The rising particles adhere to the sides of the flue and can clog the mesh in a chimney cap. Therefore, you can usually measure for them the way you would measure for a standard cap. The following chart provides information about how to measure the most common chimneys for a standard chimney cap. Each type of double-wall solid-pack insulated pipe requires its own specific kind of chimney cap. 4" Anti-Downdraft Liner Cap, 5" Anti-Downdraft Liner Cap, 6" Anti-Downdraft Liner Cap, 6" Anti-Downdraft Liner Cap w/rainseal, 7" Anti-Downdraft Liner Cap w/rainseal, 8" Anti-Downdraft Liner Cap, 8" Anti-Downdraft Liner Cap w/rainseal, Your email address will not be published. chimney cap Traditional & Square Electric Fireplaces/Inserts, Electric Fireplace Media and Replacement Parts, Be the first to review Vacu Stack Anti-Downdraft Chimney Cap (ICPVSS ). Get started on your next chimney cleaning or other chimney related. When you have draft problems that can't be solved by any other means, an electric draft-increasing cap might be your best option. Just make sure that the model you select is at least five inches taller than your tallest flue. Standard chimney caps, with their economical weather and animal protection, are by far the most common. Both models provide excellent weather and animal protection, and one variety doesn't provide better updraft than the other. If you've got an active chimney, you should have a chimney cap. If you have an older masonry chimney that is lacking a damper, youll likely begin to notice air escaping when dont have a fire burning in the fireplace. When it comes to capping, it's important to make sure you select a cap designed to work with a single-wall metal pipe. The openings in the chimney cap screens are sometimes very small, and they can become clogged with creosote. If you're interested in maintaining a copper cap's original color, you'll have to clean it regularly and continuously reapply protectant. Of course, a cap's appearance doesn't matter nearly as much as its performance, but it's something to keep in mind if you're interested in giving your home a certain look. Installing a chimney cap can block some of the wind and help your chimney's draft remain constant. It is not uncommon for this type of cap to come with an extended or lifetime warranty. Exposed edges are hemmed for ease of installation. They keep out debris, animals, the elements all where they belongoutside. Outside-Mount Chimney Caps (Stock Models). You can open and close it by using a lever on the fireplace wall, so youll know for sure when the chimney is being exposed to a draft. Also, most draft-increasing chimney caps are designed to fit factory-built metal chimneys. drip A Note About Cap and Damper Combos: These caps are only available for square and rectangular chimneys. The truth is, yes, you do. Ten Most Common Reasons a Fire Wont Start in a Fireplace Pt 2, Ten Most Common Reasons a Fire Wont Start in a Fireplace Pt 1. The dampers in these combo models function just like any other top-sealing model; the damper sits on top of your flue and is controlled via a cable that runs through the chimney and connects to a lever mounted to your fireplace wall. I recommend contacting a chimney sweep in your area. chimney rain cap cowl terracotta stove pot woodburner logburner multifuel flue diy This kind of chimney features a single flue that is completely flush with its crown. Homeowners know that moisture is always a bad sign, especially in cold, damp places like the inside of your chimney. This can cause water to get inside the attic or house as it runs down the brickwork. If, however, you're more concerned with maximizing protection than minimizing costs, you can get a cap that covers everything up to the edge of your chimney. Chimney caps are not, however, only important because of what they keep in but also what they keep out. If you want a chimney cap with a crisp, clean look, stainless steel is probably the way to go. But, if after scaling the homeowner's equivalent of Mt. The chimney cap is a potential problem area, no matter how frequently youve used your fireplace. Regardless of which type you want, you'll need to measure the length and width of your chimney's opening. Masonry chimneys with more than one flue are called multi-flue chimneys. As the smoke is exiting the flue connected to your fireplace on the upper level of your home, the flue from the one on the lower floor is automatically pulling it back in.Adding a flue stretcher to the flue from the upstairs fireplace can eliminate this problem because it creates more space between the two flues and makes it more likely that the smoke from the upstairs fireplace will be able to escape the draw of the downstairs flue. When mesh netting is installed with the cap, animals are prevented from entering the chimney. Even if you don't live in a particularly windy area, wind can still affect your chimney's draft. cowls fluesupplies flue During heavy winter storms, ice and snow can build up around the mesh and prevent air circulation from flowing adequately. * Accessories, If your masonry chimney has a flexible metal liner, youll need to get a cap thats slip-on. National Fire Prevention Week 2013: Prevent Kitchen Fires, Why Your Chimney Leaks: Common Causes of Chimney Problems, Labor Day Signals Its Time for Your Annual Chimney Inspection, Why and How to Minimize Creosote Buildup in your Chimney, The Origin of Smart Heating Systems: Pellet Stoves, Dont Blow Smoke: Milestones in the Evolution of the Chimney, Zero-Clearance Fireplaces and Why They are Good Options, 3 Mistakes Homeowners Make regarding Fireplace Safety, Preventative Maintenance Cuts Chimney Repair Costs, Top 3 Reasons to Budget for a Chimney Inspection, 7 Benefits of Having a Fireplace in Your Home, A Common Cause of a Chimney Leak: Flashing, Famous Fireplaces and Fireplaces of the Famed, Professional Tools Used by Chimney Sweeps, Your Choice of Firewood Can Save Entire Ecosystems, Tuckpointing: Repairing Damaged Mortar Joints, Why Annual Inspections are Needed for Gas Fireplaces, 6 Signs That Your Chimney Needs to Be Repaired, Tips for Preventing Deadly Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. 