We Install & Replace Chimney Caps in Memphis & Beyond
You’ve been thinking about your chimney and its cap… Is it doing its job? Is your flue at risk? Should you book a chimney inspection? Now, you’re searching “chimney cap replacement near me” to get a good feel of your local options, hoping it’s not too late to give your system the protection it deserves.
But then…you take a look around town and see neighbors’ roofs with naked, uncapped chimneys, and wonder, “Do I even need to add a chimney cap to my home?”
Here’s the deal – people certainly have left chimneys uncapped for years…but it’s far from wise. We suggest all fireplace owners here in the Memphis area absolutely invest in a well-fitted, quality-built chimney cap. When it comes to local chimney cap repair and replacement, we deliver the quality results you need. Call Coopertown Services – or reach out online – today.
We Build & Install Custom Chimney Caps
Coopertown Services builds and installs custom chimney caps that are specially designed and built for your home, chimney, and taste. They can be made with any ornate designs or materials you choose, and since they’re completely custom-crafted, they’ll fit your chimney like a glove.
Looking for a custom chimney cap in the Memphis area? Don’t wait to reach out – we’d love to hear from you.
Flues Without Chimney Caps Invite Water & Damage
A chimney, if we’re looking at it as simply as possible, creates a hole in your roof. And yes, that hole is necessary…but it leads into your chimney system and fireplace, and it can eventually cause water damage directly to the walls and ceilings of your home.
When water is allowed access to the system it will:
- erode the masonry of the chimney
- cause damage to your chimney liner
- create damage and smells that you don’t want
- spread beyond your chimney and into the walls and ceiling surrounding it
- trigger rust through any surrounding metal components
- cause mold and mildew to form and spread
- …and more
A chimney cap, which is installed at the very top of your flue, plays an important role in protecting your chimney against the intrusion of water. In fact, having a properly sized chimney cap installed is a pretty simple and cost-effective way to avoid all of the problems listed above, and keep water from coming directly into your chimney and home.
Flues Without Chimney Caps Welcome Animals
We love animals, but most of us don’t want wild animals coming into our homes. An open flue is an open invitation to birds, squirrels, and other animals, and when they make a home in your chimney, they routinely bring along flammable debris, bugs, smells, and annoying noises.
Nesting animals can be particularly dangerous, because their nests can block the flue, causing problems with appliance and chimney efficiency, while simultaneously creating a fire hazard. These materials are typically highly combustible, and they can easily cause a rapidly spreading chimney fire.
But nesting animals aren’t your only problem – it’s not uncommon for baby birds and squirrels to fall into an open flue, get stuck, and eventually die. That’s an unpleasant and unsanitary situation for any homeowner.
And then there’s the issue of having a protected species in your flue. Certain birds, for instance, pose a particularly tricky problem in chimneys because of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act that prohibits their removal. Chimney swifts, which have earned their name because they love to nest in chimneys, fall into this category. If they choose to nest in your chimney, you’ll (by law) have to wait for them to leave on their own.
The only way to really deal with chimney swifts is to prevent them from getting into the chimney in the first place. A properly sized and installed chimney cap can keep all of these unwanted creatures – protected or not – out of your chimney and home.
What should you do if an animal is already present?
Although we’re big advocates of keeping animals out of your chimney system, we believe that treating animals humanely is very important. With over 40 years of humane animal removal and animal-proofing experience in Shelby County, we’ve developed a reputation for doing right by animals and by our customers.
If having a damaged or missing chimney cap has left you with animals in your chimney (nesting or otherwise), Coopertown Services can remove them humanely, and animal-proof your chimney and home to ensure that it doesn’t happen again.
Call us today or or reach out online to schedule an appointment!
Are There Other Benefits of Having a Chimney Cap Installed?
So, we’ve gone over how chimney caps prevent birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other animals from entering your chimney, as well as how they provide protection against rain, snow, and moisture. …but they’re also capable of so much more!
Chimney caps also…
- …keep outside debris from clogging your flue. A chimney cap acts as a barrier against debris (like leaves, twigs, branches, and debris) that might be carried in by the wind. This prevents blockages in the chimney that could restrict airflow and lead to poor ventilation or chimney fires.
