.

What Is a Chimney Cap & Why Do I Need One?

A chimney cap is a covering that protects the opening of your chimney. It should be made of metal and have a mesh or wire screen around the sides. There are a few main purposes of a chimney cap:

  1. Keeping Out Animals & Debris: Chimney caps prevent birds, squirrels, and other small animals from entering the chimney and building nests, which can lead to dangerous blockages. The cap also keeps leaves, twigs, and other debris from accumulating in the chimney.
  2. Preventing Water Damage: Rainwater, snow, and sleet can cause significant damage to the interior of a chimney – damage like rust, deterioration of the mortar joints, staining on your walls and ceilings, wood rot, and more. A chimney cap acts as a shield, preventing water from entering the chimney.
  3. Reducing Downdrafts: Without a chimney cap, wind can blow down into the chimney, creating a downdraft that pushes smoke, soot, and outside air back into your home. A chimney cap helps to minimize these downdrafts.
  4. Preventing Sparks & Embers From Escaping: The mesh screen on a chimney cap helps prevent sparks and embers from escaping the chimney and landing on the roof or nearby structures, reducing the risk of fire.
Chim Proctor Before

Before

Chim Proctor After

After

What Materials Are Chimney Caps Made From?

Chimney caps are made from various materials, each offering different levels of durability, appearance, and protection. The most common materials used for chimney caps include:

  • Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is highly durable and resistant to rust and corrosion, making it an excellent choice for chimney caps. It has a sleek look that can complement various home styles, is compatible with most fuel types, requires minimal maintenance, and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
  • Copper: Copper is known for its long-lasting durability, low maintenance upkeep, and resistance to corrosion. Over time, copper develops a patina, turning from its original reddish-brown color to a greenish-blue hue, which can add character to your home.
  • Aluminum: Aluminum chimney caps are typically cheaper than their stainless steel or copper counterparts, but are also lighter-weight, less durable, and can be prone to denting or bending.

Each material has its pros and cons, so if you’re not sure what would be best for your needs, consult with our crew. We’ll work with you to figure out the best choice for your chimney, budget, and preferences.

How Does a Chimney Cap Prevent Animals From Entering My Chimney?

Now, chimney caps are meant to cover the top of your chimney, but they also need to vent out fumes…aren’t many animals smart and capable enough to find these openings where smoke can escape and work their way into your flue?

Well, that’s why having a wire or mesh screen is so important. The openings in the mesh are small enough to block animals – like birds, squirrels, bats, etc. – from entering, while still allowing smoke and gases to escape. Even the more clever and mischievous critters, like raccoons, shouldn’t be able to get past a properly installed chimney cap and screen.

By keeping animals out, a chimney cap also prevents them from building nests inside the chimney, which could block airflow and lead to dangerous conditions like carbon monoxide buildup or chimney fires. Trust an expert to ensure all is as it should be – your safety depends on it!

How Do I Know if My Chimney Cap Needs To Be Replaced?

The best way to know if your cap needs replacing – or if any other chimney repair or maintenance is needed – is to have a chimney inspection completed. This is why reputable organizations, like the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), recommend booking these overviews annually – so that nothing is missed or overlooked.

That said, if any of the following issues present themselves in between inspections, be sure to call us in:

  • Visible cracks or dents. If you notice any cracks, dents, or warping, especially after a storm, this can compromise the cap’s effectiveness.
  • Corrosion or rust. Check for signs of corrosion or rust now and then, and call us in if you spot any – rust weakens the structure and can lead to holes or breaks in the cap.
  • Loose cap or missing components. If the chimney cap is not securely fastened to the chimney (or if parts are missing) it can shift or fall off, especially in high winds.
  • Interior water damage. If you notice water stains, dampness, or leaks inside your home near the chimney, it could be a sign that the chimney cap is no longer effectively keeping out rainwater.
  • Presence of animals. Hearing noises from animals or finding nests in your chimney, could mean that the cap is damaged or no longer providing a sufficient barrier.
  • Inefficient ventilation. An unusual amount of soot or creosote buildup in your chimney, might be due to a damaged or improperly functioning cap that is restricting airflow.
  • Downdrafts or smoke issues. If you’re experiencing downdrafts or smoke issues inside your home, it could be due to a malfunctioning chimney cap.

Need to get in touch? Reach out now – we’re here for you.

Can I Install a Chimney Cap Myself?

While it might seem straightforward to install a chimney cap yourself, it’s best to leave this task to a professional team – like us. We’ll take appropriate steps to evaluate your chimney needs, size your new cap properly, and get everything correctly fastened and in place – guaranteeing a job well done and quality protection for years to come.

This will also give us the opportunity to identify and address any underlying issues with your chimney that could affect the cap’s performance.

In the end, a poorly installed chimney cap isn’t going to do you any favors and will only invite a false sense of security when your chimney may, in fact, still be at risk. Trust us – it’s well worth the peace of mind to simply hire our experts from the start.

Invest in Your Quality Chimney Cap Today

Investing in a high-quality chimney cap is a smart decision for any homeowner concerned about the longevity and safety of their chimney. Rutland Chimney is here to provide you with exceptional service and a top-notch installation that will safeguard your chimney from potential damage.

Reach out to us today to schedule your installation and experience the peace of mind you deserve.

When we inspect your chimney flashing, we can tell if it is causing a chimney leak. If it is, we can take care of this important chimney repair to make things more water-tight.