2011- 2015 Northeastern Chimney, Inc. All rights reserved - All content is protected by the Federal Copyright Act, and legally cannot be reproduced elsewhere without permission - Unauthorized Use is Tracked Automatically and will be prosecuted. Air flow: chimney caps ensure that you have strong, reliable draft so you can enjoy your fire, not the smoke. Galvanized chimney caps are among the least expensive available. Its dangerous to deal with a wild animal, since they can carry various diseases, including the deadly rabies virus. When trees, other parts of your home, or nearby buildings are taller than your chimney, your chimney may fail to develop an ambient updraft and smoke can be forced back down your chimney. Stainless steel caps are a mid-range option with improved quality and durability. When not at work, he spends time with his wife, Lindsey, and his sons, Samuel and Eli, on their ranch enjoying their many animals. Is Chimney Sweeping a Profession for Women? Caps with 5/8" mesh generally don't cost that much more than comparably-sized 3/4" models, and the additional protection they offer is well worth the extra money. There are some situations, however, where you might need a few extras. Masonry chimneys with a single flue might require a square, rectangular, round, or oval cap depending on the flues shape. Aluminum is also fairly resistant to soot build-up, allowing it to maintain its attractive shine with less frequent cleaning. Outside-mount chimney caps fit over the crown and attach to the body of the chimney. A chimney cap prevents water from entering the chimney. The flues for your upstairs and downstairs fireplaces are adjacent to one another and smoke comes out of the fireplace on the lower floor when you have a fire in the one upstairs.This is caused by the negative pressures inside your house. Annual inspections are important, even for people who dont use their fireplaces frequently during the winter. Galvanized steel isnt as durable as the other material choices, but theyre the most cost effective. Generally speaking, they don't differ much in terms of performance. Vacu-Stacks are tested by an independent testing laboratory. If your cap requires screws, they're typically included with your purchase. How to Hire a Chimney Sweep Dont Get Burned, Buyer Beware of Phone Chimney Sweep Offers. If you're not sure what the codes are in your area, the easiest way to find out is by contacting your town's municipal department. So if you dont have a cap for your chimney, definitely make it a priority to purchase one. Here's what you need to do for each type: Draft-increasing chimney caps differ from standard models in the way their tops are constructed rather than the way they attach to your chimney. Generally, chimney caps don't require many accessories. Most sizes are in stock and area ready to ship. Brick and stone chimneys are called masonry chimneys. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()). The trouble is that different types of flues and chimney caps require different measurements, and if you're not really familiar with them, it can be difficult to figure out which ones you need. If you have draft issues related to air inversion or the chimney top pressurization that can occur when your chimney is surrounded by tall objects, you'll have to seek out other solutions. If youre not sure if your fireplace is safe to use, its probably time for an inspection. For an oil burning appliance you should use stainless steel. Most oil contains some sulfur which creates acid and deteriorates aluminum and galvanized steel chimney caps quickly. wind loading chimney multi downdrafts volko downdraft solutions Strong gusts can cause the draw of your fireplace or stove to fluctuate rather than remain at a continuous, steady rate. Aluminum chimney caps are also relatively inexpensive, with prices falling into a range very similar to that of galvanized steel models. This is partially due to them weighing less and softer in nature, making it much easier for wind and extreme weather to disturb their mountings. Such nests are dangerous because any kind of chimney obstruction can cause a smoke build-up inside your home, and the waste from these animals can harbor disease. Some homeowners also find the appearance of galvanized steel chimney caps to be somewhat lacking. Friendly Fires is one of Canadas largest fireplace & barbecue retailers. Moisture can enter the flue anytime it rains, without a chimney cap. Flexible liners are softer, so a standard cap wont fit over the opening. It is best to choose a chimney cap with the mesh siding to prevent critter from entering your chimney. If, for example, your roof has wooden shingles or you have trees or wood structures near your home, it might be a good idea to invest in a chimney cap with smaller mesh. For this style, youd need a chimney cap designed to fit a double-wall