- …reduce the chance of experiencing fire hazards. By blocking debris and preventing animal intrusion, chimney caps help reduce the risk of chimney fires. Accumulated debris and nesting materials inside the chimney can ignite when exposed to heat from a fire, posing a significant fire hazard.
- …serve as spark arrestors. Did you know stray sparks and embers can travel up your flue? If this happens, they could escape and land on flammable roofing materials or piles of leaves that have accumulated on your roof. Chimney caps stop them dead in their tracks.
- …help to improve ventilation and block downdrafts. Proper ventilation is essential for efficient fireplace operation and preventing the buildup of harmful gases like carbon monoxide. Chimney caps with proper airflow design allow for optimal ventilation, while also blocking downdrafts and preventing backflow of smoke into the home.
- …work to extend the lifespan of your chimney. By protecting against moisture, debris, and animal intrusion, chimney caps help prolong the lifespan of your chimney. Preventing water damage and corrosion can prevent costly repairs and extend the longevity of the structure.
- …will enhance the overall safety of your home. Installing a chimney cap enhances overall home safety by reducing the risk of chimney fires, carbon monoxide exposure, and structural damage caused by moisture and debris. It provides peace of mind for homeowners, knowing that their chimney is adequately protected.
How Do I Know I’m Choosing The Right Chimney Cap For My Home?
Coopertown Services technicians will help you choose a chimney cap that looks great and functions well. But here are a few helpful details about the different types of caps:
- Single Flue Chimney Caps: As the most basic chimney cap, these caps cover a single opening at the top of a chimney, and are made of galvanized steel, stainless steel, or copper.
- Multi-Flue Chimney Caps: These caps are preferable for multi-flue chimneys because they offer a larger umbrella of protection and tend to look a lot more attractive and finished than a cluster of small caps. They can be made of copper, brass, stainless steel, or sheet metal with a black enameled paint.
- Wind Directional Caps: These caps utilize fins or rotating mechanisms to redirect wind and prevent downdrafts. By improving airflow and reducing turbulence, they help maintain proper draft and prevent smoke from blowing back into the home.
- Decorative Caps: Caps can come in a variety of designs, including traditional, contemporary, and custom options, allowing homeowners to enhance the exterior aesthetic of their home – while improving function in the process.
Choosing the right chimney cap can depend on multiple factors, such as the type of fireplace or stove, local climate conditions, and any specific needs regarding protection and airflow. Ensuring the chimney cap is properly sized and installed is crucial for optimal performance and safety, so be sure to trust our experts from the start. Call or book online today!
What’s the Cost To Install a Chimney Cap?
Chimney cap costs can actually vary quite a bit! For example, if you’re needing a custom multi-flue cap built and installed on a chimney that’s particularly hard to access, you’re going to pay more than if you’re getting a standard single-flue cap installed. That’s why it’s hard for us to give you a solid estimate without knowing more about your unique situation.
Cost can vary due to:
- Material type. Chimney caps are available in different materials such as stainless steel, copper, aluminum, and galvanized steel. The cost of the material can significantly impact the overall installation cost.
- Chimney cap size. The size of the chimney cap needed for your chimney will affect the cost. Larger or custom-sized caps may cost more than standard-sized ones.
- Job complexity. If the installation requires additional work due to a complex chimney structure, or if modifications or repair services are needed, it can increase the overall cost.
- Chimney accessibility. If the chimney is difficult to access, such as being on a steep roof or having limited access points, it may require more time and effort to install the chimney cap, thus affecting the cost.
- Additional features. Some chimney caps come with additional features, such as spark arrestors or animal screens. These features can add to the cost of the chimney cap.
- Chimney cap quality. Higher quality chimney caps with better durability and resistance to weather conditions may cost more upfront – but can provide long-term cost-saving benefits, like a reduced risk of damages and less need for frequent replacements.
All in all, there’s a lot to consider. If you need a new chimney cap and are wanting to know what price range you’re getting yourself into, it’s best to call us and iron out the details so we can give you the most accurate information possible.
If you need a new chimney cap, call us at 901-358-7777 or reach out online now.
