* Barbecues & charcoal smokers, By capping your,chimney you're protecting both your family and your furry neighbors. The moisture can damage your walls and ceiling. Ideally, you would use a cap manufactured by the same company as your chimney. A chimney cap can stop downdrafts from entering the home. Approaching his 10-year work anniversary, Collin is one of our National Fireplace Institute (NFI) certified technicians and content manager for the eFireplacestore, eCanopy, andEliteDeals brands. There are, however, several other types of chimney caps. Outside-mount caps also provide some of the best weather protection because they cover the entire top of the chimney. As the smoke is exiting the flue connected to your fireplace on the upper level of your home, the flue from the one on the lower floor is automatically pulling it back in.Adding a flue stretcher to the flue from the upstairs fireplace can eliminate this problem because it creates more space between the two flues and makes it more likely that the smoke from the upstairs fireplace will be able to escape the draw of the downstairs flue. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Discoloration of the chimney and roof in the surrounding brick or stucco could also occur, if there is an accumulation of creosote or soot in the mesh. Chimney downdrafts occur when something disrupts the natural air flow of a chimney. Galvanized steel isnt as durable as the other material choices, but theyre the most cost effective. But if you have a copper or aluminum cap and you'd prefer that it remain shiny, you'll need to apply a protectant. Triple-Wall Solid-Pack Insulated Metal Chimneys. Copyright 2022 Online Stores, Inc. All Rights Is Chimney Sweeping a Profession for Women? There are some situations, however, where you might need a few extras. There are also factory built metal chimneys, which are simply flues consisting of metal pipes, either aluminum or stainless steel, that stick out of the roof. Other animals are also known to access uncovered chimneys, such as raccoons, snakes, and squirrels. Triple-wall solid-pack insulated metal chimneys feature three walls separated by insulation. These chimneys will need a top-mounted chimney cap, no matter if the flues are extended beyond the crown of the chimney or not. We specialize in the sale, service and installation of high-quality: * Stoves and fireplaces, Strong gusts can cause the draw of your fireplace or stove to fluctuate rather than remain at a continuous, steady rate. Aluminum is also fairly resistant to soot build-up, allowing it to maintain its attractive shine with less frequent cleaning. Each type of double-wall solid-pack insulated pipe requires its own specific kind of chimney cap. Need help finding the right chimney pipe? The Vacu-Stack chimney cap is made in the USA. Once you understand what your options are and how to determine your needs, you'll find that the selection process is actually fairly simple. They possess better corrosion resistance than caps made of galvanized steel but are significantly less sturdy. If you're not sure what the codes are in your area, the easiest way to find out is by contacting your town's municipal department. Moisture can enter the flue anytime it rains, without a chimney cap. During your annual chimney inspection your professional chimney sweep can check the cap to make sure it is properly cleaned and safe to use. Exposed edges are hemmed for ease of installation. And it doesn't even matter which direction the wind is blowing. If you were to have a 1/4" mesh on the chimney cap, how would that affect the size it needs to be? Flexible liners are softer, so a standard cap wont fit over the opening. They have corrosion-resistance properties similar to steel and are just as unlikely to rust. chimney cap caps screen sizes cons pros problems benefits prevent professional shot am cleaning shapes variety exterior match come A flue stretcher can help in this situation if raising the height of your flue a few feet will make it taller than the surrounding structures. What is Chimney Relining, and Why is it Needed? Also, most draft-increasing chimney caps are designed to fit factory-built metal chimneys. If you have draft issues related to air inversion or the chimney top pressurization that can occur when your chimney is surrounded by tall objects, you'll have to seek out other solutions. chimney Tips on Child-Proofing and Pet-Proofing Your Fireplace, Tips on What to Do With Your Fireplace in Summer, Get to Know the Anatomy of Your Fireplace, Consider The Benefits of a Fireplace Insert, Chimney Anatomy 101 intro to Chimney Inspections, Im Meeeeelting The Wicked Witch and Your Chimney, What is that Chirping Coming From My Chimney, Get Your Chimney Checked Before Its Too Late, What is that Smell Coming from My Fireplace, Fire Prevention Week October 9-15, 2011. For an oil burning appliance you should use stainless steel. Most oil contains some sulfur which creates acid and deteriorates aluminum and galvanized steel chimney caps quickly. You can open and close it by using a lever on the fireplace wall, so youll know for sure when the chimney is being exposed to a draft. Smoke sometimes comes back into the room