Installing a chimney cap helps to protect your home from the elements, potential fire hazards, and moisture. A chimney cap that you correctly install can also prevent birds, small animals, and debris from entering your chimney. Read our guide below to learn how to select, measure, and install a chimney cap. We’ll also help you to decide whether you should tackle the project yourself or hire a professional.
Key Takeaways
- Chimney caps cost between $15 and $1,000 depending on material and style, with professional installation adding $75 to $500 to the total project cost based on location and complexity.
- DIY installation is possible for homeowners comfortable working at heights with basic home improvement experience, but professional installation is recommended for damaged chimneys or difficult access situations.
- Stainless steel and copper chimney caps can last over 50 years with proper maintenance, requiring twice-yearly inspections for damage and annual professional chimney cleaning to ensure optimal performance.
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Understanding Chimney Caps and Their Importance
Chimney caps are protective coverings that are made of steel or mesh. They sit atop your chimney and serve the following purposes:
- Improve drafts and reduce downdrafts
- Prevent animals and debris from entering your chimney
- Protect against moisture damage
- Reduce the risk of chimney fires
Your home is vulnerable to fire and other issues without a chimney cap. A chimney cap keeps your home more structurally sound and makes your fireplace and wood stove safer to use.
- A cap fitted with wire-mesh sides covers the top of the chimney and keeps rain, birds, squirrels, and debris from entering, as TOH has recommended in its annual chimney-maintenance checklist. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that chimneys be inspected at least once a year — and checking that your cap isn’t missing or damaged should be part of that routine.
Types of Chimney Caps
There are several types of chimney caps available, and each fits a different type of chimney configuration. Read more below.
Single-flue caps cover a single chimney flue. They come in various shapes that match different flue types, and you can attach them to extended flues or mount them on chimneys with flush flues using legs or brackets.
Multi-flue caps are larger than single-flue caps and cover multiple flues on a single chimney. These caps are typically top-mounted and protect chimneys that have multiple venting systems.
Outside mount caps extend beyond the edges of the chimney, and offer extra protection against moisture. They’re available in single- and multi-flue varieties. You can install these caps directly onto the chimney crown.
Specialty caps perform more specific work, and include decorative caps, draft-increasing caps, spark arrestor caps for wildfire-prone areas, and wind-resistant caps.
- A basic chimney cap is an inexpensive cure for many common chimney problems, including nesting animals, wet flues, and wind-induced downdrafts. As TOH Magazine notes, the mesh-covered openings on standard caps also keep stray embers off the roof — an essential safety feature. Caps are available in copper, stainless steel, and aluminum, each with different durability and aesthetic considerations.
Tools and Materials Needed for Chimney Cap Installation
Gather the tools and materials below before you begin installing your chimney cap:
- Brush for cleaning the chimney crown
- Caulk gun
- Chimney cap
- Construction adhesive
- Extension ladder with stabilizer
- Marking pen or pencil
- Masonry screws or metal screws if you have a round metal chimney
- Measuring tape
- Power drill
- Safety harness
- Safety glasses and work gloves
Measuring Your Chimney for the Right Fit
You must take accurate measurements to select the chimney cap that’s best for your chimney. Read how to take measurements accurately below.
Flush Flue Measurements
Measure the length and width of your chimney crown if your chimney has a flush flue. These measurements will help you to select a cap that covers the entire crown’s surface.
Extended Flue Measurements
If your chimney has an extended flue, measure its outside length and width, then measure how high it extends above the chimney crown. Choose a cap that’s at least 6 inches taller than the flue.
Multi-Flue Measurements
If you have a multi-flue chimney, measure the length and width of each flue, the height of the tallest flue, and the overall length and width of your chimney crown. This will help you to select a cap that covers all flues without extending beyond the crown.
Step-by-Step Chimney Cap Installation Process
Follow the steps below to install a chimney cap:
Preparing the Chimney
Remove any existing cap and use a stiff-bristled brush to clear away debris. This will help your cap adhere more successfully and prevent debris from getting trapped between the crown and the new cap.
Positioning the Cap
If you have an extended flue chimney, slide the cap over the flue and press down until it’s fully seated. If you have a flush flue chimney or an outside mount cap, center the cap on the crown and mark the locations for screw holes.
Securing the Cap
You should follow the manufacturer’s specific instructions to properly secure your chimney cap. Some general instructions are below.
- Apply construction adhesive as directed.
- Place the cap in position.
- Insert masonry screws into pre-drilled pilot holes if you have a flush flue or an outside mount cap.
- If you have a metal flue, use a power drill to secure the cap with its designated screws.
- If you have a round flue with clamps, wrap the clamps around the cap’s base and tighten them with a screwdriver.
Be sure not to overtighten the fasteners, which can damage the flue or cap.
DIY vs. Professional Chimney Cap Installation
Many homeowners can install chimney caps as part of do-it-yourself (DIY) projects, but some situations call for professional help. Read more below.
When To Consider DIY
You can consider DIY installation if the variables below apply.
- You can easily access your chimney and it’s in good condition.
- You have experience with basic home improvement projects.