Can I Install a Chimney Cap Myself, or Do I Need a Professional?
Chimney cap installation typically involves working at heights and may require using tools such as drills, screwdrivers, and ladders. And if your chimney is tall, steeply pitched, or difficult to access, it may require more specialized equipment to gain full access.
These safety risks, combined with the fact that improper installation could lead to additional expenses if repairs or corrections are needed later, cause us to strongly urge homeowners to only hire a professional for their chimney cap installation jobs.
In addition, some chimney cap manufacturers may require professional installation to validate warranties.
In the end, the best way to ensure that your chimney cap is installed correctly and safely, providing peace of mind and optimal performance along the way, is to hire a team of experts from start to finish.
How Do I Maintain a Chimney Cap?
Maintaining a chimney cap is relatively straightforward and can help ensure its continued effectiveness in protecting your chimney. Here are some maintenance tips:
- Perform visual inspections of your chimney cap periodically, preferably at least once a year. Look for signs of damage, rust, corrosion, or wear and tear. Have a professional address any issues promptly to prevent further deterioration.
- Check for signs of rust or corrosion on metal chimney caps, especially after any bad storms or crazy weather events. Rust can weaken the structure of the cap over time, so address any rust spots promptly.
- Schedule a professional chimney inspection and cleaning annually, which should include an assessment of the chimney cap. A chimney technician can identify any issues with the cap and address them as part of routine maintenance.
- Follow any specific maintenance recommendations provided by the manufacturer of your chimney cap. These guidelines may include instructions for cleaning, maintenance, and repairs to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
By following these maintenance tips, you can help ensure that your chimney cap remains in good condition and continues to provide effective protection for your chimney against debris, animals, and moisture. Regular maintenance can also extend the lifespan of your chimney cap and prevent costly repairs down the line.
Will a Chimney Cap Affect Draft or Airflow to My Chimney?
A chimney cap, when properly installed, should not affect the draft or airflow in your chimney. In fact, chimney caps are designed to help improve ventilation by blocking downdrafts and reducing the risk of blockages (while still allowing smoke and gases to escape efficiently, of course).
Here’s how a chimney cap typically impacts draft and airflow for the better:
- Preventing Downdrafts: One of the primary functions of a chimney cap is to prevent downdrafts, which occur when wind blows down the chimney, causing smoke and gases to enter the home. The design of chimney caps, including features like baffles and hoods, helps redirect wind and prevent downdrafts without impeding upward airflow.
- Maintaining Proper Ventilation: Chimney caps are designed with mesh screens or louvers that allow smoke and gases to exit the chimney while blocking debris, animals, and moisture. This design ensures that the chimney maintains proper ventilation and airflow, even in adverse weather conditions.
- Minimizing Blockages: By blocking debris such as leaves, twigs, and nesting materials, chimney caps help prevent blockages that could restrict airflow and hinder ventilation. This can help maintain consistent draft and airflow, especially during periods of regular use.
- Enhancing Efficiency: By improving ventilation and preventing downdrafts, chimney caps can actually enhance the efficiency of your fireplace or heating appliance. Consistent airflow and draft promote more efficient combustion, resulting in better heat output and reduced smoke emissions.
All that said, while chimney caps generally have a positive impact on draft and airflow, it’s essential to ensure proper installation and sizing to avoid any potential issues. A chimney cap that is too small or improperly installed could impede airflow and end up doing more harm than good.
If you notice any changes in draft or airflow after having a chimney cap installed, let us know! We’re here to solve your chimney problems.
Reach Out for a New Quality Chimney Cap
Enhance the safety, efficiency, and longevity of your chimney – and its cap – by working with our team for it all. From spark arrestors to wind-directional caps, we offer a variety of options to suit your specific needs and style preferences.
Protect your home from rain, debris, pests, and sparks while optimizing airflow and preventing costly damage. Don’t wait until issues arise – invest in a high-quality chimney cap today and enjoy peace of mind year-round.
Call or schedule with us online now.
Chimney lining resurfacing may be a less expensive option for homeowners with chimney liner issues. Our chimney services experts can work with you to see if it’s an option for your situation.