How Chimney Caps Look: A Construction Guide
Rain, snow, and downdrafts are protected from a chimney by chimney cap. Steel or copper mesh is often used for these screens, and they come in a variety of designs and sizes.
Define Chimney Cap
A chimney cap resides directly above the chimney crown at the top of your chimney. The chimney cap serves several purposes, including keeping rain out. The flue on your chimney allows smoke and chemicals to leave your house via the pipes or ducts it runs up.
Stainless steel, copper, and galvanized steel are the most common metals used to make chimney caps. The material used to construct a chimney cap determines its longevity and aesthetics.
Types of Chimney Caps
Top Mount Chimney Cap
The top mount chimney caps come in stainless steel or copper, and are available with two different lid types, two different lid diameters, and four different screen heights.
It is best to choose a top mount chimney cap for chimneys with flues that extend beyond the crown. Both prefabricated and masonry chimneys can be fitted with them.
Electric Draft Chimney Cap
The design of this chimney cap or crown makes it a very innovative product because it comes with an adjustable fan that helps to provide a good draft for the fire.
There are different speed settings on the electric fan on the cap. Owners may adjust the draft control depending on weather conditions and fire risks. In spite of being ideal for people who have trouble getting draughts on their fires, chimney caps are among the most expensive.
Custom Chimney Cap
It may be necessary to construct a custom chimney cap based on the type of flue in a chimney. By doing so, the chimney cap will be sized and shaped appropriately for the house. There is a slight price difference between this chimney cap and others.
To ensure they fit any flue size correctly and function flawlessly, these chimney caps may include a variety of features and attachments.
Integral Damper Cap
For older fireplaces that do not have dampers inside, an integrated damper cap or mechanism is available. Outside air cannot blow into the fireplace through dampers.
A simple damper mechanism is installed within the chimney, while a cable is run inside the chimney to a lever located on the fireplace wall. New houses usually have chimney caps that are not suitable for older chimneys.
Standard Chimney Cap
Standard chimney caps are the most common type of chimney cap. Screwed to the chimney flue, they lie flush with the tile.
When the flue is lower, the cap is often fastened to the chimney's interior to keep out things. Animals are protected by screens on standard caps, while sparks that fly through the flue are caught. Windy conditions have the advantage of increasing updraft of standard chimney cap.
Weather Shield Chimney Cap
Most chimney caps used in residential construction are wind resistant, hurricane proof, or storm resistant. Stainless steel, galvanized metal, and aluminum chimney caps are often used in areas with high winds and cold temperatures.
Band around Break Chimney Cap
Band around brick chimney caps are the best choice for outside chimneys. Completely enclosing the chimney and tightly fitting around the brick exterior, it completely encloses the chimney.
Their construction often uses stainless steel or aluminum. There is an adjustable band that wraps around the chimney and a metal mesh skirt that protects the chimney from debris. Masonry chimneys can be fitted with them. A professional must install band around caps to ensure a proper fit.
Chimney Cap Applications
A chimney system that includes a chimney cap makes perfect sense. You also keep sparks and embers in your chimney by using a chimney cap. As a result, your home will be protected from roof fires.
Smoke escapes from the cap's edges through a metal mesh ring, which also prevents insects from entering. In addition to preventing debris and rainwater from going down the chimney, chimney caps also prevent animals from building nests. The purpose of chimney ember guards is also to prevent fires caused by chimney embers.
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