Chase Cover Installation in Memphis: Our Experts Can Help
Many homeowners love factory-built fireplace, stove, and chimney systems because they’re affordable, efficient, safe, and can be installed in a variety of places in your home. That said, just because they’re lower maintenance doesn’t mean they don’t need just as much protection as their masonry counterparts. That’s why having a durable chase cover properly installed is imperative.
We’re the team to trust for all of your chimney needs, whether prefabricated, masonry, or historic. Give us a call now or reach out online to get started – we’re here for you.
What Is a Chimney Chase Cover?
An exterior chase is commonly installed with factory-built chimneys. It’s meant to surround the chimney and offer a more appealing, finished look. Chases are sometimes covered with a siding material to match the home, or with a facade designed to match the look of a traditional masonry chimney.
Chase covers are what caps the chase and act a lot like the chimney crown on a masonry chimney – only metal and not concrete. The chase cover is designed to protect the chase, the chimney system, and your home from the effects of the elements – specifically, water.
As with a masonry chimney system, water is a huge enemy to a factory-built chimney system. It can corrode and rust parts, damage the interior of your home, and generally contribute to chimney system decay and deterioration. A chase cover is one of the most reliable barriers against moisture exposure, and it is designed to direct water out and away.
How Do I Know if My Chase Cover Needs Replacing?
Knowing when to replace your chase cover is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your chimney and preventing costly repairs. Chase covers are generally built from galvanized metal, stainless steel, or copper, but more often than not, we see factory-built chimney systems with chases that are built using a galvanized metal cover.
The reason that galvanized metal covers are so prominent is that they tend to be the most affordable option. Unfortunately, galvanized metal covers are also prone to rust and corrosion, and typically need to be replaced in as little as five to fifteen years.
If you see rust streaks down the sides of your chase cover and chase, you can assume that your chase cover is nearing the end of its service life. Rust is the strongest indication that water is wearing away at the material, and that – soon enough – corrosion will start breaking the metal down and allow water to enter your system.
Another telltale sign is water leaks inside your home, particularly around the fireplace. If you observe water stains on the ceiling or walls near your chimney, or if you notice a musty smell, it could mean that your chase cover is no longer effectively keeping moisture out.
Additionally, warping, cracks, or holes in the chase cover are signs that replacement is necessary. A compromised chase cover cannot provide adequate protection, leading to potential damage to the chimney flue, insulation, and even the interior of your home. Regular inspections, especially before and after harsh weather conditions, can help you catch these issues early and ensure your chimney remains in good working order.
If you see rust streaks or any other signs of damage, call Coopertown Services – we can evaluate the state of your chase cover and recommend some options for repairing it.
What Are Different Chase Cover Materials?
There are various types of chase covers you can invest in, but the two we recommend most are stainless steel and copper:
- Stainless steel covers are highly durable and won’t succumb to rust and corrosion the way galvanized metal will. Stainless steel is also approved for use with all fuel types.
- Copper chase covers are also incredibly durable additions to a home, and as bright patina hues develop through the years, they can really add to the home’s beauty as well.
What’s best for you? Not sure? We’re here to help – reach out online today.
How Long Do Chimney Chase Covers Last?
The lifespan of a chimney chase cover largely depends on the material it is made from:
- Galvanized Steel (5-10 years): Galvanized steel is usually the most affordable option, but that also means it’s the least durable – and that its lifespan is the shortest, approximately around 5 to 10 years. These tend to rust and corrode relatively quickly, especially in areas with harsh weather conditions.
- Aluminum (15-20 years): Aluminum covers are more resistant to rust and corrosion than galvanized steel, but they can still deteriorate over time, especially if they are not properly maintained.
- Stainless Steel (lifetime): Stainless steel covers tend to be more expensive, but most come with a lifetime warranty. They’re highly durable, are resistant to rust and corrosion, and are a solid investment for long-term protection. They also require minimal maintenance.
- Copper (lifetime): Copper covers are highly durable and, like stainless steel, can last a lifetime with proper maintenance. They also develop a patina over time, which can add an attractive aesthetic to the home. However, they are the most expensive option.
Other factors that can affect your chase cover’s lifespan include harsh environmental conditions (like heavy rain, snow, sleet, etc.), lack of regular maintenance, and poor initial installation. Take appropriate measures to ensure your chase cover stays in tip-top shape for the long haul, like hiring an expert for installation services and regular inspections.
What Is the Difference Between a Chimney Cap and a Chimney Chase Cover?
Chimney caps and chase covers sound similar in description and can even look similar if you don’t know your chimney anatomy. So…what’s the difference? Do you need both?
First things first, yes – you do need both components! Both come in various designs and materials (including stainless steel, galvanized steel, copper, and aluminum), and both sit at the top of the chimney, but they are two different components that serve different purposes.
A chase cover serves as a metal crown, so you can think of it this way… Every chimney needs either a concrete crown and a chimney cap or a chase cover and a chimney cap – the chimney cap is a non-negotiable.
So, what are the key differences between the two components?
Chimney Caps
- Installed at the very top of the chimney, directly on the flue
- Serves to prevent rain, snow, debris, and animals from entering the chimney flue
- Helps reduce downdrafts and sparks from escaping the chimney
- Typically has a mesh screen around the sides and a solid top
- Protects the interior of the chimney flue
- Helps prevent moisture damage, blockages, and animal infestations
- Can reduce downdrafts and improve chimney draft
Chimney Chase Covers
- Used to cover the entire top of a chimney chase
- Prevents water, debris, and animals from entering the chimney chase
- Are flat or slightly sloped metal covers
- Have a hole for the chimney flue
- Are often fitted with a collar to seal around the flue pipe
- Protects the chimney chase and the flue system from moisture and debris
- Helps prevent rust and deterioration of the chimney chase and components inside
- Provides an extra layer of protection to the chimney system
Both components are essential for the overall protection and functionality of a chimney system, especially in preventing water damage and maintaining the chimney’s integrity. Not sure where your chimney cap and chase cover stand? We’re here to help – book your inspection with us today.
We’re Here To Help – Call Today
Coopertown Services can handle any chase work that you might need, from replacing chase covers to building a brand new exterior chase. If your factory-built chimney doesn’t have a chase, we’d love to build one for you that thoroughly protects your home and adds to its curb appeal.
Give us a call and tell us what looks you love! Dial 901-358-7777 or schedule an appointment online.
No chimney service or repair is too big or too small for us and that means we can do a complete fireplace build and installation from start to finish.