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Our fireplaces are a cherished part of our homes in the Tennessee Valley, especially during the winter. While the warmth from your wood-burning or gas fireplace is a comforting ambiance, it’s your chimney that plays a crucial role in keeping your home and family safe. As part of a venting system, the chimney directs smoke and exhaust, such as carbon monoxide, out of your home. Among its most vital components are caps, crowns, and covers.
These elements are not just accessories. They are essential safeguards for your chimney. Without them, your chimney could be at risk for water damage, potentially leading to structural problems. So, what exactly are these components, and why are they so important for your masonry or manufactured fireplace?
Standing tall like a guardian, the chimney cap is a prominent player in preserving the integrity of the chimney system. It acts as a shield, protecting the crown and preventing rain, snow, leaves, birds, and small animals from entering the flue. This protection is crucial as these elements can cause deterioration of the interior masonry walls and the flue liner, increasing fire, safety, and health hazards. Moreover, the cap also plays a role in maintaining proper ventilation within the chimney, preventing downdrafts. With chimney caps available in various sizes, ensuring your chimney has the right one for optimal protection is essential.
Perched atop the chimney stack, just beneath the cap, lies the chimney crown – a critical jewel in the defense against the elements. This sloped structure is typically made from concrete, mortar, or even stone. Its job is to safeguard the chimney by:
Cracks or other damage to the crown allow water to seep inside the chimney, where it can attract mold, mildew, and pests. The interior masonry is very susceptible to water damage, which could lead to structural problems without proper repair.
Like a chimney crown for masonry chimneys, chase covers are mainly for manufactured fireplaces. They are designed to seamlessly cover the entire width of a wood-framed chase, forming a robust barrier against the elements and animal intrusion.
Typically crafted from durable materials like steel and copper, chase covers provide exceptional protection and enhance the chimney’s aesthetic appeal. Their angled surface effectively diverts precipitation, minimizing the risk of water damage to the surrounding structure.
Annual chimney inspections and routine maintenance help ensure your fireplace’s safe and efficient operation. Our certified chimney sweeps can inspect your chimney cap, crown, and flue for damage, deterioration, or blockages and recommend repairs or replacements, giving you peace of mind and saving you from potential problems in the future.
A1 Chimney Specialist is your #1 source for fireplace sales and installations in Southern Middle Tennessee & Tennessee Valley and Madison County, Alabama, including Monteagle TN, Winchester TN, Huntsville AL, and Madison AL. Our certified professionals provide inspections and repairs that can help spot minor issues before they become major problems, prolonging the life of your chimney system, including the cap, crown, and cover. With us, you can rest assured that your chimney is in good hands. Schedule an appointment today!
