How to install a chimney chase cover – No 1 Complete Guide

To install a chimney chase cover , follow these steps. First, measure the dimensions of your chimney chase and select a chase cover that matches those measurements. Position the chase cover over the top of the chimney, ensuring it covers the entire opening and overlaps the edges of the chase. Secure the cover by screwing it into the chase with stainless steel screws, ensuring it is securely fastened. Make sure that the cover slopes away from the centre to allow water to drain properly. Proper installation of a chimney chase cover helps protect your chimney and fireplace from moisture and debris. If you’re unsure about the installation process, consider consulting a professional chimney service for assistance. 

What is a Chimney Chase Cover?

A chimney chase cover is a protective metal covering that is installed at the top of a prefabricated or factory-built chimney chase. The chase cover serves as a shield to prevent water, debris, and animals from entering the chimney flue while allowing smoke and gases to vent from the fireplace or heating appliance safely. These covers are typically made from stainless steel, galvanized steel, or copper. They are custom-designed to fit the specific dimensions of the chimney chase. Installing a properly fitted chimney chase cover is essential to maintain the integrity and functionality of your chimney system while preventing damage from the elements.

Types of Covers on a Chimney Chase

Aluminum

Aluminium chimney chase covers are a lightweight and cost-effective option. They are resistant to rust but may not be as durable as other materials. Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to ensure longevity and prevent corrosion.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a popular choice for chimney chase covers due to its durability and resistance to rust and corrosion. It’s available in various grades, with higher-grade stainless steel providing better corrosion resistance. Stainless steel covers are long-lasting and suitable for most climates.

Galvanized Steel

Galvanized steel chimney chase covers are coated with a layer of zinc for rust resistance. They are more budget-friendly than stainless steel but may not be as long-lasting. Regular inspections and maintenance can help extend their lifespan.

Copper

Copper chimney chase covers are known for their aesthetic appeal and longevity. They develop a beautiful patina over time, enhancing the look of your chimney. Copper is highly resistant to corrosion, making it an excellent choice for upscale homes and those seeking a distinctive appearance.

Why Stainless Steel Chase Covers are a Customer Favorite

Stainless steel chase covers are a customer favourite for several compelling reasons. They offer exceptional durability, with resistance to rust, corrosion, and other weather-related damage. Their longevity and low maintenance requirements make them a cost-effective choice in the long run. Stainless steel chase covers are available in various grades, allowing customers to choose the level of corrosion resistance that suits their specific climate. Additionally, their sleek and modern appearance complements a wide range of architectural styles. With their combination of durability, aesthetics, and longevity, stainless steel chase covers have become a top choice for homeowners looking to protect their chimneys effectively and enhance the visual appeal of their homes.

How to install a chimney chase cover

To install a chimney chase cover, follow these steps:

1. Safety First: Prioritize safety by using a sturdy ladder and appropriate personal protective equipment like gloves and safety glasses.
2. Measure the Chimney Chase: Measure the dimensions of your chimney chase carefully. Select a chase cover that matches these measurements.
3. Position the Chase Cover: Place the chase cover over the top of the chimney, ensuring that it covers the entire opening and overlaps the edges of the chase. It should be centred and level.
4. Fasten the Chase Cover: Secure the cover by using stainless steel screws. Fasten it to the top of the chimney chase. Ensure that the screws are evenly spaced around the perimeter and securely tightened.
5. Proper Sloping: Make sure that the cover slopes away from the centre. This allows water to drain effectively and prevents pooling on the cover’s surface.
6. Inspect the Seal: Carefully inspect the seal between the chase cover and the chimney to ensure there are no gaps or areas where water or debris can enter.
7. Maintenance: Periodically inspect the chase cover during routine chimney and roof maintenance to ensure it remains securely in place and effective at protecting the chimney flue.

