All About Chase Covers & Why Professional Installation is a Necessary Investment

A common question homeowners ask is what exactly is the difference between a chase cover and a chimney cap. They seem to function similarly and they’re both installed at the top of the chimney, so what’s the big difference?

Well, while chase covers help to block out a lot of the same things that chimney caps do (animals, water, nesting materials, etc.), there are some distinguishing differences between the two components. Essentially, chase covers are designed to fit on prefabricated units, and they cover the entire chase opening, not just the flue. Think of a chase cover like a metal version of a chimney crown.

Chase covers lay mostly flat but should have some slant to them, so that water doesn’t pool and cause rust. All in all, they play a vital role in protecting your chimney from the elements, making them a necessity for anyone with a prefab unit.

Before stucco and chase cover repair rusty around cap

Before Stucco and Chase Cover Repair

After Stucco and Chase Cover Repair stainless steel in brown trees in background

After Stucco and Chase Cover Repair

Stainless Steel Chase Cover and Cap homes in the background

Stainless Steel Chase Cover and Cap

Is Your Chase Cover Strong Enough?

Your prefabricated chimney should have come with a chase cover, but there’s a good chance it isn’t the most reliable cover on the market. Most of the time, the ones you start with will work for a short period of time, then break down, rust, or become ineffective.

We can provide you with a chase cover that stands the test of time. This way you won’t have to constantly worry about replacing the unit every so often or wonder if water has made its way into your system.

It’s not always easy to spot water damage right away. The longer leaks go undetected, the worse the damage to the chimney will be when you do discover it. This triggers the need for more repairs, which takes time and money, and let’s face it, isn’t fun to deal with.

Invest in a reliable chase cover from the start, so you don’t have to stress.

Why Chase Cover Installation Isn’t a DIY Job

When it comes to chase covers, the right fit is everything. Loose spots and openings offer perfect pathways for water to enter the chimney chase and cause damage. What you need is a tight, reliable seal that blocks moisture out for good.

But before you decide to DIY your chase cover installation to save some money, know that it could end up costing you more if you do it yourself. A good chase cover installation isn’t just about fit – it’s about slope and material.

There’s a lot that goes into creating and installing the most effective chase cover. So, how can you be sure you get it right? By hiring a professional.

Trust us. If water enters a metal chimney system or comes into contact with the wood framing or metal framing of your chimney chase, you could end up shelling out money on a chase rebuild or a brand new prefab fireplace and chimney system.

Plus, getting up on your roof is dangerous in and of itself, and if it’s wet or icy you’ll have to be especially careful. We’re trained to be in these harder-to-reach, more awkward areas, and we have the equipment necessary to stay as safe as possible. So leave chase cover installation to your local pros: The Chimney Guys.

Protect Your Prefab Chimney With a Quality Chase Cover

Have a failing chase cover? Take the pressure off yourself, and let our team take it from here. We have all the tools, materials, and expertise needed to install a chase cover that will last.

Call us at 434-481-3796 or request an appointment online today and see what it’s like to work with a family-run company that cares about your safety and comfort as much as you do!

 

Chimney waterproofing for your masonry chimney is one of the best ways to prevent many leaky chimney problems. Call us for details.