Which Chimney Cap is Right for You?

If you live in an area with cold, snowy winters, nothing sounds better than a warm evening around the fireplace. However, there are a lot or parts that contribute to the chimney completing its job safely and effectively, and the chimney cap is the final piece of that puzzle. Plainly put, the chimney cap serves as the exit point for smoke, allowing it to pass effortlessly into the sky, while keeping birds, squirrels, and other critters that would likely make a nest in your chimney out.

While most homeowners may not think about it, the material the chimney cap is made out of determines how often it may need to be replaced, and there are various other considerations to keep in mind, such as:

• Round base versus square base
• Wind directional cap versus cone top
• Adapters

Not every roof is created equally, and therefore, not every need for chimney caps is either, so before making a choice as to which one is right for you, let us take a look at what items need to be considered before making a choice on which one would work best.

Galvanized Steel vs Copper vs Stainless Steel

When it comes to chimney caps, part of the game is aesthetics. In this case, copper tends to age very well and turns a pleasant green color over time, whereas galvanized steel will need to be replaced more often, sometimes up once a year. And of course, stainless steel will not rust and would be a perfect option for someone in a temperate climate that experiences all four seasons.

This really depends on how long you plan on living in your home and your budget. If you plan on selling your house in the near future, it may be best to install fixtures that would get you the biggest return for your investment. But if you plan on sticking around for awhile and have a baby on the way or some other big life change, it may be wise to go with a galvanized steel chimney cap for the time being.

Do You Need Adapters for Your Chimney Cap?

Whether you are attaching a newer chimney cap to an older chimney or a different cap to an existing chimney on a newer home, it may be necessary to secure an adapter to keep the chimney cap in place. For example, if you have a square masonry chimney and need to transition to a round metal chimney cap, an adapter will be necessary to install it properly.

Chimney Caps to Fit Any Budget

FAMCO offers multiple kinds of chimney caps and adapters, from cone top chimney caps to wind directional chimney caps,  to fit any budget. Made from copper, stainless steel, and galvanized steel, we have the parts necessary to help keep your home healthy and well-ventilated. If you have any questions about chimney caps, adapters, or anything else, please give us a call or shoot us an email, we will be more than happy to help.