Chimney Caps

Chimney Caps

Chimney caps, also called chimney covers, and or chimney cowls, are specifically made to protect and cover the chimney flue while preventing downdraft and creating proper ventilation for your stove or fireplace. These vent caps are made out of several different metals and models to satisfy a personal style, need and budget. A chimney cap keeps precipitation from entering the chimney flue and protects the inside of the chimney. Certain caps have screen or course mesh around the side of the cap to keep leaves, squirrels, bats, birds and other small animals out of the chimney and out of the house.

Stainless steel is the most popular material used in making chimney vents, however copper, aluminum, and galvanized steel are also often used. Chimney covers or caps should be made with corrosion resistant metals or corrosion resistant finishes to prevent rusting in weather and creating longer and more durable wear. There are a variety of chimneys that require different flues needing different bases for the caps to fit properly. A chimney with a rectangular tile flue needs a cap with a rectangular base or a tile cap adapter to fit over the outside of the square or rectangular chimney tile. A chimney with multiple flue openings can be covered by a chimney cap that is sized to fit over all of the flues called “crown mounted”, or individual caps can be bought for each flue. When installed on a double wall or B-Vent pipe will need an adapter that fits inside of the double wall pipe. It is very important to choose the correct chimney cap base to fit the chimney flue.

Choose the right vent based on your geographical location, type of stove or fireplace you are using and what will best fit the style of house you have. For example, a home in an area where there is saltwater-based humidity, a stainless steel chimney cap would be best. If a black chimney cap is desired then galvanized steel would work great. If you are going for an architectural look, then the copper would complement your house. FAMCO manufactures different styles and models of chimney caps.

Chimney Cap Models

• The Wind Directional Cap does both to provide maximum drafting. In usage, the rotating hood is kept in proper position (relative to the wind) by the wind vane. Air movement past the hood creates a partial vacuum in the flue, enhancing draft efficiency and helping to prevent downdrafts.
• The Cone Top Cap is a standard replacement rain cap. It is used as an all weather (seamless) cap to keep rain and snow from getting down your chimney pipe. This product is built for a single wall pipe and comes with a draw bolt for a secure fit and can also be ordered with a ¼ inch screen.
• The Universal Cap is an ideal replacement cap made to fit inside multi-wall chimney pipe. The cap has a one piece hood that is removable to make cleaning easier and an oversized storm collar welded in place to protect the chimney. The Universal Cap was designed to replace the more expensive caps supplied by the chimney manufacturers. It meets the manufacturer’s standards of quality and performance.
• The Vacuum Cap has been used for decades with gas, oil, coal and wood burning chimneys. This chimney cap increases updraft and prevents downdrafts caused from wind. The Vacuum Cap works by forcing the wind to alter its direction over one of three gores on the cap. This change of direction creates an area of lower density air (partial vacuum) at the outlet of the pipe. This lower density air creates draft within the exhaust pipe, helping to remove exhaust gases and increasing overall efficiency. The positioning of the cap relative to the prevailing winds is not critical but is slightly more effective when placed with its flat side facing the winds. This product is available in a round or square base for installing on a round pipe or square tile.