Chimney Cap Installation in Buffalo, New York

What does a chimney cap do?

• Keeps rain and snow out of the flue. Water inside a chimney damages the liner, the damper and the firebox, and in freeze-thaw it breaks masonry from the inside.
• Keeps animals out. Birds, squirrels and raccoons nest in open flues constantly, and a nest is both a blockage and a fire hazard.
• Stops embers leaving — the mesh acts as a spark arrestor.
• Reduces downdraft in wind, which is often the reason a room smells of smoke.

What kind of cap should go on?

Stainless steel, in nearly every case. Galvanised is cheaper and rusts out in a few winters, which stains the masonry on the way. Copper is excellent and costs more.

Sizing matters as much as material: the cap must clear the flue by enough to avoid restricting draft, and the mesh has to be fine enough to stop animals without blinding over with creosote. Multi-flue chimneys usually want a single full-coverage cap rather than separate ones.

Signs you need a cap or a new one

Water stains on the wall around the fireplace, a damp or musty smell in the firebox, rust on the damper, animal noise in the chimney, or a rusted-through cap visible from the ground.

We inspect it as part of any chimney flashing visit — see chimney flashing and repair in Buffalo.

Chimney caps near Buffalo

Free assessment of the flue and crown while we are up there. Call (716) 592-6577.

Other services in Buffalo, NY

Back to Buffalo services or all New York locations.

Chimney Cap Installation in Buffalo — common questions