Find the Best Chimney Caps & Supplies for Chimneys in Charlotte, NC

We Also Sell Chimney Chase Covers, Dampers, Firebacks & More

Other supplies that you might need for your chimney appliance are chase covers, dampers, smoke guards, exterior and interior cleanout doors, and stainless steel or cast iron firebacks.

Here’s the lowdown on each:

Chase Covers

A chimney chase cover is a metal covering that fits over the top of a prefabricated chimney chase (or sometimes a masonry chimney). The purpose of a chimney chase cover is to protect the chimney from the elements, preventing water, debris, and animals from entering the chimney.

Not to be confused with the chimney cap, chase covers fit over the entire chimney opening, coming with a hole through which the flue can enter and vent out (after which the cap is placed on the very top).

A chase cover should slope away from the center to allow water to run off and be made of durable materials – such as stainless steel – to effectively withstand exposure to the weather.

Dampers

A chimney damper is located either inside a chimney or flue at the base or near the top of the chimney flue, depending on the model you’ve invested in. The main purpose of a chimney damper is two-fold: 1) to seal off the chimney when not in use to prevent the loss of conditioned air from the home and to block outside air from entering and 2) to control the airflow and draft when a fire is lit.

There are two main types of chimney dampers:

• Throat Dampers: These are located at the throat of the chimney, just above the firebox. Throat dampers are typically made of metal and can be opened or closed using a handle or a chain. They are a common type of damper in traditional masonry fireplaces.
• Top-Down Dampers: These dampers are installed at the top of the chimney, and are operated by a lever or a cable. When closed, they provide a tight seal at the top of the chimney, preventing drafts and reducing heat loss. They are often used as a more energy-efficient alternative to throat dampers.

Smoke Guards

A smoke guard for a fireplace is a device designed to help improve the efficiency and performance of a wood-burning fireplace by minimizing smoke spillage into the room. The purpose of a smoke guard is to create a better draft and prevent smoke from escaping into the living space when the fireplace is in use.

Smoke guards are especially useful in fireplaces with larger openings or shallow fireboxes where inadequate draft may lead to smoke not rising properly up the chimney. When a fire is burning, the smoke guard is installed at the top of the fireplace opening, reducing the size of the opening and helping to redirect the airflow. This adjustment can create a stronger draft, which encourages the smoke to rise and exit through the chimney – rather than entering the room.

Exterior/Interior Cleanout Doors

Fireplace exterior and interior cleanout doors are access panels that allow for easy cleaning and maintenance of the chimney system. They both serve essentially the same function, there just may differences in where they’re located (i.e. on the outside of your home or right within the fireplace stove).

Regular cleaning of the chimney is essential for safety and efficiency, and cleanout doors offer a great way to make this process easier and more accessible for the homeowner. Cleanout doors are commonly made of durable materials, like cast iron or steel, to effectively withstand the heat and conditions associated with fireplace use.

Stainless Steel/Cast Iron Firebacks

A fireplace fireback is a heavy, often decorative, metal plate positioned at the back of a fireplace. Its primary purpose is to enhance the efficiency of the fireplace and protect the masonry from the intense heat generated during a fire. Firebacks have been used for centuries and come in various designs, ranging from simple and functional to intricate and ornate.

Essentially, using a fireback in your fireplace can improve the overall heating efficiency, protect the structural integrity of the fireplace, and add a touch of elegance to the hearth area. We’d be happy to set you up with an option that’s appropriate for the size and design of your fireplace.

What’s the Difference Between Chimney Crowns, Chase Covers & Chimney Caps?

We’ve gone over chimney caps and chase covers… but you might be wondering where chimney crowns come into play in all of this. Is “chimney crown” just another name for a chimney cap? Is a chimney crown and chimney chase cover the same thing? Or is it an entirely different thing altogether?

