How Chimney Chase Covers Protect

If you have a manufactured fireplace, you likely have a “chase” rather than a traditional chimney to vent the appliance. And if you have a chase, you probably have a chimney chase cover.

These components not only look fantastic atop the chase, they also protect many parts of your fireplace venting system and home. Ye Olde Brit Chimney Sweep of San Bernardino, CA, would like to share four of the primary reasons a quality chimney chase top is an invaluable part of a fireplace and chase system.

1. Keeps Out Rain

Whether they’re made of stainless steel, galvanized steel, aluminum or copper, chase covers serve to block rain and keep it out of the flue. If water is allowed past the chase cover, it can end up damaging the flue liner, materials of the chase, parts of the fireplace and adjacent materials of your home.

2. Keeps Out Debris

Tree debris and the nesting materials of birds, squirrels and other small animals can cause a flue blockage. The result is smoke and deadly carbon monoxide backing up into your home. Debris can also cause some a smelly chimney. Chimney chase tops keep debris out.

3. Prevents Flying Sparks

Properly made chase covers contain a cap over the flue opening with a solid top and mesh sides. The mesh does a great job at blocking flying sparks and embers and keeping them off your roof and out of your yard.

4. Protects The Exterior Of The Chase

A good chase cover will include drip edges, which cause rainwater to spill away from the chase sides. This helps to protect the chase from deterioration.

Chimney Chase Top Materials

As mentioned, chase tops are made with several different materials.

Stainless steel: The best choice for long life and sturdiness. Stainless steel won’t rust.

Aluminum: Uncoated aluminum will rust. It’s economical to buy, but may cost you more in the long run.

Galvanized steel: If it has a proper zinc coating, galvanized steel will resist rust for a time. Uncoated, it will rust fairly quickly.

Copper: Copper is an excellent choice for a chimney chase top. A copper top will last for many years, and it will look fantastic at the top of your home. But it’s going to cost far more than chase covers made from other materials.

Problems With Chase Covers

Rust is the main issue with certain types of chase covers. If neglected, the rust can open a section of the material that allows rain, debris and small animals to enter the chase and start doing serious damage.

Poor installation practices also lead to problems with chase covers. Your cover should be installed by a professional with the correct tools and experience for the job.

Hail, lightning and certain other weather events can damage a chimney chase cover, particularly its mesh siding. It’s a good idea to take a close look at your entire chase system after a storm.

We Will Replace Your Damaged Chimney Chase Top

Ye Olde Brit has been helping our Southern California customers keep their chimneys and chases in great shape for more than 30 years. If your chase top is damaged, we can replace it with a beautiful, high-quality stainless-steel top. We can also repair any system damage the old cap has caused.

Give us a call and speak with a chimney expert. You can also contact us with our simple form.