Whether it’s the off-season or you’ve completely retired your fireplace, you will need to seal your chimney with a cap. An uncapped chimney can cause moisture damage and air leakage issues, forcing you to seek roofing repairs and driving up your HVAC bills (among other things). Protect your budget and your home with a chimney cap.
What is a chimney cap? It’s a protective covering that goes over the top of your chimney. The solid top of the cap protects your chimney from rain and downdrafts. It is typically made of steel or copper mesh and can come in various styles to match your house’s design.
Now that you know what a chimney cap is, let’s look at why capping an unused chimney is necessary and how to properly cover the chimney opening.
The Importance of Capping an Unused Chimney
Your chimney is entirely open at the top, and this space acts as a magnet for dirt, debris, water, birds, and insects. If the chimney is left uncapped, you’ll run into major problems when you light the first fire of the season. Debris and unwanted pests can block the chimney, resulting in poor ventilation that could harm your health. Not to mention the smells that can accumulate from a dirty chimney.
One of the most important reasons to install a chimney cap is to prevent water from collecting inside the stack. Water damage can occur quickly, deteriorate your chimney’s stonework, and harm your home’s structural integrity.
So, should you cap your unused chimney? Yes!
How to Cap a Chimney
You have a variety of options when it comes to capping your chimney. You can choose caps made of stainless steel, galvanized steel, or copper. You can also choose to place a slab over the opening. However, a chimney cap with mesh is your best option for allowing for proper ventilation.
Galvanized steel caps are ideal for those on a budget, but it’s important to note that these options rust quickly and can stain the roofing system. Stainless steel and copper caps are better options in terms of durability. They also have greater aesthetic appeal, though they are priced higher.
You can attempt to install a chimney cap yourself, but this is often a dangerous job. For this reason, it’s best to hire a professional chimney company to cap your unused chimney. The experts can also perform a chimney sweep in Medford, NJ, before covering the opening.
Does an Unused Chimney Need Ventilation?
No matter if you never plan to use your chimney again or not until next winter, you will want to ensure your capped chimney is properly vented. Ventilation keeps your chimney dry by preventing moisture from building up. When there’s airflow inside the chimney, moisture can evaporate, and future disasters will be less likely to develop.
Need Help Capping Your Chimney? We Have You Covered!
If you have a chimney you’re not using, make sure to cap it. Our professionals can install the cap for you when we’re performing a chimney inspection in NJ. We’ll ensure the cap matches your home’s aesthetics and allows for proper ventilation to prevent chimney and roof damage. Contact us today to learn more about our services and solutions.