Chimney caps are inexpensive and easy to install. Yet, they are so important! They reduce long-term costs and improve the safety of your entire chimney system. For this reason, they are a crucial element in your chimney system that is certainly not something you should neglect. In fact, the most difficult aspect of deciding whether or not to buy a new chimney cap is just deciding which one to purchase! 

 

When you shop online, you will quickly see that you can choose from a wide variety of chimney caps made from several different materials. Which is the right one? Are you supposed to simply choose the one you like the best? Not quite. The chimney cap you choose will be determined by your unique chimney configuration as well as the amount of money you want to spend to make your chimney safer. There is a little wiggle room for aesthetics as some chimney caps will make your external chimney features more attractive than others.

 

As you're ready to start shopping, here are a few key features to keep in mind. This should help you choose the right new chimney cap:

 

#1 Choose your material. As you shop online, you will come across chimney caps that are manufactured from painted steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and copper. Stainless steel chimney caps are typically considered the best. Steel and aluminum chimney caps are inexpensive, but they are also more likely to rust and corrode. Remember, these caps are subjected to weather extremes and the harsh compounds that are carried in smoke and other combustion gases! This is why we recommend you buy a stainless steel chimney cap that will resist corrosion and give you many years of service. It's just a small step up in price. You can also buy a copper chimney cap, which some people feel looks more elegant and is able to resist corrosion similar to a stainless steel option.

 

#2 Find the right design. You also need to determine which chimney cap design is right for your house. This will be determined by factors including the number of flues that share your chimney, the type of chimney liner you have, as well as the shape of the flue where it protrudes above the chimney.

 

#3 Decide what you're trying to keep out. Different shapes are available for different tasks. For example, the 304 Square Rain Cap is specifically made in a shape to keep pests out of your chimney while 304 Round Rain Cap is designed for rain to run right off and away from your chimney's opening.

 

Putting a chimney cap on top of your chimney prohibits deterioration on the inside from the elements, such as snow and driving rain. You don't want to miss on the benefits a new chimney cap brings, so use this advice and order yours today!