A Newly Installed Chase Cover Helps Prevent Damage to Your Home and Fireplace System

A newly installed chimney chase cover is a valuable addition to your home, playing a vital role in safeguarding both your property and the integrity of your fireplace system. These covers act as a protective barrier at the top of your chimney chase, effectively preventing a range of potential issues. By shielding your chimney flue from the elements, such as rainwater, snow, and debris, chase covers help prevent moisture-related damage to your fireplace system and the interior of your home. This, in turn, mitigates the risk of costly repairs, such as chimney liner or damper replacement. Moreover, a well-installed chimney chase cover provides a barrier against the entry of animals and birds, preventing nesting, blockages, and associated safety hazards.

In addition to the practical benefits, chase covers can also enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of your home. They come in various materials, including stainless steel, galvanized steel, and copper, allowing you to choose an option that complements your home’s style and architecture.

Investing in a chimney chase cover and ensuring its proper installation is a proactive step towards maintaining your home’s safety, comfort, and value. It not only preserves the longevity of your fireplace system but also protects against the costly consequences of moisture damage. Whether you’ve recently had a new chase cover installed or are considering one, it’s a smart choice to safeguard your home and fireplace system effectively.

What happens to chimneys that don’t have a proper top cover?

Chimneys without a proper top cover or chimney cap are vulnerable to a range of issues that can have significant consequences for both the chimney and the home it serves. Without this protective barrier, chimneys are exposed to the elements, leading to moisture-related problems. Rainwater can freely enter the chimney flue, causing structural damage, eroding mortar, and triggering the deterioration of bricks and liner materials. As water infiltrates the interior of the chimney, it can create an environment conducive to mould and mildew growth, not only affecting the chimney but also posing health risks to occupants.

The absence of a chimney cap also invites nesting animals, such as birds, squirrels, or raccoons, who may use the chimney as a nesting site or shelter. This can result in blockages and pose fire hazards if nests or debris obstruct the flue, restricting the safe flow of smoke and gases. Animal activity can also lead to foul odours in the home as debris accumulates in the chimney. Furthermore, sparks from a fireplace or stove can escape from the open chimney top, potentially causing roof fires.

In the absence of a proper chimney cap, it becomes essential to address these issues proactively through chimney maintenance and the installation of a suitable chimney cap. Proper maintenance and protection ensure that your chimney remains safe, efficient, and free from the problems that arise when it lacks a top cover.

A Newly Installed Chase Cover Helps Prevent Damage to Your Home and Fireplace System

A newly installed chimney chase cover is a crucial addition to your home’s protection and the longevity of your fireplace system. It serves as a formidable barrier, guarding against a host of potential issues that can impact both the exterior and interior of your home. By effectively sealing off the top of your chimney chase, these covers act as a preventive shield against the elements, including rain, snow, and debris.

In doing so, they prevent moisture from infiltrating your chimney flue and the interior of your home. This prevention is critical because excess moisture can lead to severe damage, deteriorating the chimney’s structure, corroding liners, and eroding mortar. It can also create a perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew, posing health concerns for your household.

Chimney chase covers also serve as an important deterrent to wildlife and pests. Without a proper cover, chimneys are an inviting space for birds, squirrels, and other creatures to make their nests or seek shelter. Their presence can lead to blockages, obstructing the safe ventilation of smoke and gases, which not only increases the risk of chimney fires but can also cause smoke to back up into your home. Nests or debris within the chimney can also result in unpleasant odours permeating your living space.

In addition to these practical advantages, the installation of a chase cover can also enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of your home. These covers come in various materials, including stainless steel, galvanized steel, and copper, allowing you to choose an option that complements your home’s architectural style.

Investing in a chimney chase cover and ensuring its proper installation is a proactive measure that serves the dual purpose of protecting your home and preserving the efficiency and safety of your fireplace system. It is not merely an accessory but a vital component that aids in maintaining the longevity of your chimney and preventing the costly consequences of moisture damage, fire hazards, and structural deterioration. Whether you have recently installed a chase cover or are considering one, it is a prudent choice to ensure that your home remains secure and your fireplace system operates effectively, enhancing your overall living experience.