If you have been putting off chimney cap repair thinking that it is not important, you may not be aware of the risks associated with a chimney in a state of disrepair. A cap acts as a roof over the top of your chimney and it prevents snow, rain, and other moisture from entering your home. If your chimney’s cap is damaged or otherwise not operating properly, you run the risk of experiencing problems including:
- Damage caused by debris such as tree limbs and branches
Photo Credit: Flickr danthemason
- Damage caused by moisture, leading to the breakdown of mortar joints
- Cracks in the chimney’s lining
- Various difficulties caused by animal entry
- Improper ventilation
For these and many other reasons, it is important to make sure that your cap is functioning as it should. If not, the cap should be repaired before additional damage can be sustained. Luckily, many repair jobs are easy enough to do on your own without hiring a professional.
Get Up On The Roof
First, you should find a sturdy ladder with which you can get onto your roof in order to take a close look at the chimney and its cap. If the cap is bent and it is made from steel or copper, you can repair the damage by using a hammer or pliers. If the cap is made from some other type of material, or the damage is serious, a professional chimney repair service should be contacted. This is because additional damage can easily occur if you are overzealous in your repairs of a severely impaired chimney cap.
Tighten It Up
If the cap is simply loose, you should tighten any fasteners or reapply any necessary adhesive. If you are unsure what type of adhesive you should use, refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines. This keeps the chimney’s cap secure and functioning properly.
Mind The Mesh
Next, make sure that the protective mesh surrounding the cap is not damaged or clogged with debris. This mesh ensures that larger debris or curious animals do not have access to your home. It also ensures that the chimney retains proper ventilation. Remove soot and debris carefully to avoid additional damage.
Sealing To Protect Your Ceiling And More
Because moisture can be so damaging, the cap needs to be sealed as securely as possible to the flue. While on the roof, you should caulk around the area where the cap meets the flue to prevent moisture from seeping in. This serves the dual purpose of keeping the chimney free of moisture while also protecting your attic from water damage.
Because your chimney is an opening to the outside world, it is also an opening through which the outside world can enter your home. A solidly built cap kept in good repair can save you from costly maintenance or replacement. It is recommended that you inspect your chimney cap at least once a year. If any damage is minimal, you can certainly do it yourself, but if serious chimney cap repair is needed, you should definitely call a professional.
Related Posts
No related posts.