Do you have an old chimney cap? It may be time to install a new one for your chimney. Here are a few tips on how to install a new chimney cap. Choose the right chimney cap. Chimney caps keep rain, debris, snow and animals out of your chimney. There are an assortment of chimney caps available in the market. For example, there are available in aluminum, steel, stainless steel and even copper.
When it comes to the size of your cap, it all depends on your area’s building code requirements. They come in a 3/4 inch mesh diameter and they have one that’s 1/2 inch, which is a little narrower. There are basically two types of caps, the integral damper and the draft increasing vacuum cap. The one you select for your chimney will all depend on the airflow level of the chimney.
Choose an installation technique. The chimney caps installation technique will all depend on the kind of chimney you own. People who have an air insulated metal chimney will have a layer of airflow around the walls. A solid pack chimney will not have a layer of airflow around the walls. For those purchasing a round cap to fit a solid pack chimney or a metal chimney, it is highly recommended that you measure the inside diameter of the ‘flue’ and the outside diameter of your chimney, so that it fit’s properly.
You will more than likely have to have the cap tightened with pressure screws or have it slide on. However, if your chimney has more than one flue, you’ll have to measure the outside parameters. It’s very important to remember that chimney caps have to be around five inches on top of the tallest flue. If you have a round clay tile flue, simply install it by pushing it down into the flue and caulk the joint with a 3/8 inch silicon sealant. If for some reason the chimney flue ends underneath the crown of the chimney, you will have to get a top mounted chimney cap with a bracket or leg kit.
Installation of Chimney Caps
Before you install chimney caps, make sure you review the manufacturer’s requirements. This is important because you will need to see if you need to mount the bracket with screws or adhesives with mortar anchor.
If you decide to screw the cap in, make sure you use 1/4 inch diameter screws that are between 1 1/2 – 1 3/4 inches in length.
The next step is to put the cap flange on the crown in order to figure out the height of your guide holes. Then separate the screws out about 12 inches with one on every side of the crown. Then drill with a 3/16 masonry bit, and fasten the screws securely into the holes to secure the cap.
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Dallas,
Texas
75229
Phone: 972-877-4650
To find out more information on chimney caps, visit our caps page