when you've got a fire burning. Birds are drawn to the warmth provided by a chimney and will build nests in uncapped chimneys, which causes serious clogging. chimney cowl spinning rotating stainless steel firewood Stainless steel chimney caps are generally regarded as the best balance of performance and cost. Single-Flue Chimneys without Extended Flues. They require caps specifically designed to fit triple-wall air-insulated pipes and, once again, it's best to use a model made by the company that produced your chimney. Both models provide excellent weather and animal protection, and one variety doesn't provide better updraft than the other. Therefore, you can usually measure for them the way you would measure for a standard cap. Masonry chimneys with a single flue might require a square, rectangular, round, or oval cap depending on the flues shape. That makes them a good choice if you have multiple flues, oddly-shaped flues, or a poorly constructed crown. A chimney cap is a covering for the top of your chimney, and it usually includes wire mesh. Most masonry chimneys have some kind of flue. * Accessories, What Degree of Creosote is in Your Chimney? Multi-flue chimneys are exactly what their name implies; they are chimneys that feature more than one flue. Whether you choose to maintain their original color or allow them to develop a natural green patina, these caps naturally enhance most brickwork and have an elegant look other chimney covers just can't provide. If paper is burned in the fireplace, which isnt recommended, ash could accumulate and get trapped in the netting, causing blockage. Unless your cap is somehow torn off of your roof, the most you'll ever have to do is a quick cleaning. Everest you discover that you're one of the flueless minorities, there's no reason to be concerned. Due to the wide variation in chimney dimensions, outside-mount caps are often made to order, but it is possible to find stock models. Outside-mount chimney caps fit over the crown and attach to the body of the chimney. Get started on your next chimney cleaning or other chimney related. The flues for your upstairs and downstairs fireplaces are adjacent to one another and smoke comes out of the fireplace on the lower floor when you have a fire in the one upstairs.This is caused by the negative pressures inside your house. Is Your Dryer Vent an Accident Waiting to Happen? Take a look at the following scenarios and see if they sound familiar. Traditional & Square Electric Fireplaces/Inserts, Electric Fireplace Media and Replacement Parts, Be the first to review Vacu Stack Anti-Downdraft Chimney Cap (ICPVSS ). These high quality chimney and liner caps fit round and some masonry brick chimneys chimneys (require ICP masonry adapter). Once a galvanized chimney cap's zinc coating becomes compromised, it's only a matter of time before it rusts and will need to be replaced. If you have a metal chimney, exposure to moisture can create even more serious problems. They require top-mounted chimney caps regardless of whether their flues are extended or not. Ribbed construction provides extra strength and reinforcement. Homeowners know that moisture is always a bad sign, especially in cold, damp places like the inside of your chimney. This type of chimney also has an inner and outer wall but uses insulation to separate the two.

Some factory-built chimneys are double-walled, a flue-within-a-flue. Is there a particular type recommended for oil-burning furnaces? If, for example, your roof has wooden shingles or you have trees or wood structures near your home, it might be a good idea to invest in a chimney cap with smaller mesh. 2011- 2015 Northeastern Chimney, Inc. All rights reserved - All content is protected by the Federal Copyright Act, and legally cannot be reproduced elsewhere without permission - Unauthorized Use is Tracked Automatically and will be prosecuted. Even if local laws don't mandate the use of a 1/2" spark arrestor, though, there are a few other situations where you might want to consider investing in one. The following chart provides information about how to measure the most common chimneys for a standard chimney cap. A chimney cap prevents water from entering the chimney. If you want a chimney cap with a crisp, clean look, stainless steel is probably the way to go. for 6'' x 25' Lifetime Chimney Smooth-Wall Liner Kit with Stove Adapter, for 6'' x 25' Lifetime Chimney Smooth-Wall Liner Kit with Tee, for 8'' x 25' Lifetime Chimney Smooth-Wall Liner Kit with Stove Adapter, for 6'' x 35' Lifetime Chimney Smooth-Wall Liner Kit with Tee, for 6'' TDW Vacu-Stack for Air Cooled Chimney, for Enervex Chimney Fan - RSHT 16 - Solid Fuel Appliance Only, for Vacu-Stack 6" TDW Air Cooled with 1/2" Screen, for Enervex Chimney Fan - RSHT 14 - Solid Fuel Appliance Only, for Vacu-Stack 8" TDW Air Cooled with 1/2" Screen, for 8'' TDW Vacu-Stack for Air Cooled Chimney, for 13'' Type ''C'' Chimney Top Draft Inducer, for Vacu-Stack 6" with 1/2" x 1/2" Screen, for Enervex Chimney Fan - RS 009-Gas Appliance Only, for 6'' x 35' Lifetime Chimney Smooth-Wall Liner Kit with Stove Adapter, for Vacu-Stack 6" TDW Air Cooled with 1" x 1" Screen, for Tjernlund Auto-Draft Rooftop Chimney Fan. I