How Much Does Chimney Cap Installation Cost?
Chimney caps are available in different sizes, shapes, materials, and finishes. Chimney caps are typically made of galvanized metal, stainless steel, and copper. The cost for a stainless steel chimney cap installation can range from $175 to $225 for a standard sized single flue caps.
Installing a Multi-Flue caps will cost $1,100+ depending on the material, finish, size and any special equipment required to install the chimney cap.
How to Install a Chimney Cap
- Measure the flue.
- Get a chimney cap that is sized to fit the flue.
- Determine whether your chimney cap is designed to slide over the flue or inserted.
- Install the cap.
- Check for at least 6 inches between the flue and the top of the cap to allow for proper ventilation.
- Insert the self-tapping screws into the holes on the chimney cap.
- Secure the chimney cap to the flue.
How to Install a Multi-Flue Chimney Cap
Multi-flue Chimney
- Measure the total height and width of the flues.
- Measure the chimney crown along the longest edge.
- Get a chimney cap that is sized to fit over the flues and crown.
- Clear any debris on the crown using a brush or something similar.
- Place the chimney cap over the flues and on the crown.
- Check for at least 6 inches between the flue and the top of the cap to allow for proper ventilation.
- Drill pilot holes in the chimney crown using a masonry bit that is an ⅛ inch smaller than your screws.
- Make a wavy bead of caulk 1 inch wide around the edge of the crown.
- Place the chimney cap on the crown.
- Check that the holes on the chimney cap are lined up with the pilot holes.
- Secure the chimney cap to the crown using screws.
- Ensure the chimney cap is installed properly and secure on all sides.
How to Install a Chimney Cap without a Flue
For proper installation, a chimney cap requires a base in the form of a terra cotta tile on the crown for a masonry chimney or round metal pipe.
How to Install a Round Chimney Cap
Round chimney caps are installed either for metal chimneys or masonry chimney round clay pot flue tiles. Round caps for metal chimneys will either slide in place or tightened with pressure screws. For masonry chimneys with round clay pot tiles, the cap is inserted into the flue and a bead of silicone sealant is applied to seal the edges.
How Long Does it Take to Install a Chimney Cap?
A standard single flue chimney cap requires about 5 -10 minutes to install once a technician is on the roof. Multi-flue chimney caps can require 1 hour or more to install depending on the style of the chimney cap.
Do You Need a Cap On Top Of Your Chimney?
Yes. A properly installed chimney cap will prevent water and animals and insects from entering the chimney and protect the roof from burning embers. Installing a chimney cap is a relatively inexpensive service compared to the issues it can prevent. It also plays an important role in keeping your fireplace and home safe.
Chimney Caps Keep Rain Out of the Flue
A chimney without a cap will allow rain to get into the chimney. Moisture in the chimney causes deterioration in the brick and mortar of the chimney as well as the clay or metal lining system of the chimney. When moisture mixes with soot, it can create strong odors in your home.
Throughout the year, the freezing and melting of snow and ice can leave lasting damage to masonry chimney walls and chimney liners leading to costly repairs to restore your home.
Preventing Squirrels and Other Small Animals
Chimney caps use a mesh barrier to protect your flue and home from furry invaders. During the winter months, birds, squirrels, and raccoons will make their way into warm unprotected chimney flues or even into the interior of your home and nest.
Animal and bird nests can create a blockage in the chimney flue causing problems with smoke or carbon monoxide back-drafting into the interior of your home while a fire is lit.
Protection Against Hot Embers
Another important function of a chimney cap is to protect your roof from hot embers which could start a house fire. For this reason, chimney caps are also referred to as the spark arrestors. Fireplace flues contain hot smoke which carries embers up the flue, without a chimney cap these embers could escape the flue and land on the roof potentially sparking a fire.
