“Thank you so much for putting the new cap on. We appreciated your professionalism and efficient work ethic. It is refreshing to find people who maintain these values! Thanks again for a super job.”
When chimneys are constructed, the opening at the top is usually left uncovered. It doesn't take long for this condition to develop into a problem.
A hole at the top of your chimney -- large or small -- is an "open" invitation for water damage, animal entry, or escaping cinders among other unwanted conditions:
The installation of a chimney cap is often a simple solution to avoid these circumstances.
Chimney caps, or rain caps as they are commonly called, provide protection to the top and interior of a chimney. They are typically comprised of a lid with screened sides that is attached to the top of the chimney.
Chimney caps come in all shapes and sizes. They are typically made of stainless steel, galvanized metal or copper and can now be powder coated in almost any color imaginable. We at Clean Sweep Chimney Services can even have a customized cap made to meet your personal tastes and needs.
A damper is basically a movable horizontal metal plate located in the throat of the fireplace. When the fireplace is in use the damper is opened to allow smoke and gases to escape up the chimney. When the fireplace is not in use, the damper is kept closed to keep valuable warm air from going up and out your chimney in the winter. In the summer months a closed damper can keep foul smelling air in the chimney from entering your home.
The problem is that metal dampers can deteriorate or be damaged to the point that they no longer function as they were intended. A practical and cost effective solution to this problem is the installation of a top sealing damper.
Top sealing dampers are basically a spring loaded pivoting plate mounted at the top of the chimney opening. The damper assembly is attached to a cable that runs down into the fireplace firebox. When you want to open or close the damper plate you simply pull the cable up or down and lock it into place. Simple . . . but effective.
When your damper has failed and you are also in need of a chimney cap we have a solution for that too. A variety of combination chimney caps and top sealing dampers are now available. These units perform just as the top sealing dampers do (as described above) but provide the added protection of a screened chimney cap. This is a very popular and practical solution to damper problems.
If you are experiencing any of the chimney problems we have discussed above, or if you simply want to ensure the safety and efficiency of your chimney through a thorough chimney inspection, please contact us. We can provide you with the right solution!