recommend contacting a chimney sweep in your area. When it comes to capping, it's important to make sure you select a cap designed to work with a single-wall metal pipe. Here's what you need to do for each type: Draft-increasing chimney caps differ from standard models in the way their tops are constructed rather than the way they attach to your chimney. Completing projects around the ranch and spending quality time with his family are among his greatest joys. Plus, because copper is heavier and generally stronger than stainless steel, copper caps are often considered to be the sturdiest option when it comes to flue coverings. Friendly Fires is one of Canadas largest fireplace, and barbecue retailers. Chimney caps are a small, but important, accessory for your chimney. Stainless steel is so corrosion resistant that it is almost rust-proof, and it is more than strong enough to withstand harsh weather. Vacu-Stacks are tested by an independent testing laboratory. Read on to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of each type of cap. Learn more our maintenance process here. If you dont use your fireplace a whole lot, youll still need a cap because of its many advantages. Downdrafts can be caused by a variety of different things, but if your chimney is below your roofline and there are structures blocking the flow of air to your flue, your problems may be caused by insufficient flue height. Just measure the length and width of your entire chimney in order to determine the largest chimney cap you can use. It is not uncommon for this type of cap to come with an extended or lifetime warranty. Most models are backed up by a lifetime warranty. What is the White Staining on My Chimney? During heavy winter storms, ice and snow can build up around the mesh and prevent air circulation from flowing adequately. Below is information about the five basic kinds: All chimney caps improve draft, but if you live in an area with extreme winds, a standard model may not be enough to prevent downdraft problems. California Title 24: Complete Guide To Net Zero Energy, The Caframo Ecofan: Your One-Stop Comprehensive Guide, What You Need To Know Before Buying A Gas Fireplace Insert, 5 Ways To Decorate Your Fireplace For Fall, 5 Surprising Places You Can Hang An Electric Fireplace. Its dangerous to deal with a wild animal, since they can carry various diseases, including the deadly rabies virus. They also usually dry clear and won't interfere with your cap's appearance. Because they are so specialized, they require chimney caps specifically designed for use with a double-wall air-insulated pipe. By elevating your flue you can solve some of the most common smoky fireplace problems. All you need to measure for a flue stretcher cap is your flue's outside length and width. The kind of chimney caps they can use is dictated primarily by their shape. The style of chimney you have matters when it comes to picking out a cap. Just keep in mind that these chimney coverings are, due to their complicated nature, going to be much more expensive than other varieties. Aluminum chimney caps are also relatively inexpensive, with prices falling into a range very similar to that of galvanized steel models. You might notice that you need something extra to prevent downdrafts. The increase in air velocity decreases the static pressure above the chimney and causes a partial vacuum, forcing the smoke inside the chimney upwards. They are slightly more expensive than aluminum and galvanized steel caps, but they are much tougher. The most obvious reason to use a chimney cap with 5/8" mesh is that your local building codes require it. Then there are chimneys that dont fall into either category that are specially constructed. Draft-increasing chimney caps rely on Bernoulli's principle to create stronger updrafts. These function the same way as double-wall air-insulated pipes do, they just have three walls instead of two. The most basic reason for this has to do with fire safety. Some homeowners find their taller style more appealing than that of traditional caps, but the motivation behind creating this kind of chimney cover is purely practical. Talk about an expensive repair. Proper maintenance begins with good old fashioned hygiene. Before you can do that though, you'll need to identify what type of chimney and flue you have. If you've got an older masonry chimney with a loose-fitting, broken, or missing damper mechanism, heated or cooled air can escape through your chimney whenever your fireplace isn't in use. Your email address will not be published. This kind of chimney features a single flue that is completely flush with its crown. Call us now toll free: Double-Wall Solid-Pack Insulated Metal Chimneys. Find out more about our repair process here. He is a Master Hearth Professional, which means he is certified in all three hearth appliance fields wood, gas and pellet. You'll find models that leave the insulation exposed as well as ones that cover it with a metal cap. Opening and closing the damper is as simple as changing the position of the lever. If you're interested in maintaining a copper cap's original color, you'll have to clean it regularly and continuously reapply protectant.

