Here, we’ll be discussing chimney cap installation.
All properly installed chimneys have caps at the very top of the chimney systems.
These serve several functions among which are the prevention of embers or sparks from escaping and the prevention of windy downdrafts among others.
How To Install A Chimney Cap
A chimney cap will normally be put in place during chimney installation.
However, these caps may sometimes get dislodged by strong winds, or the wire mesh on the caps may get clogged.
Whatever the case is, the cap either needs to be fixed or a new one installed. It all boils down to the condition of your chimney cap.
Considerations For DIY Chimney Cap Installation
Have you recently moved into a home without a chimney cap? Is your chimney cap missing?
Any of these scenarios will require having a chimney cap replaced or installed.
You’ll have to determine whether to carry out the job yourself or have a professional handle the installation process.
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Are you Acrophobic?
One of the primary considerations you’ll have to make is to assess your suitability for the job. Chimney cap installation requires climbing up your roof to access the chimney stack.
If you have an irrational fear of heights, then this job wouldn’t be for you. You’ll need to call for help.
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Type of Chimney Matters
The chimney cap installation procedure you follow is determined by the type of chimney. There are two types; the single-flue chimney as well as the multi-flue chimney.
The different installation approaches have been discussed below. You only need to find out what category your chimney belongs to.
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Getting the Tools To Cap A Chimney
Certain basic tools are needed to perform chimney cap installation. Now, this procedure isn’t difficult at all.
However, doing a great job of installation requires the right tools. Such tools include a ladder for accessing your roof area as well as a measuring tape.
Other tools necessary include a screwdriver, a power drill, a caulking gun, a masonry bit as well as a stiff-bristle brush. With these, you’re ready to commence work on your chimney.
Chimney Cap Installation For Single-Flue Chimneys
For homeowners with single-flue chimneys, the chimney cap installation process isn’t as complicated as you might think. All you have to do to begin is carry all your tools using a tool bag or other appropriate case or container.
Choose a stable area to position your ladder. This area should be closest to the chimney stack for easy reach. You’ll do well to get a roof harness for better stability while getting the job done.
Now, measure the length and width of the chimney flue and have such dimensions recorded.
If you’re not certain about what constitutes the chimney flue, this is the extended part made from either metal tubing or clay that exits the chimney structure.
More measuring guidelines may be necessary for chimneys having circular flues.
For these, you’ll need to encircle or wrap your measuring tape around the flue to find the circumference. When this (circumference) is obtained, you’ll need to have such calculated to find the diameter.
An easy way to do this is by using an online circle calculator.
With the dimensions taken, you’ll need to go look for the right or corresponding chimney cap. We recommend you look for a galvanized steel cap as these tend to be more durable.
However, it’s possible that you may not find one.
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Installing Your Single-Flue Chimney Cap
It’s assumed you’ve bought a fitting cap for your chimney based on actual dimensions taken. You’ll have to climb up your ladder to get o the chimney stack.
The cap should easily sit on the flue as per the corresponding dimensions.
Having lowered the cap, what remains is to have it positioned and tightened.
In positioning your chimney cap, it should be done in such a way that it sits at least 6 inches to the flue top to allow for sufficient clearance that ensures exhaust fumes aren’t prevented from escaping.
Your chimney cap should come with self-tapping screws. These should be tightened with the help of your screwdriver through the rim holes and into the flue.
Some chimney caps have clamps in place of schools. Such should be tightened according. You want to ensure the cap is firmly held in place by the screws.
Chimney Cap Installation For Multi-Flue Chimneys
If your chimney has multiple flues, you’ll want to follow the procedure outlined below. There’s no way of knowing without climbing to escape. Sometimes, the multiple flue systems might be visible from below.
Of course, you’ll need your ladder to reach your roof. Using your tape, get the dimensions of the space that will be sufficient enough to cover all the flues.
Here, you want to take the length, the width as well as the height. For the height, you’ll need to allow sufficient space of about 6 inches from the flue top to the roof of the chimney cap you wish to get.
The length and width of the chimney crown around the flues need to be taken and recorded. All recorded dimensions serve as useful data for picking the right chimney cap.
With the help of your bristle brush, have the crown scrubbed clean.
It’s time to climb down to go find a fitting multi-flue chimney cap that fits all the dimensions taken. Having purchased this, return it up to your roof and have the chimney cap mounted on the crown.
Necessary adjustments may need to be made in terms of its sitting and positioning.
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Installing Your Chimney Cap
With the help of a power drill, have smaller holes (smaller than installation screws) drilled into the crown through holes on the chimney cap. Now, take the chimney cap off and have caulk applied at the edges.
Return it in position and drive through the screws to hold the chimney cap in place.
Professional Chimney Cap Installation
If none of these installation methods appeals to you, you’ll need to have a professional carry out the installation job for you. Professional follows pretty much the same procedures to put the cap in place.
This saves you the stress of having to get the job done yourself. These are the procedures for chimney cap installation. You have the option of either handling it yourself or calling the pros.
Here is the average cost to install a chimney cap.
Either way, your chimney cap will serve to prevent any issues relating to moisture as well as clogging by debris or wildlife.