Custom Chimney CapsCustom Chimney Caps - Are They Worth It?
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A chimney cap is a type of protective covering used for chimneys – some standard or there are custom chimney caps. The question is why custom chimney caps would be used and whether they are worth the price. Keep in mind that regardless of the type of chimney you have, a cap is necessary. In addition to keeping critters out of the chimney, the cap will also reduce the risk of fire by controlling draft, sparks, etc.
Although you will find that custom chimney caps might be a little higher priced than standard caps, they are still affordable. Therefore, do not allow price to scare you off from the “custom” aspect. Then, you may not have a choice but to choose from a variety of custom chimney caps. For instance, if your chimney is an odd size or something custom made with multiple flues, then you would likely look beyond standard caps. In addition, you may simply like the appearance that custom chimney caps offer.
Remember that regardless of the type of chimney cap you decide on, choosing should not be a difficult process. However, a number of factors should be associated with this decision to include things such as size, type, shape, and metal. For instance, the shape of custom chimney caps is generally made specific to a person’s chimney. The professional installer will look at your flue and then determine the exact shape that would work best for your fireplace.
Another factor is the type of custom chimney caps to be considered. In this case, if your fireplace flue is higher than the chimney crown, and if the shape is a small rectangle or square, then chances are a single cap would work. On the other hand, if the flue were less than one inch above the crown, the installer would likely recommend a top mount cap, which uses screws that go through a flange, resting on the crown. Of course, if your fireplace has multiple flues, the options for custom chimney caps are a little more varied.
Custom chimney caps also come in a nice selection of materials. Just as with standard caps, you could choose from stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and steel. However, black-painted steel and stainless steel remain the most popular choices in that they look nice and can handle heat best. However, galvanized steel is one of the most affordable of all materials but it is also not nearly as durable as other options. Of course, many custom chimney caps are designed from copper, which creates a rich, elegant look while still being highly functional.
Just remember that if you are looking for something different, something that will set your chimney look and operation aside from others, then a customized cap is a great solution. Again, sometimes people will spend a little more money for custom chimney caps simply because the fireplace is odd-shaped and they have no other choice – just be sure you work with a reputable company and professional installer.
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