Understanding the Difference Between Chimney Caps, Flue Covers, Chase Covers and Chimney Crowns
Chimney terminology can be confusing. When talking about the protective components at the top of a chimney, a lot of people aren’t clear about what component does what.
The Chimney Guys of Pataskala, OH, would like to clearly define the purposes of chimney caps, flue covers, chase covers and chimney crowns.
Chimney caps
The term “chimney cap” generally refers to the full-width component that covers the entire top of a chimney. Chimney caps have a raised area above the flue opening that’s surrounded by mesh to allow smoke and combustion gases to leave the chimney.
The mesh also keeps tree debris and small animals out of the flue, thereby preventing flue obstructions that can cause smoke and carbon monoxide to back up into the house. The solid top of the cap guards the flue from rain and snow.
Finally, a full-width chimney cap protects the vulnerable concrete crown (see below) from rain and weather damage.
What to watch for
Look at your chimney cap periodically for signs of rust, warping and unseating. Check the mesh for clogs and damage.
Incoming water can lead to widespread chimney leaks and damage to the masonry and the chimney liner. A clogged chimney cap will impede drafting.
Flue covers
A flue cover protects only the flue opening. Made with mesh sides, flue covers guard against debris, rain and small animals.
Flue covers do not protect the chimney crown.
What to watch for
Keep an eye out for obvious damage to the cap and clogging in its mesh sides.
Chimney chase covers
A chase cover functions similarly to a full-width chimney cap but is installed on a chase system rather than a masonry chimney.
Chimney chases are the exterior housing for the vent pipes connected to manufactured fireplaces. Chase covers protect everything at the top of the chase, effectively blocking the entry of debris, rain and wildlife.
What to watch for
Watch for rust, which will eventually happen if the chase cover is made of galvanized steel and certain other unprotected metals. Also watch for warping, decay, unseating and mesh blockages.
Chimney crowns
The concrete slab covering the top of a masonry chimney (minus the flue opening) is called the chimney crown. A well-built crown protects a chimney’s interior spaces from rain and debris while shielding the topmost bricks from damaging water.
Chimney crowns also add structural stability by their secure seal on top of all four sides of the chimney.
What to watch for
The main things to watch for in a chimney crown are cracks and crumbling. If rain and melting snow get into the cracks, freeze-thaw cycles will cause expansion and further deteriorate the crown material.
Significant chimney crown decay can lead to masonry and chimney liner damage. Moisture within the chimney structure can start the growth of mold and eventually damage nearby materials of the home.
Chimney inspections
You can keep an eye on your chimney’s protective top components, but this is no substitute for a licensed inspection by a trained chimney technician.
The Chimney Guys provides thorough inspections of all types of masonry chimneys and chimney chase systems. We troubleshoot problems, perform repairs and can replace damaged chimney caps, flue covers and chase covers. We rebuild chimney crowns.
Schedule a visit or learn more by giving us a call. You can also reach out by using our contact form.