Ten Most Common Reasons a Fire Wont Start in a Fireplace Pt 2, Ten Most Common Reasons a Fire Wont Start in a Fireplace Pt 1. Masonry chimneys with more than one flue are called multi-flue chimneys. Excess moisture also promotes mold growth and is one of the most common causes of unpleasant chimney odors. Brick and stone chimneys are called masonry chimneys. Caps with 5/8" mesh generally don't cost that much more than comparably-sized 3/4" models, and the additional protection they offer is well worth the extra money. And, they require essentially no maintenance. Chimney caps come in a variety of shapes and sizes to match the exterior of your home. Fortunately, theres a chimney cap just for that. All of this strength and beauty does, however, come at a cost. Your chimney cap's installation manual will tell you what kind of sealant or adhesive you should look for. Birds are the most common intruders, but it's not uncommon to find squirrels and raccoons in open chimneys. There are, however, some problems which can occur because of a chimney topper, particularly involving wire mesh. Heres what having a chimney cap will do: Weve dedicated ourselves to making sure your home is safer and cleaner after weve completed every project. There's a lot to consider when choosing a chimney cap, but that doesn't mean that it has to be a stressful task. Consequently, this type of cap may literally cost you less to buy, but you could ultimately end up spending more on maintenance and replacements than you would for a more expensive cap. In fact, after you've done a bit of research, the hardest thing you'll have to do is dig your ladder out of the garage. Uncovered chimneys provide appealing nesting places for all sorts of small animals. Differences between Factory-Built Fireplaces and Masonry Fireplaces, How to Choose the Best Firewood for Your Needs. This is the premier cap for solving common wind-related chimney draft problems caused by conditions such as hills and mountains in the vicinity, tall trees near the chimney, or tall buildings nearby.

This is partially due to them weighing less and softer in nature, making it much easier for wind and extreme weather to disturb their mountings. The chimney cap is a potential problem area, no matter how frequently youve used your fireplace. But, if after scaling the homeowner's equivalent of Mt. Similarly, homeowners living in areas with particularly dry climates would benefit from using this kind of chimney cover. Whenever you use your fireplace, you create a lot of sparks. Child Chimney Sweeps: A True and Shocking Tale, Its That Time for All Fireplace Owners to Ensure that Chimneys are Clean, National Fire Prevention Week 2012 is October 7-13, Chimney Liner: A Home Improvement to Smile About, Pellet Stoves 101 Part 3 of 3 (Environmental Advantages), Pellet Stoves 101 Part 2 (Installation and Operation), Pellet Stoves 101 Part 1 (About the Pellets), Real Fires Give Lessons in Fireplace Safety. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()). Downdrafts can cause your home to fill with smoke. Generally speaking, they don't differ much in terms of performance.

Like aluminum models, stainless steel chimney caps are usually more attractive than galvanized steel caps. It's still possible for you to get a chimney cap. Youve come to the right place. What those numbers are referring to is the size of the holes in a cap's screen. Galvanized chimney caps are among the least expensive available. However, they are also some of the least durable. Most masonry chimney caps are mounted directly onto a chimney's flue or crown. When getting this kind of chimney cap you'll need to measure the length of each of your chimney's exterior walls and the height of your tallest flue. If the style is a priority, your best choice is going to be a copper chimney cap. If you don't have a chimney cap or screen to keep them contained, they could ignite your roof or any other nearby flammable materials. Too much water exposure can seep into the seams of the masonry, and before you know it, your chimney is crumbling apart. A copper cap can easily cost almost four times as much as a comparable galvanized steel model and twice as much as a stainless steel one. 6'' x 25' Lifetime Chimney Smooth-Wall Liner Kit with Stove Adapter, 6'' x 25' Lifetime Chimney Smooth-Wall Liner Kit with Tee, 8'' x 25' Lifetime Chimney Smooth-Wall Liner Kit with Stove Adapter, 6'' x 35' Lifetime Chimney Smooth-Wall Liner Kit with Tee, 6'' TDW Vacu-Stack for Air Cooled Chimney, Enervex Chimney Fan - RSHT 16 - Solid Fuel Appliance Only, Vacu-Stack 6" TDW Air Cooled with 1/2" Screen, Enervex Chimney Fan - RSHT 14 - Solid Fuel Appliance Only, Vacu-Stack 8" TDW Air Cooled with 1/2" Screen, 8'' TDW Vacu-Stack for Air Cooled Chimney, 13'' Type ''C'' Chimney Top Draft Inducer, Enervex Chimney Fan - RS 009-Gas Appliance Only, 6'' x 35' Lifetime Chimney Smooth-Wall Liner Kit with Stove Adapter, Vacu-Stack 6" TDW Air Cooled with 1" x 1" Screen. Tips for Upgrading Fireplace Efficiency and Appearance, Chimneys and Wet, Snowy Winters Arent a Good Mix, Chimney Woes A Drafty Fireplace or Wood Stove.

