Can I install a chimney cap myself?

Chimney caps protect the inside of your chimney and the inside of your home from weather damage and outdoor pests. Most people prefer to hire a professional when capping their chimney, but you can technically install a cap on your own.

How hard is it to install a chimney cap?

Installing a chimney cap is not too hard and the tools needed are minimal. Most chimney caps are made to fit your chimney with four screws. You just put the cap on top and tighten the screws. However some chimneys are older and take a little more time to install a cap.

How much does it cost to have a chimney cap installed?

Chimney Cap Installation Cost

Installing a chimney cap costs $300 on average, ranging from $75 to $1,000. The cap runs $35 to $550 depending on material and size. In most cases, you’ll pay $100 to $200 for installation.

How do you put a chimney cap on?

How long does it take to install a chimney cap?

How Long Does it Take to Install a Chimney Cap? A standard single flue chimney cap requires about 5 -10 minutes to install once a technician is on the roof. Multi-flue chimney caps can require 1 hour or more to install depending on the style of the chimney cap.

Do you really need a chimney cap?

You see chimney caps are very necessary. They have two principal functions: First they keep “outside things” out and “inside things” in and they act as “the guard of the gate”, if you will. Protecting your chimney from water, snow, animals and other entry which could do you and your chimney harm!

Does rain go down a chimney?

Unless a chimney has a cowling, rain often comes down its relatively small aperture. But all chimneys have a bend built into them to prevent any downdraught. Any normal rain will be absorbed by the insides of the chimney and prevented from going all the way down by this ledge.

Is it bad to not have a chimney cap?

If there is no chimney cap, the rain pours in and can cause damage to your attic and interior ceilings and walls. If a chimney cap has mesh siding, it can prevent critters from getting into your chimney and causing a variety of problems and inconveniences.

How do I know what size chimney cap to buy?

Measuring the height of the tallest flue is to make sure that the cap is at least five inches taller than your tallest flue as to not interrupt the draft of your chimney. The Multi-Flue cap can be sized to fit just around the flues or to cover the entire chimney crown.

Do chimney caps keep water out?

Chimney cap: The chimney cap protects the top of your flue from water entry, as well as animals and debris. Without a properly fitted chimney cap, the flue and fireplace are left completely exposed to water entry from rain.

Does a chimney cap Reduce draft?

In addition to protecting your fireplace system from moisture, animals, and debris, chimney caps can also help improve fireplace drafting. The presence of a chimney cap does not eliminate draft issues, however. There are a number of draft issues that can occur even with a chimney cap.

Is there a standard chimney size?

Prefab or metal chimneys, class A and double or triple walls are usually found in three diameters.

Prefab or Metal Chimneys.

Chimney Size Common Venting Uses
Inside diameter (inches) Inside Area (square inches)
6 28.3 Stoves, Central Heaters
7 38.5 Stoves, Central Heaters
8 50.3 Stoves, Small Fireplaces, Central Heaters