Let’s take a deeper look and explore the key differences between your home’s chimney crown, chase cover, and chimney cap – and why each can have an essential role for maintaining the health of your chimney.

What is a chimney crown?

A chimney crown is traditionally a concrete slab that sits at the top of your chimney, covering the entire top surface. It’s designed to protect the chimney from water damage, which can cause cracking and deterioration of the masonry. The crown is supposed to be sloped to direct water away from the flue, and it should have an overhang to keep water from running down the sides of the chimney too.

Chimney crowns are typically built during the construction of the chimney, but they can also be added later as a repair or improvement.

Chimney Crown vs. Chase Cover vs. Chimney Cap

So, let’s get into the differences…

A chimney cap is a metal or masonry cover that sits on top of the chimney flue. It’s designed to keep rain, winds, and debris from falling down the flue and into your home. Chimney caps can also prevent animals from nesting in your chimney, which can cause blockages and fire hazards. Like chimney crowns, chimney caps are typically installed during the construction of the chimney, but they can also be added later as a repair or improvement.

Chimney crowns and chimney chase covers actually serve nearly identical purposes to each other, but they are two distinct components. The big difference is that one (the crown) is made of concrete, while the other (the chase cover) is made of some type of metal. Another important distinction is that chase covers are mostly used for prefabricated chimneys (although, some masonry options have them), while concrete crowns are only meant for masonry chimneys.

Here’s an easier breakdown:

• Every chimney needs a chimney cap.
• While every chimney needs either a chimney crown or a chimney chase cover, they won’t need both.

A few other key differences between the three:

• The main purpose of a chimney crown or chase cover is to protect the chimney masonry sides from water damage, while the main purpose of a chimney cap is to keep water, debris, and animals out of the flue.
• The chimney crown or chase cover sits on top of the entire chimney structure, while the chimney cap sits above the flue covering the crown and flue liner.
• Chimney crowns are typically made of concrete, while chimney caps and chimney chase covers are most often made of metal or copper.

This can be a lot to take in, but If you’re a homeowner with a chimney, understanding your chimney and fireplace is crucial to keeping your home and family safer – and for getting the most out of its lifespan too. Taking a proactive approach to maintaining your chimney system not only helps keep your home in good order, it also helps to improve the efficiency of your fireplace.

Book your annual inspection, so we can start looking this over. And feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns! Dial our number now, or schedule an appointment online today.

What Happens If You Don’t Have a Chimney Cap?

A chimney cap’s primary purpose is to protect your chimney system and home from water and other unwanted debris. If you don’t have a chimney cap, or if your chimney cap is damaged or defective, you may experience several problems including:

1. Fire hazards: Without a cap, debris, animals, and rain can enter your chimney and create a fire hazard. A buildup of debris or a bird’s nest can catch fire and spread to your home.
2. Water damage: Water can enter your chimney and cause rust, decay, and other damage to your chimney’s interior. This can lead to expensive repairs or even a collapsed chimney.
3. Poor ventilation: Without a cap, downdrafts can occur and bring smoke and fumes into your home. This can cause respiratory problems and a smoky, unpleasant smell in your home.
4. Inefficiency: Without a cap, your fireplace or wood stove may not burn efficiently. This means you’ll use more wood and spend more money on energy bills.

Remember, regular maintenance and inspections are key to ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of your home’s chimney system. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified professional chimney sweeps here at Owens Chimney Systems to see how we can meet all of your chimney and fireplace needs.

Reach Out Today

Our technicians are certified to help you with all the accessories and necessities that you might need, so please don’t hesitate to ask us questions about anything you might see on the website. We understand an educated customer who knows about their appliance is a safer customer because they know what needs to be done  to keep their family safe from a potential chimney fire.

Reach out online or call today.

If you are a wholesale supplier or contractor looking to order a custom cap, please email Brian at brian@owenschimneysystems.com.

 

Would it surprise you to know that our comprehensive chimney services include dryer vent cleaning?