Does Every Chimney Need To Have a Chimney Cap?

As a homeowner, you’re probably not very concerned about your chimney on a daily basis. However, the health of your chimney has a lot of bearing on the overall comfort and safety of your home. And at the very top of your chimney sits an imperative piece of the puzzle: the chimney cap. But, does every chimney need a cap, and what purpose does it serve? This blog will discuss what a chimney cap is, why it is important, and what you need to do to keep it functioning at its best for optimum fi.

What is a chimney cap, and what’s its importance?

Just as the name suggests, the chimney cap is a metal cap that sits at the very top of your chimney. This is an integral part of a chimney’s anatomy and plays an integral part in keeping your fireplace functional and safe. Unfortunately, not all chimneys have a cap. Either they never had one, to begin with, it flew off or was damaged over time. You’re playing a dangerous game if you leave your chimney cap off as they play a vital role in maintaining your house. A chimney cap offers protection from a wide range of issues from both the inside and outside of your home.

One of the main pros is that they help keep out excessive moisture. Without this barrier, water can come directly own your chimney and into your home. Rainwater in your home invites mold and mildew growth which is a hazard to your health. Also, excessive water in your chimney causes the liners and mortar joints to deteriorate. The chimney cap deflects excess moisture from traveling through your chimney so the chimney interior can stay dry.

Another great thing your chimney cap can do is keeping out pests and other animals. Especially during our harsh winters in New Jersey, animals such as birds and squirrels will look for any place to stay warm. With animals come nests and other obstructions. Often they get in and can’t get back out, leaving behind odors when they perish. A chimney cap is an easy way to keep them out year-round.

Chimney caps increase fireplace safety by blocking downdrafts and preventing sparks and embers from traveling to your rooftop. A downdraft is dangerous because they send harmful fumes back into the home. The chimney cap helps prevent embers from traveling outside of the chimney. If embers can escape, they’re likely to land on something flammable like your roof or a neighbor’s property. Not only is a chimney without a cap a hazard to you, but it can also endanger your neighbors’ homes as well.

Get Professional Chimney Cap Placement

Don’t leave your home’s safety and integrity up to chance. A chimney cap is a relatively small investment and time commitment that provides fantastic benefits to a homeowner. Call our expert chimney and fireplace team at 609-802-5288 to schedule an inspection. We will work diligently to ensure that your chimney and fireplace are ready for winter in the safest way possible.