Author – Chimney Cricket, Inc.
A chimney cap is a preventive maintenance measure to protect against water entry, backdrafts, and pest entry into the chimney.
An uncapped chimney:
- Says “come on in, make yourself at home!” to nesting birds and animals. Pests can not only cause physical harm to humans (especially when surprised by you!), but they can also cause significant damage to your home. Their nests can block the flue, which can contribute to dangerous back-puffing, carbon monoxide poisoning, and chimney fires. No one wants their family exposed to that. Along with these dangers, animals nested in chimneys are noisy and can carry diseases – so be sure to keep animals and birds outside where they belong!
- Allows rain and snow to enter your chimney, which leads to moisture damage and expensive repairs.
- Of all the elements, water causes the greatest damage to your chimney. It soaks into porous bricks, eats away at the mortar, accelerates the deterioration of your chimney liner, and damages the mortar crown on the top of your chimney. A chimney cap does a great job of protecting your chimney from water damage. For maximum chimney protection, we recommend a multi-flue cap. That’s because a multi-flue cap covers the entire chimney, not just one flue.
- Creates a fire hazard as burning embers and sparks escape through the open chimney and land on your roof or in your yard.
~ Chimney Cricket, Inc.
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