Chimney Chase Covers From Us Offer Long-Lasting Protection
If you own a chimney, protecting it from leaks and water damage is essential – and trusting our experts for the job can give you the peace of mind you deserve. We offer a long list of leak prevention services, such as chimney cap installations, waterproofing services, tuckpointing, flashing repair and replacement, and more.
But there’s one chimney component that tends to get overlooked, despite it playing an essential role in keeping your system safer – the chase cover.
If you need a new chase cover installed, the time to call in the service-minded crew at Highpoint Chimney Services is now. We’re determined to offer those living in Hillsborough the highest level of care possible.
What Is a Chimney Chase Cover? What Does a Chase Cover Do?
A chase cover is a protective covering installed over the top of a chimney chase. It’s meant to prevent rain, snow, debris, and animals from entering the chimney, while also sending any rain or melted snow away from the sides of the chase (minimizing the risk of damage).
What’s the purpose of a chase cover?
- Keep water out of the chimney. Water is one of the most damaging things a chimney of any kind can come across, and it tends to start a domino effect of damages throughout the entire system. Keeping water out is a must, which is why installing a reliable chase cover is so important.
- Keep debris out of the chimney. When debris (like twigs, leaves, and animal nesting materials) is given easy access to your flue, your system can suffer in multiple ways. Along with creating poor ventilation (which can put your home and family in harm’s way), debris can also invite pests and foul odors into your home.
- Keep animals away. Lots of woodland critters think of chimneys as a safe getaway spot – and an ideal area to build a nest and have babies – but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Keep your home, chimney, and the animals themselves safer by having a reliable chase cover installed.
- Enhance home appearance. In addition to providing protection, chimney chase covers can also improve the appearance of your home. They come in a variety of finishes, such as copper or bronze, that can add a decorative and personalized touch to your setup.
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What is a chimney chase?
A chimney chase is a framed structure that encloses a prefabricated chimney. It’s typically located on the exterior of a house, and it works like masonry walls would for a traditional chimney, protecting the flue and venting materials and giving your system another layer of protection.
What Is the Best Material for a Chimney Chase Cover?
Chase covers are typically made of some type of metal, with the most commonly used materials being galvanized steel, aluminum, and stainless steel. So, how do you choose which option is best for your household? Well, it can depend on your budget, aesthetic preferences, and more. Here’s the lowdown on each, so you can make the most informed decision possible.
- Galvanized steel: This is a popular material for chase covers because it is both affordable and relatively durable. Galvanized steel is coated with a layer of zinc to prevent rust and corrosion, and it’s the zinc that also gives it a shiny, silver finish that many enjoy.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is lightweight and rust-resistant, which makes it easy to install and work with. That said, it isn’t the most reliable or long-lasting choice. Homeowners usually go with this option because of its affordability. That said, it should offer quality protection while it lasts – just plan on replacing it sooner than you might like.
- Stainless steel: Stainless steel is the most expensive material for chimney chase covers, but it’s also the most reliable and long-lasting. It’s also known for being rust- and corrosion-resistant, and it can stand strong through even the harshest weather – so no stressing during rain storms or blizzards.
- Copper: Like steel, copper is known for its durability and ability to resist corrosion. One of the biggest reasons a homeowner might take the copper route is because they prefer this color option over the more classic silver choices. However, these tend to be on the pricier side, so this is something to keep in mind before taking the plunge.
Still feeling unsure on which material is best for your home and needs? No worries – give us a call now, and we can help you sort it out. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, and we’re certain that, no matter what you go with, you’ll be happy with how things end up.
Just be sure to rely on us for installation, so you get those long-lasting results you deserve.
How Long Does a Chimney Chase Cover Last?
If you invest in a new product for your chimney, you want it to last, right? We don’t blame you! That said, the longevity of your chase cover can vary depending on a few different factors, such as the material it’s made from, whether it was professionally installed, your climate conditions, and more.
Material Type
The most common materials used for chimney chase covers are stainless steel, aluminum, galvanized steel, and copper. Stainless steel is the most durable and, because of this, will have the longest lifespan. Some even come with lifetime warranties when you have them professionally installed. Copper is similar to stainless steel in strength and longevity, just offering a different look.
Galvanized steel and aluminum options are the least expensive, but are much more prone to rust, corrode, and break down, which would significantly shorten the life span.
As you can see, how much you invest in your chase cover upfront really matters! What may be the cheapest option now could end up costing you more over time when you consider how often it may need to be replaced.
Installation
Whether or not your chase cover was properly installed always plays a big role in how long it’s bound to last. A poorly or incorrectly installed chimney chase cover can lead to water leaks, rust, and corrosion, all of which can significantly shorten its life span and cause further damage throughout your chimney.
Work with a certified team of sweeps – like the crew here at Highpoint Chimney – to ensure the job is done right and that you don’t risk damage at a later time.
