A Buyer’s Guide to Chimney Caps

Did you recently hire someone for a chimney sweep in Roswell, GA? Were you told that you need to replace your chimney cap? A damaged chimney cap is a fire safety issue and needs repairing right away. If you’re in the market for a new cap, check out this brief buying guide to help you make a confident purchase.

Types of Chimney Caps

When you had a chimney sweep in Roswell done, your chimney specialist might have told you about the types of caps available. First, you need to know what type of chimney you have. Single-flue chimneys with extended flues that reach above their crowns are the most common type of chimney. Homeowners with these chimneys choose from the following caps:

  • Square and rectangular flue: You need a cap that attaches using screws or clamps
  • Oval flue: Don’t substitute models. You must purchase a cover that specifically fits oval-shaped flues.
  • Round flue: Clamp and screw covers work for round flues, but you can also purchase slip-in caps. These caps slide directly in the flue’s opening.

Now, not all single-flue chimneys have an extended flue. For this chimney, you need to make a different purchase. Consider the following:

  • Square, rectangular, and oval flues: Caps must use legs to convert and externally mounted cap into one that’s easy to slide into the chimney. If you live in an area that’s prone to wind gusts, consider using brackets to secure the cap better.
  • Round flues: Use cover models that slid into the chimney. It’s not necessary to attach legs.

Other types of standard chimney caps include the following:

  • Top-mounted chimney caps
  • Single-flue chimneys with flexible metal liners
  • Multi-flue chimneys
  • Single-wall metal chimneys
  • Double-wall air-Insulated metal chimneys
  • Double-wall solid-pack insulated metal chimneys
  • Triple-wall air-insulated metal chimneys
  • Triple-wall solid-pack insulated metal chimneys

Specialty Chimney Caps

Although standard chimney caps are the most common because of their weather and animal protection, some homeowners prefer specialty chimney caps. Often, these caps offer a decorative aesthetic and also help with issues such as down drafting, retrofitting older chimneys, and oddly-shaped chimneys. There are 5 basic types of specialty chimney caps:

  1. Draft-increasing chimney caps
  2. Electric draft-increasing chimney caps
  3. Chimney cap and damper combinations
  4. Outside-mount chimney caps
  5. Flue stretcher chimney caps

When you’re ready to buy a specialty cap, check with your local Roswell chimney sweep specialist to help you choose the right one.

Choosing a Material

Most chimney caps are made from stainless steel, copper, aluminum, or galvanized steel. Which one is the best choice for your home depends on your preferences and your budget. If you’re looking for an inexpensive cover, galvanized and aluminum material fall into the cheapest categories. However, most chimney experts recommend stainless steel caps because they tend to offer the best balance of cost and performance. They’re easy to clean and don’t tarnish like other materials.

Measuring for Specialty Chimney Caps

It’s important to measure right to ensure the best fit. It’s recommended that homeowners don’t try to do this themselves. Instead, it’s better to contact a Roswell, GA, chimney sweep specialist to assist you with this step of the buying process. If you choose the wrong size, not only will you not get the protection you need, but you risk damaging your chimney and wasting your money. For help choosing the best chimney caps, contact the Atlanta Chimney Doctor.