Chimney Cap

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1.     Keep moisture out- A chimney cap will keep rain water from coming down your home’s chimney. Rain water can damage chimneys with stainless steel liners, chimney dampers, and chimney mortar joints. Beyond the damage from the water itself, moisture from rain water can produce mold and mildew.
2.     Keep out animal invaders- Animals like birds, raccoon’s and squirrels often try to make their homes within chimneys. In many cases, these animals will enter the chimneys but won’t be able to exit, eventually dying. This can produce maggots, flies and unpleasant odors in your home. A professionally installed chimney cap sized properly will prevent animals from entering the chimney.
3.     Prevent wind- included downdrafts – If the wind is blowing in a certain direction, it can introduce a downdraft. If you don’t have a chimney cap and you’re using a wood-burning fireplace at the time, a wind- induced downdraft has the potential of blowing smoke back into your home. The flat- shaped top of a chimney cap is designed to help prevent wind- induced downdrafts.
4.     Prevent sparks and embers – some people refer to chimney caps as spark arrestors, which basically means that the chimney cap helps prevent lit embers or sparks that travel up the chimney from landing on the roof, possibly catching it on fire.
5.     Prevent debris build- up- Leaves, branches, twigs and other debris can enter a chimney and build up if a chimney cap is not in place.