The optional mesh screen will limit the chance of birds, animals, leaves, and other unwanted debris from plugging up your chimney. Generally, chimney caps don't require many accessories. Blockages are incredibly dangerous and if your chimney cant channel air in and out, youre at risk for a chimney fire. Copper chimney caps are much more expensive than ones made with other materials. In almost every situation, determining the size you need takes only a few quick measurements. 4" Anti-Downdraft Liner Cap, 5" Anti-Downdraft Liner Cap, 6" Anti-Downdraft Liner Cap, 6" Anti-Downdraft Liner Cap w/rainseal, 7" Anti-Downdraft Liner Cap w/rainseal, 8" Anti-Downdraft Liner Cap, 8" Anti-Downdraft Liner Cap w/rainseal, Your email address will not be published. Most are simply painted black and feature very basic, utilitarian designs. High quality austenitic stainless steel, T-304, guarantees superior durability for long service life. In terms of maintenance, copper can also be fairly demanding. National Fire Prevention Week 2013: Prevent Kitchen Fires, Why Your Chimney Leaks: Common Causes of Chimney Problems, Labor Day Signals Its Time for Your Annual Chimney Inspection, Why and How to Minimize Creosote Buildup in your Chimney, The Origin of Smart Heating Systems: Pellet Stoves, Dont Blow Smoke: Milestones in the Evolution of the Chimney, Zero-Clearance Fireplaces and Why They are Good Options, 3 Mistakes Homeowners Make regarding Fireplace Safety, Preventative Maintenance Cuts Chimney Repair Costs, Top 3 Reasons to Budget for a Chimney Inspection, 7 Benefits of Having a Fireplace in Your Home, A Common Cause of a Chimney Leak: Flashing, Famous Fireplaces and Fireplaces of the Famed, Professional Tools Used by Chimney Sweeps, Your Choice of Firewood Can Save Entire Ecosystems, Tuckpointing: Repairing Damaged Mortar Joints, Why Annual Inspections are Needed for Gas Fireplaces, 6 Signs That Your Chimney Needs to Be Repaired, Tips for Preventing Deadly Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. Also, any lengthy run of exposed air-cooled chimney above the roof could cause the topmost portion of the chimney (and cap) to cake with creosote, but there are many potential causes. For more information please click here. When the screen is obstructed, the oxygen needed for the fire is cut off, which means the fire could be much more difficult to light, and it wont burn properly. Once you've done that, you can search for a model designed to fit those dimensions. What are NCSG and CSIA Certification Requirements, and Why Should Homeowners Care? We sell SunSetter Retractable Awnings. Now that you understand why a chimney cap is a necessary investment, you're probably ready to make a purchase. In those situations, you may need a special draft-increasing cap to ensure that your fireplace vents properly. If you have an older masonry chimney that is lacking a damper, youll likely begin to notice air escaping when dont have a fire burning in the fireplace. Standard chimney caps, with their economical weather and animal protection, are by far the most common. But, if you need an adhesive or sealant, you may have to buy them separately. Flue stretcher chimney caps allow you to raise the height of your masonry chimney's flue by one or two feet while protecting your home from the elements and animal invaders. How do you know if a flue stretcher would help you? Such nests are dangerous because any kind of chimney obstruction can cause a smoke build-up inside your home, and the waste from these animals can harbor disease. This can cause downdrafts, a serious problem where the smoke from your fire is blown back down your chimney. Vacu Stack Anti Downdraft Cap (4): ICPVSS-4, Vacu Stack Anti-Downdraft Cap (5): ICPVSS-5, Vacu Stack Anti-Downdraft Cap (6): ICPVSS-6, Vacu Stack Anti-Downdraft Cap (8): ICPVSS-8, Vacu Stack Anti-Downdraft Cap with Rain Seal (6): ICPVSS-6RS, Vacu Stack Anti-Downdraft Cap with Rain Seal (7): ICPVSS-07RS, Vacu Stack Anti-Downdraft Cap with Rain Seal (8): ICPVSS-8RS, There are no moving parts to bind or malfunction, The optional rain seal will help protect the top insulation of an insulated chimney.



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