A guy who’s ever worked on a chimney will tell you that you’re chimneys and fireplace installations aren’t safe until you’ve got chimney caps to protect it. A Chimney cap is a special product designed to protect and cover the chimney. You can choose from caps made from copper, aluminum and even steel. While industries have been installing chimney caps as a part of statuary requirements to contain fly ash, installing them at home is a recent phenomenon.

Among the several advantage of using chimney caps is the fact that they discourage animals like raccoons and squirrels from entering the chimneys. Birds too, are attracted to the warmth provided by these chimneys and build nests around it. These caps also protect your chimney from leaves, insects and other stray things that enter the chimney. With a chimney cap, rain water cannot enter the chimney to ruin your fireplace. Storms and wind can cause rain to enter the chimney, thus making them vulnerable to leakage. Besides, they add decorative value to you house; you can choose one to match the style of your house.

As earlier said, there are several types and sizes to choose from. Before you decide to buy a cap, make sure you have measured the size of the opening of the chimney. Chimney caps are simple in design and made up of a wire mesh that protects the animals and metal shades that are larger than the mesh to protect the chimney from rains and wind. Aluminum and galvanized steel ensure that it’s safe from high heat.

You can even install them on your own. All you need is a cordless drill, caulk gun, socket and socket drivers and tape measures. But if you aren’t a DIY person and rather get help to install the cap, you can always seek help from a professional chimney service company. Professionals from these companies not help to install chimney caps, but also help with sweeping, cleaning, waterproofing, leak resolution, animal removal and even inspection.

Before you choose a professional chimney caps installation company, make sure you exercise care and caution. Well established companies offer warranty on their products and also take time to explain about installation, costs and the time involved in installing the cap. Hiring an insured installer protects you from accidents and other minor incidents that could happen during the installation.

The installer shall help to choose the right sized cap, adjust it to fit the opening, sealing it off with cement adhesive and flashing to protect the cap from the vagaries of the weather.

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