What is a Chimney Chase Cover?
A chimney chase cover is typically a rectangular structure that houses the top of the flue pipe or chimney made vinyl, wood or metal sidings, rarely you can find it on a masonry chimney as well. Made of stainless steel, the chimney chase cover prevents elemental damage, water, animals and debris to enter the structure. The top of chimney structures are exposed without it, making it an important component of the chimney. The chimney chase cover is one of the top priority pieces to maintain the safety and future of your chimney and home.
When Should I Replace My Chimney Chase Cover?
Although chimney chase covers are made of durable material, they can eventually become damaged and corrode. You’ll notice a reddish-brown color that demonstrates rusting or sometimes no visible rusting on the outside can occur. Water leakage and an increase in humidity of your fireplace is also a sign of damage. Unfortunately, if a damaged chimney chase cover goes without an inspection for long periods, the damage can go deeper into the home and discovered with more damage than you’d bargain for. A routine cleaning and inspection with a trained technician will cover the quality of your chimney chase cover.
Problems With Damaged Chase Covers
Commonly, water damage occurs in the chimney, prompting a chimney chase cover repair or replacement. Water leaking causes a myriad of issues. Water damage can corrode the chase cover material resulting in humidity developing mold and mildew. The water damage can go deeper than your chimney. If the damage goes unnoticed, surrounding parts of your homes construction will be affected too. Damage to and around the parts of the roofing, wooden structures can rot and decay and brick and mortar can begin to disintegrate.
Animals are second most common to enter the chimney structure due to a damaged chase cover! Squirrels, birds, raccoons, bats are a few examples of what you can find nesting in your chimney. These animals can find their way further into your home. These animals can become trapped or perish in your chimney from the smoke. The animals can carry unknown diseases posing a serious threat and health hazard. Proper animal removal, sanitation and cleaning along with your chase cover repair is essential to follow.
Debris can seep in and collect into and on the sides of your fireplace. This debris can spark during chimney use and develop a severe fire hazard into your home!
Chimney Chase Cover Options
There are several options to choose from when purchasing a new chimney chase cover. They vary in cost, availability and lifetime.
Galvanized steel is prone to rusting making it a cost-effective option. This is not recommended and considered a short-term fix.
Aluminum will not rust, however, is softer in material making it unpredictable to rely on. Inclement weather may damage it easily.
Stainless steel, a little higher in price point, is durable, rust-free, and long-lasting. This is a popular chase cover option.
Copper is the highest quality material. This material is durable and will not rust! It will cost more but is a great option to upgrade the aesthetic feature of your home and longevity of your chase cover!
Chimney Experts in Colorado and Surrounding Areas
With the fall and winter season approaching, this is the best time to evaluate the condition of your chimney. Chimney chase covers are part of our routine inspection and cleaning. Yearly cleanings and inspections are the best way to maintain the span of your chimney and home. Discuss with one of our trained professional chimney technicians to perform a thorough inspection and evaluate if its time to replace your chimney chase cover!