- You have the necessary tools and safety equipment.
- You’re comfortable working at heights and on your roof.
Safety First
- If you’re tackling a DIY chimney cap installation, TOH Magazine recommends these roof-safety essentials: Make sure your ladder is sturdy with a nonskid surface and extends past your roofline by about 3 feet. Wear nonslip shoes and heavy work gloves, and use a tool belt or hook a tool-filled bucket to the ladder to keep gear stowed and within reach. For proper balance, keep your hips in line with the ladder at all times — if your belt buckle passes beyond either rail, you’re leaning too far.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional
Professional installation may be the better choice if the variables below apply.
- You’re not sure you can execute the job correctly or safely.
- Your chimney has existing damage or is difficult to access.
- You’re uncomfortable with heights or working on your roof.
- You’re not sure how to select the right cap or install the cap you choose.
If you’re hiring a professional, look for a licensed chimney cap installer that has several years of experience. Ask about warranty offerings, and request references from satisfied customers.
When hiring a chimney sweep, make sure they do more than just clean. A thorough professional will inspect the firebox, smoke chamber, hearth, and flue tiles. As TOH host Mark explains, “People don’t realize that that clay is pretty dry and sucks up all the mortar out of the masonry cement,” which can compromise flue-tile joints over time. A good sweep will catch these issues early.
Pro Tip
- Make sure your chimney sweep is licensed, insured, and a member of a recognized trade association, such as the National Chimney Sweep Guild. As TOH Magazine has cautioned, “Unaffiliated, fly-by-night sweeps do a better job of taking your money than keeping your flue clean.” You can also find certified sweeps through the Chimney Safety Institute of America at csia.org.
Maintenance and Care for Your Chimney Cap
Perform the tasks below to keep your chimney cap in good shape:
- Check for holes in the mesh, debris that could block airflow, and creosote buildup.
- Hire a professional chimney sweep for annual maintenance.
- Inspect your cap twice a year for damage or obstructions.
- Repair any chimney damage you notice immediately, especially before the heating season.
Pro Tip
- TOH mason Mark recommends paying close attention to the concrete crown during inspections: “If you look up top on this concrete crown, you can see these cracks… the cracks are pretty much throughout. That’s not a good thing because Mother Nature will push that water right through.” Cracks in the crown can redirect water into your home, so address them before they worsen.
Common Chimney Cap Issues and Troubleshooting
Below are some common issues you might encounter with your chimney cap and how to address them:
- Animal intrusion: Check for large openings in the mesh and repair or replace them immediately.
- Loose fitting: Reattach the cap with the appropriate fasteners and adhesive.
- Poor draft: Make sure the cap isn’t restricting airflow and consider investing in a draft-increasing cap if problems persist.
- Rust or corrosion: Consider replacing with a more durable material such as stainless steel or copper.
Pro Tip
- Mark Schaub, owner of Chimney Savers in Hillsborough, New Jersey and a frequent flue-fixer for This Old House, says diagnosing chimney problems requires detective work: “To figure out why a fireplace smokes, you have to think like Sherlock Holmes.” He recommends looking beyond the cap itself — examine how the chimney was built, the profile of the surrounding terrain, the height of nearby structures, and even the weather conditions when problems occur. If your chimney constantly smokes, nests or animal blockages in the flue may be the culprit; remove the obstruction and install a properly fitted chimney cap to prevent recurrence.
Chimney Cap Cost Considerations
Consider the cost factors below when you’re deciding which chimney cap is best for you:
Material Costs
Chimney caps typically range from $15–$1,000, depending on the material, style, and whether you hire a professional for installation. Stainless steel and copper caps are more expensive than other types but are also more durable.
Installation Costs
Professional installation can cost between $75 and $500, depending on your location, chimney type, and the complexity of the installation.
Long-Term Savings
Installing a chimney cap can lead to long-term savings by improving energy efficiency, preventing costly water damage to your chimney and home interior, and reducing the need for frequent chimney repairs.
- It can improve energy efficiency by preventing drafts.
- It can prevent costly water damage to your chimney and home interior.
- It can reduce the need for frequent chimney repairs.
Note: The cost data in this section and throughout this guide was sourced from Angi.
FAQs About Chimney Cap Installation
Is a chimney cap necessary?
Chimney caps are necessary for homes that have operating chimneys. They prevent sparks from leaving the chimney and objects from entering the chimney. They also keep out moisture, debris, and wild animals.
Can I install a chimney cap myself?
You can install a chimney cap yourself if you’re comfortable working from ladders and climbing on your roof. If you’re afraid of heights or unsure about your ability to install a chimney cap, you should contact a professional.
Do chimney caps keep rain and snow out?
Chimney caps keep out rain, snow, ice, and moisture. This helps to prevent corrosion and flue cracks.
How long does a chimney cap last?
Stainless steel and copper chimney caps can last for more than 50 years. Severe weather, wild animals, and standard wear can all damage your chimney cap, though. You should inspect your chimney cap during your annual chimney inspection and replace it if it becomes rusty, broken, or sustains other damage.
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