One of the most important features of your chimney is the chimney cap, also known as the chimney crown. Some older chimneys do not have a chimney cap in place, and if yours is one of these chimneys, you need to seek installation ASAP. A chimney cap is a simple installation, often a metal crown that sits atop your chimney, but still leaves enough space to vent (usually in the form of a mesh opening). Here’s what makes a chimney cap such a vital installation throughout the year.
Preventing Chimney Damage
One of the main purposes of the chimney crown is to prevent the chimney from becoming damaged. The most serious problem that occurs with many chimneys is water damage. Moisture eventually has a detrimental effect on the masonry of the chimney, allowing cracks to form and increasing the amount of creosote in the structure—which can lead to fires come wintertime.
Remember that installing or servicing a chimney cap cannot wait for the winter to start up again. The rain may damage the chimney, leaving it more prone to catching fire once the heating season begins. Install a chimney cap as soon as possible in order to prevent fire hazards year round.
Stop Nesters
Did you know that it’s illegal to remove migratory birds from the opening of your chimney? Birds are prone to building nests on the top of chimneys. Chimney swifts, for example, are known to build nests in chimneys as they have traditionally built their nests in hollowed-out trees. The chimney makes a suitable alternative, and if you were to remove the bird or the nest, you would be disturbing its habitat. Installing a chimney cap is the only way to keep these birds out.
Do not go for any longer without a cap over your chimney. Call the friendly technicians at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. for chimney cap or repair in the Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN area.