Why do I need a chimney cap ?

It has been said a chimney without a cap is like a house without a roof. Imagine how much water would come into your home during a rainstorm if you had a hole in your roof twelve inches square. Chimney flues may be even larger than that, so where does all that water go? It runs down the chimney and seeps into the bricks and mortar, settling behind the firebricks in the fireplace. The inside of the chimney stays wet long after the rain stops. This moisture erodes the mortar joints weakens the brick. Add to this a freeze / thaw cycle during the cold months, and you have all the needed ingredients for a deterioration as the water mixes with creosote and mild acids are formed. Even [seo_combined] chimneys that are used for wood stoves are in need of a cover.

Here are some reasons to have a chimney cap:

• Keep out rain,snow and sleet.
• Keep out animals and birds.
• keep out leaves,twigs and other debris which could lead to a blockage or chimney fire.
• keep sparks from leaving the [seo_city] chimney and igniting nearby combustibles.
• help eliminate wind induced down drafts.

Dampers: Saving Energy

When you shut a damper you want to keep the warm air in your home from escaping up the flue. The throat damper in most masonry chimneys does a poor job of this with its metal on metal seal. Lock-Top dampers seal tight with a silicone rubber gasket that is 90% more effective than a new throat damper.

Would You Like to Learn More? Click here to go to our Saving Energy Page

Screens:

Another Must Item for a fireplace. A spark screen prevents sparks and embers from jumping out of the fireplace. Many home fires have been started by sparks coming from a fireplace that has no screen.

Grates:

A grate is so important. Every fireplace needs a grate to burn properly. Be sure to select the proper size grate for your fireplace. Select a grate that is approximately two-thirds the width of your fireplace and half the depth for best results.

Creosote Remover Video

Contact us with questions, for a chimney inspection or to schedule an appointment.