Does My Chimney Chase Cover Need Replacing?
A chimney chase cover is without a doubt an absolute necessity. The chimney chase cover sits on the top portion of the chimney most visibly seen, acting as a roof for the structure. Preventing water, snow and animals that could seep into the elemental structure causing structural damage that could’ve otherwise been avoided with a simple replacement.
What is a Chimney Chase Cover?
A chimney chase cover acts similar to a chimney crown that protects the masonry chimneys. Chimney chase covers are commonly used for factory built chimneys covering the chase and serve as a protective and preventative measure for the chimney. This function serves an important purpose to protect your chimney against inclement weather that could allow rain, water, snow and debris. These factors would cause rotting of the wooden structure and deeper damage. In addition to weather, animals seeking refuge in chimneys are a common problem where birds attempt to nest and raccoons creating a home for their family, posing as a hazardous risk for you and your home.
What is a factory built chimney?
Chimneys can come in different shapes and sizes commonly made of brick and mortar with a flue tile exit and a chimney cap atop. A factory built chimney is a factory made box built of metal with a wooden structure surrounding to the exit requiring a chase cover to conceal the exposure of the chimney.
How Do I Know It’s Time For A Replacement?
You’ll know it’s time for a replacement for one of many reasons:
Your chase cover has visible rusting appearing reddish or brown in color. Rust is a result of excessive moisture, wear and tear. Rusting can cause the chimney chase cover to split or break, putting your chimney at risk for leaks.
2. Improper installation although not visible, risks your chimney for further damage. A yearly chimney inspection is important in maintaining the condition and quality of your chimney functions.
3. Leaks can lead to many problems with your chimney. Water that reaches the wooden structure will result in damages to your chimney. You can face wood rot, damage to your firebox, mold and mildew to develop, rot to the surroundings materials/structure of your home, deterioration of the chase sidings.
4. Water in your firebox
5. Odors emitting on and around your fireplace
6. The factory built fireplace and venting system rusting resulting in a need to replace them.
What Material is Used for Chimney Chase Covers?
There are several options to choose from when deciding on the material for your next chimney chase cover.
Galvanized steel: the most common found when chimneys are first built. Considered the most problematic, this is an option if you’re looking for a short-term budget friendly fix.
Aluminum steel: similar to galvanized. This material won’t face much rusting and softer which runs the risk of damaging if exposed to harsher weather conditions.
Copper: a more expensive option, however extremely durable and long lasting.
Stainless steel: long lasting, stronger material resistant to rust
As a professional company, we only use stainless steel chimney chase covers to be fully compliant with NFPA211 standards.
we will use a prefabricated custom made chase pan that is sloped towards the center or where it meets the pipe to divert water away from the venting system.
Are There Additional Components to A Chimney Chase Cover?
A chimney is an impressive structure made of many parts. So it should come as no surprise that the chimney chase cover has many components to it. One being the framing, vinyls in the corner and lastly the chase cover to hold it all together.
We encourage you to discuss these options with your chimney technician to recommend what is the best suitable option for your budget and longevity of your chimney.
A proper inspection with your local chimney technician will rule out other possibilities to perform a repair. A chimney chase cover is an infrequent and low maintenance investment for a safe and functional chimney use! It’s best to check the health of these components during the warmer season for an easy repair to prepare yourself for a stress-free winter season to come.
