A fireplace or a chimney is a must-have for people living in changing temperatures. A chimney allows a consistent fire in the house without any fire hazards. The simple and old idea can heat up your house while saving electricity. Your chimney has a top outlet, the exit for all the smoke. This outlet needs to be recovered with a proper cover. This cover is the chimney chase cover and is responsible for protecting your chimney from environmental elements.
If your chimney outlet is not covered, water, debris, or wild animals could get inside the chimney. You will observe cracks and water patches if your chimney is in bad shape. In extreme cases, the smoke may leak through the chimney walls and enter the rooms. For a long-lasting chimney, the outlet needs a cover. This cover will let the smoke exit easily, but anything from outside will not be able to enter. The cover will protect your chimney from rainwater, falling debris, and animals like rodents or birds. Even if a bird ends up nesting on your chimney cover, it will eventually leave. The reason is that it covers and will heat up from the chimney smoke.
How Long Will The Cover Last
These covers are always metallic. The materials used are either aluminum, stainless steel, or galvanized iron. If you are getting a cheaper alternative, don’t buy it because it will probably be of a material that will rust easily. When installing a part that needs to stand against the natural elements, they only buy the best on the market. You need this cover to last for years while facing the natural elements without further protection. The average lifespan of a good-quality chimney chase cover is around 7 to 10 years, depending on the harshness of the environment.
If you need a chimney chase tops replacement, let the professionals handle it. This task needs extra precession. If not done correctly, you can end up with a poorly installed cover that lets rainwater into the chimney. This little mistake can reduce the life of your chimney cover along with the chimney itself.
Types of Chimney Chase Covers
Aluminum Covers
Aluminum is the longest-lasting material as it doesn’t rust. Even if it is struck by falling debris like tree branches or rocks, it doesn’t easily accumulate damage. The highest quality chimney covers are made of aluminum.
Stainless Steel Covers
Stainless steel is the medium class for chimney covers. They won’t rust either but can accumulate damage by falling debris. They typically last long but are not a good option for extreme environments.
Galvanized Iron Covers
This is the cheapest type of chimney cover you can find on the market. These are rust-proof, but over time, they develop cracks, and these cracks eventually rust. Galvanized covers also last long but not as long as stainless steel and aluminum.
Conclusion
Choosing the right chimney cover can be the deciding factor for how long your chimney lasts. The better the quality of the cover, the better protection it delivers.