Weather
Weather also plays a role in how long your chimney chase cover lasts, but unfortunately this is something you, as a homeowner, and we, as sweeps, don’t have a lot of control over.
Yes, a durable and correctly installed chase cover will stand strong against basic bad weather days – like rain storms or mild blizzards – but if things get really bad, sometimes you’re just bound to face some damage.
If you’ve recently experienced a severe thunderstorm, heavy winds, a tornado, a flood, or some other similar type of natural disaster, have your chimney inspected by our techs, so we can ensure everything is running fine. You’ll also want to book an inspection if you’ve experienced a chimney fire.
Maintenance
Regular professional maintenance is essential for maintaining your entire chimney – the chase cover included. Keep a close eye on all of your chimney’s components, and if you suspect issues, call our sweeps out to take a look.
In addition, be sure to book annual inspections, regular sweepings, and any needed repairs with our techs to ensure any issues are promptly addressed before they can worsen.
What Is the Difference Between a Chimney Cap and a Chase Cover?
Chimney caps and chase covers both sit at the top of your chimney and both serve to protect it from the elements, as well as outside debris and potential animal entry. Which leaves many wondering if they’re really all that different – and whether or not your chimney really needs one of each.
Well, we’ve got the answer. First of all, yes – your chimney does need both a chase and a chimney cap. Though similar, they are two different components and both serve a unique purpose.
So, what’s the difference between the two?
A chase cover is made of metal and fits over the top of the chimney chase. It’s designed to…
- keep water, snow, and debris out of the chimney chase
- prevent water from running down the sides of the chase and causing damage
- keep water from pooling on top of the cover
- block the chimney chase opening to keep animals and debris away
A chimney cap is a metal cover with mesh sides that is attached to the chimney case and fits over the top of a chimney flue. Its purpose is to…
- keep rain, snow, and debris out of the chimney flue
- allow smoke and gases the ability to escape
- keep animals out (along with their nesting materials)
- block out flying debris, like leaves and twigs
- act as a spark arrestor
So, to sum up, the chimney cap fits over the chimney flue, while the chase cover covers the chimney chase opening – and both are important for keeping your system safer. That said, in order for each component to function as efficiently as possible, they should be professionally installed and regularly maintained by a professional sweep.
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How Much Does a New Chimney Chase Cover Cost?
This may seem like a simple enough question, but it doesn’t have such a simple answer. Why? Because the cost of your new chase cover can vary based on a number of different factors, like which material your flue is made from, how big it needs to be to fit your chimney chase, and how accessible your chimney is.
For instance, aluminum covers are lightweight and easier to install, and they’re also made from a cheaper metal. Because of all this, these tend to run on the lower end of the pricing window. They might be the best option if you’re on a tight budget, and need something fast that will offer some reliable protection. That said, they aren’t bound to last nearly as long as a more high-quality cover, so expect to replace it down the line.
Stainless steel options, on the other hand, are on the higher end of things and will cost significantly more to install. If you have a big chase that needs a lot of coverage, this could cause the price to go up too. That said, they’re known to last decades, some even coming with lifetime warranties, so once installed, you’re pretty much set.
Consider that the size and shape of your chimney may affect your final costs too. If your system needs a chase cover custom-designed, this is obviously going to be more expensive.
Finally, if the job ends up being more complex based on how your system is situated and how easy (or complicated) it is to access, your labor costs may go up. If your chimney is on a steep top roof of a three-story house, your installation is clearly going to be more challenging to complete than if you had a flat roof on a single-story home.
Now, we get that all this info doesn’t necessarily give you the clearest picture, but no worries because we’re still here to help! Give us a call, so we can get more details about your needs and what we’re working with. After that, we should be able to give you a more accurate estimate, allowing us to move forward with ease.
Can I Install My Chimney Chase Cover Myself?
If you’re an avid DIY-er or known for being especially handy, you may be wondering if you can climb up on your roof and install your chase cover yourself.
This isn’t a practice we recommend. Working on your roof can be dangerous when not equipped with safety harnesses, and if the job isn’t done just right, you’re bound to face issues as time passes – most of which result in needing lengthy and expensive repairs completed.
For peace of mind and a job done right, trust our sweeps from the beginning – we’re always looking out for you.
Ready to Speak With Our Experts?
Our certified, experienced, and knowledgeable techs are here to help you out. We care about putting the customer first and presenting information in a clear, precise, and easy-to-understand way, so that you always know what to expect. When you work with us, rest assured we’ve always got your best interests in mind.
Whether you need leak prevention, masonry repairs, sweeping services, or something else, we’ve got your back. Get started by calling 908-864-4114 or by reaching out to us online now.
Chimney dampers are a good safeguard against costly chimney leak repairs. We’d be happy to discuss what’s best for you.