As the air begins to turn ever-so-slightly chillier, and the nights close in, it won’t be long before Fall is upon us. As gorgeous as this season is, the main downside is the fact that it does start to turn colder. As winter’s icy grip edges ever closer, many of us will be looking for ways of keeping warm and cozy. For many, a fireplace or stove is a great way of doing precisely that.
Open fires, along with woodburning and multi-fuel stoves, offer a wide range of benefits to homeowners. Not only do they provide a great deal of heat, they’re also aesthetically pleasing, can add value to a property, plus they’re economical as well. Of course, if you do happen to have a stove or fire, it will need a chimney in full working order, complete with a chimney cap.
A chimney cap covers the top of a chimney or flue, and provides shelter from the elements, and prevents wildlife from getting inside and building a nest, or home, inside your chimney or fireplace. Think of it as a roof for your chimney.
If your chimney is in need of capping, here’s a look at how to install a chimney cap.
Measure the Flue Opening
Firstly, in terms of how to install a chimney cap, one of the first things you need to do, if not the first thing, is measure the flue opening.
Using a safety ladder and stabilizers, measure with the top rungs around three feet above the flue opening. You should measure the outside length and the width of the flue opening, followed by the height and any excess flue which may be protruding from the crown. Avoid using A-frame ladders as they aren’t as safe and secure.
With a round flue, measure the exterior diameter. Be sure to carefully make note of these measurements before you climb down. As the saying goes ‘measure twice, cut once’.
Purchase the Correct Cap
Needless to say, as we’re talking about how to install a chimney cap, you need to ensure that you purchase the correct cap in the first place. You want a chimney cap which features the same length and width as the flue of your chimney.
You can opt for a cap that is slightly bigger (1 inch max) than your flue. Don’t go any larger than 1 inch however, otherwise it will be too big, and it won’t fit securely.
As far as height goes, look for a cap which is around 6 inches taller than the top of the flue. This extra 6 inches will ensure that the flue ventilates correctly. When it comes to fire safety, there really are no shortcuts, so don’t even think of cutting corners.
Choose the Right Material
Speaking of buying the right chimney cap, as with most things, chimney caps come in a variety of designs and can be made from a number of different materials.
Usually, your three choices are:
- Copper
- Galvanised steel
- Stainless steel
A copper chimney cap is the most expensive, and is very durable. It also requires a lot of maintenance. Galvanised steel caps are the most cost-efficient, though they do tend to rust quicker and can’t be used with gas logs.
Most people opt for stainless steel as these are hardy and durable, they’re rust-resistant, and they often come with a lifetime warranty. If you can, we strongly recommend that you opt for a stainless steel chimney cap.
Prep the Area
Before you begin the installation process, you’re going to need to ensure that you prep the surrounding area.
Remove any loose mortar, animal waste, dirt, and anything else that may be in the way and then give it a wipe with a damp cloth. Use a dry cloth to help dry the surface and let the wind do the rest. Don’t begin the installation until the area is completely dry.
Fit the Cap Over the Flue
Now comes the moment of truth, attaching the chimney cap. If your measurements were correct, the cap should fit perfectly.
Simply slide the cap over the top of the flue, making sure to align it perfectly. Slide the cap down as far down as it will go. Do this slowly, and once it stops, don’t try to force it any further, as this could damage it.
Carefully screw any screws in place using the necessary screwdriver, and tighten them until they grip the cap and hold it in place so that it doesn’t wobble or move anymore.
Remove Any Debris
Once the cap is secured firmly in place, your next job is to remove any loose debris that could be leftover from the installation.
Using a firm, stiff-bristled brush, carefully sweep any loose debris away and tidy up the work area.
Seal the Cap
Once you’ve removed any loose debris, you can go ahead and seal the chimney cap in place. Using the necessary caulk, apply a line around the edge of the cap.
Make sure you fill all gaps and smooth it out nice and neatly. You want to ensure that water has no way of getting inside. If you miss even the smallest gap, water will find a way to get inside, so be sure to be thorough.
Consider Hiring the Experts
Finally, if you aren’t confident in your abilities, if you’re worried about safety, or even if you just want to ensure that the job is done to a high spec, go ahead and hire experts instead.
As far as how to install a chimney cap, professionals will have the necessary materials, they’ll have the right tools and equipment, they’ll be much faster, and they’ll be able to do the work to a very high spec.
Another benefit of hiring professionals is the fact that you should be provided with a guarantee/warranty for X amount of time. That way, if there is an issue, they should be able to come out and make things right completely free of charge.