We Offer Custom-Made Chimney Caps in Charlotte, NC
Owens Chimney Systems offers and installs a wide variety of styles and sizes of copper and stainless steel protective chimney covers, also referred to as rain caps or chimney caps. In fact, we manufacture our very own custom chimney caps, so we can ensure your home’s unique needs are always met.
If “chimney cap installation near me” has been making a frequent appearance in your search engine history, look no further. We’re the team to hire for chimney caps in Charlotte and beyond.
All of our caps have a lifetime warranty against corrosion and workmanship defects. You will notice that there are several different styles of chimney caps and the one you choose might be determined by the type of flue you have in your fireplace – square, round or rectangle.
If you need assistance in choosing the right cap for your chimney (or picking out any other chimney supplies) one for your chimney, please contact us. We are more than happy to help you. Once you choose the chimney cap you like, let us know, and we can get the order placed ASAP. (Prices do not include installation.)
If you are a wholesale supplier or contractor looking to order a custom cap, please reach out through this form.
What Is a Chimney Cap?
Contrary to popular belief, when you hear someone refer to a chimney cap, they are not talking about the dashing top hat associated with most chimney sweep logos. If you own a home with a chimney, chances are it has a chimney cap – and if your chimney happens to not have a cap, then you will want to remedy that quickly.
A chimney cap is a protective cover that sits on top of your chimney to prevent debris, rain, and animals from entering your home.
Chimney caps can be made out of different materials, and they come in different sizes, styles, and colors. Most chimney caps are made out of metal and are typically designed to have a sloping roof, which helps to divert water away from the chimney. Caps should also have a mesh or metal type of screen that helps to keep unwanted debris, like leaves or animals, from entering your chimney system or home.
In addition to all that, chimney caps can help reduce some wind-induced downdrafts. Having one of these in place will help reduce the entry of rain and will slow down the deterioration of the internal chimney components.
During your annual chimney inspection and cleaning, we will be checking the crown of the chimney to make sure the cap is in good working order. If we note a problem, we will provide detailed digital pictures.
Replacing or repairing chimney caps is a must when they leak because moisture is one of your fireplace’s biggest enemies. Caps come in stainless and copper. You can also order in a satin black or dark brown, and then get them powder-coated to the color of your choice.
Why Is a Chimney Cap Important?
A chimney cap not only prevents animals and debris from entering your chimney, but it also prevents rain, winds, and other elements from entering your home. When water enters your chimney, it can cause damage to your chimney liner, masonry walls, and even your home’s interior. It can also cause mold and mildew to form, which can be harmful to your health.
In addition to all that, a chimney cap also helps prevent downdrafts. Downdrafts occur when wind blows down your chimney, bringing cold air with it. This can cause your home to feel drafty, smelly, and uncomfortable, as well as increase your monthly heating bill.
Long story short – chimney caps are essential for any home with a chimney in place. Missing yours? Call or schedule online with us now.
What Types of Chimney Caps Are Available?
Our single flue chimney caps are available in stainless or copper. In addition, we offer:
- Stock Top-Mount Chimney Caps: These are also known as Multi-Flue Chimney Caps and are available in stainless or copper, 3 lid styles and 2 lid sizes. Both the stainless and copper top-mount chimney caps offer exceptional features, and the adjustable mounting flanges greatly enhance the ability to level the chimney cap – while the removable lids allow for easy maintenance.
- Custom Outside-Mount Chimney Caps: Our custom caps provide maximum protection for your chimney from rain, wind, and other elements that could let water inside your chimney. There are multiple-lid choices available to complement your home and design style. Custom Outside-Mount Chimney Caps also give you the capacity to hide ugly brickwork or poorly constructed crowns.
- Custom Pot Toppers: These chimney toppers are available in stainless steel or copper. Features include a 3″ lid overhang and 7″ screen height and offer an attractive way to protect chimneys with chimney pots from rain and debris. They come with an octagon or a cone lid. They are handmade and can vary in size.
What Size Chimney Cap Does My Chimney Need?
When it comes to choosing the right size chimney cap, it can be confusing to know where to start. Fortunately for residents of the Charlotte area, our Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified professionals are trained to determine the right size cap to meet your needs, as well as take care of all your chimney and fireplace repairs and maintenance.
The best course of action when selecting a new chimney cap is to call us for an inspection, so we can ensure the best fit and style for your setup. Here are some factors that need to be considered when selecting the right chimney cap for your home:
- Chimney Size: The size of your chimney is the most important factor to consider when selecting a chimney cap. You’ll need to measure the length and width of your chimney to ensure that you select a cap that fits properly and covers the entire opening at the top.