pipe. There are four basic types: You can secure a chimney cap with an adhesive, sealant, or screws. These products act as both a chimney cap and a draft inducer and feature adjustable electric fans that allow you to directly control your draft. Tips on Child-Proofing and Pet-Proofing Your Fireplace, Tips on What to Do With Your Fireplace in Summer, Get to Know the Anatomy of Your Fireplace, Consider The Benefits of a Fireplace Insert, Chimney Anatomy 101 intro to Chimney Inspections, Im Meeeeelting The Wicked Witch and Your Chimney, What is that Chirping Coming From My Chimney, Get Your Chimney Checked Before Its Too Late, What is that Smell Coming from My Fireplace, Fire Prevention Week October 9-15, 2011. If you dont use your fireplace a whole lot, youll still need a cap because of its many advantages. * Service & replacement parts. You can use either a standard flue cap with brackets or a model designed for multiple flues. Stainless steel chimney caps are generally regarded as the best balance of performance and cost. Measuring for specialty chimney caps isn't any more difficult than measuring for standard models. Why Should You Trust Your Chimney to a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep? The most common materials that chimney caps are made from are: galvanized steel, copper, or stainless steel. Caps with 5/8" mesh have become the industry standard for areas that require 1/2" spark arrestors. In terms of maintenance, copper can also be fairly demanding. Creosote is buildup caused by wood smoke and is not only deposited on the flue lining, it can also clog the mesh. Flue stretcher chimney caps allow you to raise the height of your masonry chimney's flue by one or two feet while protecting your home from the elements and animal invaders. Plus, because copper is heavier and generally stronger than stainless steel, copper caps are often considered to be the sturdiest option when it comes to flue coverings. Read on to learn about the most common chimney constructions. Because of their design, metal liners can only be covered with slip-in chimney caps. They are naturally shiny, and because they don't tarnish, they remain that way over time. If you've got an oval or round flue you'll have to buy your damper and cap separately. Similarly, a triple-wall metal chimney pipe requires one specifically built for that style. Is Your Dryer Vent an Accident Waiting to Happen? Soot is a black fine powder created during combustion. The small 1/4" mesh is not recommended for a screen on a wood burning appliance chimney. The smallest that the mesh can be is 5/8" with most screens having a 3/4" mesh. What May be Hidden or Stuck in Your Chimney? The answer has to do with fire safety and building codes. This will give you the minimum area that your chimney cap needs to cover. And, of course, living above a functional fireplace isn't safe for the animals involved either. Copper chimney caps are much more expensive than ones made with other materials. The animals often get stuck; and they sometimes die, which creates an awful odor. Most chimney caps don't require any sort of additional treatments to keep them in good shape. chimney For many people, the process of selecting a chimney cap starts with this question: do I really need a chimney cap? Please note that these caps are not returnable. Because they're built with an emphasis on cost-efficiency, they're quite limited in terms of style. The increase in air velocity decreases the static pressure above the chimney and causes a partial vacuum, forcing the smoke inside the chimney upwards. Once a galvanized chimney cap's zinc coating becomes compromised, it's only a matter of time before it rusts and will need to be replaced. If the style is a priority, your best choice is going to be a copper chimney cap. What those numbers are referring to is the size of the holes in a cap's screen. Their bright and shiny finish tends to make them appear a bit more sophisticated, even though their designs don't have much more variation than those of galvanized models. The optional mesh screen will limit the chance of birds, animals, leaves, and other unwanted debris from plugging up your chimney. Youve come to the right place. Triple-Wall Solid-Pack Insulated Metal Chimneys. Most models are backed up by a lifetime warranty. Downdrafts can be caused by a variety of different things, but if your chimney is below your roofline and there are structures blocking the flow of air to your flue, your problems may be caused by insufficient flue height. Your chimney cap's installation manual will tell you what kind of sealant or adhesive you should look for. Read on to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of each type of cap. If paper is burned in the fireplace, which isnt recommended, ash could accumulate and get trapped in the netting, causing blockage. Ideally, you would use a cap manufactured by the same company as your chimney. Below is information about the five basic kinds: All chimney caps improve draft, but if you live in an area with extreme winds, a standard model may not be enough to prevent downdraft problems. There are, however, some problems which can occur because of a chimney topper, particularly involving wire mesh. Aluminum is generally more prone to bending than galvanized steel. As you may have noticed, chimney caps are described as having either 3/4" or 5/8" mesh. These chimneys come from kits that a homeowner can assemble for products like wood-burning stoves. Because they are so specialized, they