As the holiday season quickly approaches, and the temperatures begin to drop, you’ll want to make sure that your chimney is ready to go. Before you get your fireplace crackling with wood logs, and roasting marshmallows, there are a few steps you should take to ensure your chimney is prepared.
Installing a chimney cap is a nice addition to your fireplace, as it is used for protection and prevention of normal wear and tear. It’s not a requirement for all chimneys, but experts suggest you install one as an added precaution. Even though you might feel you don’t need one, here are a few reasons why you should “go the extra mile” and get one installed.
Wildlife
Animals tend to find their way into just about anything, and your chimney is no exception. One of the benefits of installing a chimney cap is the ensured prevention of animals and wildlife finding their way into your fireplace and building a home of their own. The last thing you want to do is find out that there has been a bird, squirrel, or other small animal building its nest in your chimney. A cap will block any passages into the chimney so that wildlife can stay out, and won’t eventually end up inside of your home either!
Sparks
A fireplace, especially during the winter months, is a convenience to have, but if you’re not careful enough it could be dangerous. The chimney encompasses all smoke and lit embers from your fire, but without a chimney cap sparks can potentially make their way out of your chimney and into your yard. In order to protect your home and yard from a fire, installing a chimney cap will keep those sparks from landing on your roof, or lawn.
Rain, Rain, Go Away
Over time, water can quickly damage and deteriorate anything in its path. A chimney cap will stop rainwater from trickling down your chimney. If your chimney has a stainless steel liner, or a damper, rainwater could easily damage it and other valuable parts within the chimney walls. If left unattended for too long, the rainwater collected in your chimney will build up moisture and potentially create mold or mildew problems, which could be harmful to your health.
Debris
As the seasons change, leaves and debris from trees that hang over or near your household begin to fall. Any foliage that can make its way into your chimney could build up and turn your fireplace into a storage unit for trash and junk! If you want a clean chimney, then its best to take that extra step and install a chimney cap.
Drafts
The winter season can bring some harsh, cold winds, and if you don’t have a chimney cap you could experience downdraft, which results in smoke being blown right back into your home! There are several chimney caps to choose from, and some are specifically designed to increase the draft within your chimney. Chimney caps have a flat-shaped top, which are constructed to restrict wind-induced downdrafts, and keep the interior of your home protected from smoke.
Although it’s not completely necessary, a chimney cap has many valuable uses for those who have one. It’s better to be safe than sorry: take some additional steps to install a chimney cap to prolong the life and condition of your chimney.
For help installing a chimney cap or if you need experts to come take a look at your home, don’t hesitate to contact us at Chimney & Wildlife.
