Invest in a long-term option: Stainless Steel or Copper A chimney cap should last for a lifetime. That is why we recommend that homeowners choose a stainless steel or copper chimney cap. Stainless steel chimney caps are the best for cost and performance.
A stainless steel chimney cover(opens in a new tab) is the ideal repair for this. A stainless steel chimney cover will never rust and it will ensure your brick chimney is free of moisture.
As one of the biggest causes of a draughty home, it can make sense to block a chimney opening, especially for larger unused fireplaces. Fixing a draughty chimney not only makes your home more comfortable, it helps to lower energy costs too.
This rule means that your chimney's shortest side needs to be at least 3 feet above the roof penetration, and its top has to be 2 feet higher than any part of the building that's within 10 feet.
Therefore, the best option would be stainless steel due to its durability, but its costs are a little higher. On the other hand, copper is the most durable and the best option if you prefer aesthetic value. One of the easiest ways to install a chimney cap is using a Chimney C Cap, which regulates heat loss.
Yes, chimneys need to breathe, even if they won't be used anymore. The vast majority of problems with chimneys are related to moisture, and that's the issue as regards ventilation. If there is no air flow in the chimney, moisture gets trapped and deterioration of the chimney structure will be accelerated.
Chimney cap mesh sometimes has very small openings that are easily clogged with creosote. Anytime firewood is burned, some creosote is deposited in the flue lining; and it can also become attached to the mesh of the chimney cap. The oxygen needed for the fire can be cut off as a result of an obstructed chimney cap.
The flow area of the largest common vent or chimney shall not exceed seven times the area of the smallest draft hood outlet. Typically: many water heaters use a 3" flue, the largest area to connect the water heater should be 49" in area or an 8" x 8" chimney tile or 7" round chimney.
A chimney must extend at least 3 feet above a flat roof and at least 2 feet above a roof ridge or any raised part of a roof within 10 feet. Sometimes getting enough vertical clearance to prevent eddy currents from affecting chimney draft is impossible.
How often does a chimney need to be cleaned? The National Fire Protection Agency recommends a yearly inspection and cleaning and repairs done as necessary. The general rule of thumb would be after burning approximately 1 cord of wood or every 2-3 years if you do not burn that much wood.
Chimney Balloons can deflate over time and can be prone to puncturing. Re-inflating them every three months can become tiresome and even messy. Unless you don't mind getting in your hands and knees to re-inflate or re-install your balloon every 12 weeks, we recommend that you get a Chimney Draught Stopper.
The cheapest and most basic solution – an old pillow.
CHIMNEY CAPS. The basic job of a chimney cap is to cover the chimney's opening in an effort to keep water, birds and other wildlife, leaves, twigs and other debris from getting into your chimney and/or house.
Chimney cap
The other option is getting your chimney fitted with a 'cap', normally made from terracotta. This provides better insulation and protection, from moisture and birds as well as draughts.
In general, your roofer should cut a hole for these features and then tape the edges of the tarp to it. It is very important to use quality tape to keep these areas watertight. Some tapes may not adhere well to chimney masonry; so, your roofer may need to tape the tarp to the chimney flashing.
3-2-10 Rule Explained
Explained, the chimney pipe must be a minimum of three feet above the roof but also two feet taller than anything within ten feet.
304L Inner / 430 Outer Class A Pipe
This is the most common grade of chimney pipe throughout the industry. However, the Rock-Vent 304L inner Class A chimney pipe offers a true lifetime warranty. This grade of stainless steel is best used for wood burning stoves and fireplaces.
This is a pretty basic rule for chimney construction. A chimney must project at least 3 feet above the roof on its shortest side and also be at least 2 feet above any roof structure that is within a 10 foot radius of the chimney. That's it.
"Flue fires are perennial". They happen every winter when creosote deposits on the smoke chamber and flue walls are set ablaze by high heat or by flames licking up the chimney. A chimney fire can be exciting and light up the night, but it is NEVER a laughing matter.
Use no more than two right-angle bends in the stovepipe installation. Additional bends cause soot and creosote to collect in the stovepipe or chimney, block flue gas flow, and increase the danger of fire.
That is the question –– but it's an easy answer. If you opt for a no-fireplace or “fake” fireplace, you don't need a chimney (as long as there is a good venting system built into the house). But for woodburning and gas fireplaces — and that classic and cozy home look — gowith a chimney.
A blocked chimney will actually allow more water into the home than it did before it was closed off. This will lead to odor, mold and water damage issues.
Chimney caps are most commonly installed by two kinds of professionals: chimney sweeps and roofers. Both groups are familiar with the safety procedures involved with working on roofs, and they're typically well-versed in chimney cap sizes and styles to help you find what you need.
The average chimney cap costs $300, but often ranges between $75 and $500, depending on size, shape, and materials. The average chimney cap replacement cost is $300, though it can range between $15 and $1,000.