require chimney caps specifically designed for use with a double-wall air-insulated pipe. Child Chimney Sweeps: A True and Shocking Tale, Its That Time for All Fireplace Owners to Ensure that Chimneys are Clean, National Fire Prevention Week 2012 is October 7-13, Chimney Liner: A Home Improvement to Smile About, Pellet Stoves 101 Part 3 of 3 (Environmental Advantages), Pellet Stoves 101 Part 2 (Installation and Operation), Pellet Stoves 101 Part 1 (About the Pellets), Real Fires Give Lessons in Fireplace Safety. By elevating your flue you can solve some of the most common smoky fireplace problems. Call us now toll free: Most of these are available in convenient spray containers and will protect your chimney cap from fungus and oil as well as water. What are NCSG and CSIA Certification Requirements, and Why Should Homeowners Care? Once you understand what your options are and how to determine your needs, you'll find that the selection process is actually fairly simple. This type of chimney also has an inner and outer wall but uses insulation to separate the two. The style of chimney you have matters when it comes to picking out a cap. In those situations, you may need a special draft-increasing cap to ensure that your fireplace vents properly. Even if local laws don't mandate the use of a 1/2" spark arrestor, though, there are a few other situations where you might want to consider investing in one. Draft-increasing chimney caps rely on Bernoulli's principle to create stronger updrafts. They possess better corrosion resistance than caps made of galvanized steel but are significantly less sturdy. Everest you discover that you're one of the flueless minorities, there's no reason to be concerned. And it doesn't even matter which direction the wind is blowing. They have corrosion-resistance properties similar to steel and are just as unlikely to rust. How do you know if a flue stretcher would help you? This can cause downdrafts, a serious problem where the smoke from your fire is blown back down your chimney. Too much water exposure can seep into the seams of the masonry, and before you know it, your chimney is crumbling apart. These are typically designed to fit a range of dimensions and are a much more economical option if you're interested in this type of chimney cap. Friendly Fires is one of Canadas largest fireplace, and barbecue retailers. He is a Master Hearth Professional, which means he is certified in all three hearth appliance fields wood, gas and pellet. But if you have a copper or aluminum cap and you'd prefer that it remain shiny, you'll need to apply a protectant. Single-wall metal chimneys will take chimney caps that attach to inside the flue liner or ones that fasten to the exterior. Find out more about our repair process here. Downdrafts might be more of problem for you if you happen to live in a particularly windy area. Most masonry chimneys have some kind of flue. Prevent damage, protect the masonry: a chimney cap keeps out moisture from rainwater and snow. Your email address will not be published. After that, you simply have to find one designed to fit those dimensions. The one that's right for you will depend on your priorities, preferences, and budget. You'll find models that leave the insulation exposed as well as ones that cover it with a metal cap. The kind of chimney caps they can use is dictated primarily by their shape. As a result, the harder the wind blows on this type of cap, the better your updraft will be. Multi-flue chimneys are exactly what their name implies; they are chimneys that feature more than one flue. This means that the mesh used on the chimney caps has to be small enough to prevent a half-inch sphere from passing through them. Copper chimney caps are also extremely durable. Just measure the length and width of your entire chimney in order to determine the largest chimney cap you can use. Chimney caps are a small, but important, accessory for your chimney. They're among the most prevalent and come in square, rectangular, round, and oval varieties. If you have a metal chimney, exposure to moisture can create even more serious problems. A professional cleaning by one of our licensed, certified chimney sweeps will take care of all issues connected with a clogged chimney cap. Metal liners are often used when an existing masonry chimney is unsafe or damaged. When a downdraft occurs, exhaust from the fireplace that should be vented outside the home backs up into the living space making your indoor environment not only uncomfortable but dangerous. All fasteners and hardware are also made of stainless steel for complete corrosion protection. for 6'' x 25' Lifetime Chimney Smooth-Wall Liner Kit with Stove Adapter, for 6'' x 25' Lifetime Chimney Smooth-Wall Liner Kit with Tee, for 8'' x 25' Lifetime Chimney Smooth-Wall Liner Kit with Stove Adapter, for 6'' x 35' Lifetime Chimney Smooth-Wall Liner Kit with Tee, for 6'' TDW Vacu-Stack for Air Cooled Chimney, for Enervex Chimney Fan - RSHT 16 - Solid Fuel Appliance Only, for Vacu-Stack 6" TDW Air Cooled with 1/2" Screen, for Enervex Chimney Fan - RSHT 14 - Solid Fuel Appliance Only, for Vacu-Stack 8" TDW Air Cooled with 1/2" Screen, for 8'' TDW Vacu-Stack for Air Cooled Chimney, for 13'' Type ''C'' Chimney Top Draft Inducer, for Vacu-Stack 6" with 1/2" x 1/2" Screen, for Enervex Chimney Fan - RS 009-Gas Appliance Only, for 6'' x 35' Lifetime Chimney Smooth-Wall Liner Kit with Stove Adapter, for Vacu-Stack 6" TDW Air Cooled with 1" x 1" Screen, for Tjernlund Auto-Draft Rooftop Chimney Fan.