When Should You Replace Your Chimney Cap?
The little device that sits atop your chimney is known as a chimney cap. From the ground, this may not appear to be significant, but it is. This cap’s roof keeps snow, ice, and rainfall away from your chimney and fireplace. Meanwhile, the mesh screen on the sides allows smoke to escape while keeping tiny animals, leaves, and objects out. A good chimney cap will survive for years, but not indefinitely. Here are some indicators that you might consider replacing your chimney cap:
Your chimney and cap are rusted
You most likely do not need to arrange a chimney cap replacement at the first sign of rust. Rust, on the other hand, is a progressive issue. It will eventually eat through your metal cap and, if it is metal, the chimney. This causes cracks in your home heating system, allowing water to enter. If you identify the problem early enough, the cap may sometimes be cleaned and repainted to extend its life. Sometimes rust streaks are a warning sign that you need to replace the equipment totally.
The wind makes your chimney cap squeak
This is an indication that the cap is not properly fastened. Perhaps the one that was installed was the wrong size or style. Perhaps the nails or glue are coming free, or the cap is loose. When it’s windy, this screeching problem might cause restless nights. Your unsecured cap will eventually blow away, leaving your fireplace vulnerable.
Downdrafts are occurring
Do you detect a rush of frigid air coming from your fireplace? This puzzling situation is solved by basic physics. Cold air is heavier than warm air and hence sinks. Cold air blowing over your roof can sometimes enter your chimney, sink down, and send chills through the home. This might be due to a faulty chimney cap or a chimney cap of the incorrect design.
The Cap Appears Strange
Is the look of your chimney top uneven or sagging? Has a piece of the mesh torn away and protruded? These devices can deform as a result of summer heat, winter snow and ice, and corrosion, causing essential structural components to be removed. Minor issues may be repairable, but there comes a time when you simply need to replace it.
Water and debris are discovered in the firebox
Check that your chimney cap is still in place. No? See the list below. Even if your cap is still in place, the debris in your firebox is an indication of trouble. Your cap’s mesh screen may have corroded away, or something may be loose. This issue tends to intensify during inclement weather, which is precisely when you don’t want your fireplace to be extinguished. If you see this problem with no obvious explanation, contact your chimney service and schedule an inspection.
Your cap has vanished
Is it possible that a storm blew your cap off? This is possible during extreme weather. An older chimney cap that has rusted through, on the other hand, may be unstable enough to fall off during comparatively moderate weather. Even if you locate it on the ground, it’s likely been so badly damaged by the fall that it’s pointless to get it repaired. Your chimney service may inspect the device and determine whether it can be reattached.
All these reminders are best practiced when you are also assured of having a reliable company at your side. Contact Local Chimney Sweep Cleaning today for Chimney Cleaning Oroville and repairing.