- Type of Chimney: The type of chimney you have will also play a role in selecting the right size chimney cap. If you have a masonry chimney, you’ll need to select a cap that is suitable to the shape and size of your chimney flue and number of flues your chimney has. If you have a single-wall metal chimney or a double-wall insulated metal chimney, then you want to choose a cap designed specifically to work with these types of appliances.
- Flue Shape: The shape of your chimney’s flue will also impact the size of the chimney cap you need. Flues can be round, square, or rectangular, and you’ll need to select a cap that fits the shape of your flue.
How do I measure my chimney for a chimney cap?
Measuring for a chimney cap is relatively simple when you leave it to the experts at Owens Chimney Systems. The measurements taken depend on whether your chimney has one flue or multiple, and if you’re planning on doing an inside-mount cap or an outside-mount cap. Determining the right size chimney cap is also based on the length and width of your chimney, as well as the height and diameter of your flue(s).
Once our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps have these measurements, we can help you select a chimney cap that fits your chimney’s dimensions, so you can get the protection you need.
Can I Install a Chimney Cap Myself?
While it is technically possible to install a chimney cap yourself, we recommend letting a professional chimney technician tackle the job. Chimney caps need to be installed correctly to ensure that they function properly, and our professionals will have the necessary tools and experience to get the job done right.
An incorrectly installed chimney cap will only lead to more issues and lots of damage – all of which can be costly to correct and fix.
How Long Do Chimney Caps Last?
The lifespan of a chimney cap will depend on the material it’s made from and the conditions it’s exposed to. Stainless steel and copper chimney caps can last up to 50 years or more, while galvanized steel chimney caps may only last 5-10 years.
Regular maintenance and cleaning can help prolong the life of your chimney cap. It is important to understand that the lifespan of your chimney cap can also be cut short by extreme weather, chimney fires, animal tampering, or other unpredictable factors.
Do Chimney Caps Need To Be Replaced?
Over time, chimney caps can become damaged and worn out, which can lead to serious problems if not addressed promptly. Since your chimney cap sits at the very top of your chimney, it is susceptible to harsh elements, like severe weather and prolonged exposure to the sun, both of which can trigger deterioration.
So, to answer your question… Yes, chimney caps need to be replaced when they sustain damage that impacts their effectiveness. The good news is that chimney caps are affordable and installation is typically quick.
Having your chimney inspected annually by Owens Chimney Systems’ chimney technicians will help you stay ahead of the game so you can address any potential issues early on. In between annual inspections, you can keep an eye out for the following signs that could indicate your chimney cap needs to be replaced:
- Rust: If you notice rust on your chimney cap, it’s a clear sign that it’s time for a replacement. Rust can cause holes to form in the cap, which would then allow water to seep into your chimney and cause damage.
- Cracks: Cracks in your chimney cap can also be a sign that it needs to be replaced. These cracks can allow rainwater to seep in and cause damage to your chimney.
- Debris: Spotting debris, such as twigs or leaves, inside of your chimney flue? It could be a sign that your chimney cap isn’t working properly – or is missing altogether. A functioning chimney cap should prevent debris from entering your chimney.
- Animals: If you hear animals, such as birds or squirrels, in your chimney, it’s possible that your chimney cap has been damaged or is missing. A well-working one keep would keep these critters out.
We always recommend that our customers replace their chimney caps at the first signs of damage or issues. In our experience, waiting to replace a chimney cap that is already damaged leaves your chimney and home susceptible to further issues – and any repairs needed will be more costly in the long run. Call or schedule online now to stay ahead of it.
Can I Use a Mesh Screen Instead of a Cap on My Chimney?
We recommend that you choose an actual chimney cap for your chimney system. It may seem like a mesh screen can achieve the same results…however, a screen will not be able to keep moisture out of your chimney system, which will lead to damage further down the road.
Need Help? We’re Here for You
A chimney cap is an essential component of your home’s chimney system. It helps protect your home from fire hazards, water damage, and poor ventilation. Having a chimney cap installed is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to improve your home’s health and energy efficiency.
Knowing when to replace your chimney cap is important for maintaining the efficiency and functionality of your chimney. By keeping an eye out for signs of damage, having regular chimney and fireplace inspections completed, and being aware of precarious weather conditions, you can ensure that your chimney cap stays in good working order for the long haul.
If you have any concerns about your chimney cap, call the friendly and professional team here at Owens Chimney Systems to schedule an inspection today. Don’t wait until it’s too late, call or book with us online now – our professionals can take care of all your chimney and fireplace needs.
A new chase cover can protect your chimney from the intrusion of debris, rain or snow, and live critters. Find out more about all our chimney caps and supplies now.