For the Best Chimney Caps in Madison, Call Hansen & Sons
Of all the potential aggressors to cause damage to your chimney’s structural integrity and overall performance, water is the worst. There are many ways you can safeguard your chimney against water damage, such as investing in professional waterproofing services and ensuring your crown or chase cover is in good condition. But, without a high-quality chimney cap (or rain cap), your entire system is compromised – even if every other element has been treated appropriately to withstand various weather conditions.
The good news is that Hansen & Sons offers the best chimney caps near Madison, WI, providing comprehensive solutions to safeguard your home against weather, animals, and debris. For the last 71+ years we’ve been providing our community with the highest quality chimney and fireplace products and services this industry has to offer. Our team is not only dedicated, highly trained, and certified with the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), but they’re friendly and approachable, too. Plus, with over seven decades of experience, no matter the service, you can trust that you’re in excellent hands.
If you are a homeowner in search of professional, high-quality chimney cap installation services near Madison, our team is the one to trust. When you work with Hansen & Sons, you ensure that your chimney remains in the best condition possible, so that you can enjoy your appliance for years to come. Get started by calling 608-466-4185 or filling out our appointment request form.
To learn more and book your appointment, reach out to someone from our team. Fill out our contact form to get in touch online, or give us a call at 608-466-4185.
What Is a Chimney Cap?
Installed on top of your chimney’s flue, a rain cap is a protective covering that prohibits external elements from entering the appliance while allowing for proper ventilation. Chimney caps are generally constructed from some kind of metal and come in a variety of different sizes, shapes, and styles, but they all perform the same job: to protect the flue. In addition to protecting against things like animal entry and water intrusion, chimney caps also protect the roof of your home and any nearby combustibles (like overhanging trees) from flyaway embers that could start a fire.
Usually, chimney caps are designed to resemble a small roof that hangs over a cage that fits snugly inside the opening of the flue. The cage allows exhaust fumes and noxious gases from combustion to escape efficiently, while the mini roof prevents unwanted intrusions and redirects water away from the flue.
Want to know more about the rain caps we have to offer Madison residents? Reach out online or give us a call at 608-466-4185 and someone from the Hansen & Sons team will be happy to give you as much information as possible.
Why Do I Need a Rain Cap?
Chimney caps are absolutely essential in contributing to the overall safety and longevity of your entire heating system:
- Moisture Prevention: A chimney cap helps prevent water from entering your chimney. Water can erode masonry and mortar joints, and cause rusting or decay of the damper and firebox. By keeping moisture out, you avoid costly repairs and potential hazards.
- Flue Blockage Prevention: Leaves, debris, and other obstructions can easily enter an uncapped chimney, causing blockages. These blockages can lead to dangerous situations such as fires, smoke damage, and even carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Animal Invasion Prevention: Chimney caps prevent birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other animals from nesting in your chimney. These animals can bring diseases and create blockages. For instance, chimney swifts are federally protected, and their nests cannot be disturbed, meaning you must wait for them to migrate before installing a cap to prevent future invasions.
- Ember and Spark Protection: Chimney caps are designed with mesh that helps prevent embers and sparks from escaping your chimney flue, reducing the risk of roof and nearby property fires.
Are There Different Kinds of Chimney Caps?
Yes, there are actually quite a few different kinds of chimney rain caps – to ensure that even the most unique appliances receive adequate protection:
- Single-Flue Cap: Ideal for chimneys with a single flue, this type of cap offers straightforward, cost-effective protection without any unnecessary features. It provides clean-cut, low-profile protection.
- Multi-Flue Cap: For larger chimneys with multiple exhaust flues, a multi-flue cap is essential. These caps are tailored to the dimensions of your system, offering customizable yet stylish protection for all your flues.
- Outside Mount Cap: As the name suggests, outside mount caps cover the entire chimney top and usually extend over the chimney crown to provide enhanced protection against debris and weather damage.
- Specialty Cap: These caps offer additional protection against the elements and are designed to cover even the most uniquely structured chimneys. They are customizable to meet various size and shape requirements.
- Full-Coverage Caps/Covers: These caps cover the entire chimney top and offer maximum protection for the entire system. With numerous customization options, you can find a design that complements your home.
To learn more about the various chimney cap styles and types and which one would be the most suitable for your setup, schedule an appointment with one of our chimney experts. After we get more information about the kind of chimney you have and the overall look you’re trying to achieve, we can suggest options for you to consider. Call 608-466-4185 or fill out our contact form for details.
Can I Cap My Chimney Myself?
We wouldn’t recommend it, no. Installing a chimney cap requires precise measurements and proper tools to ensure a secure fit. Improper installation can lead to gaps or loose fittings, which can undermine the cap’s effectiveness. At Hansen & Sons, our experienced technicians ensure that your chimney cap is installed correctly, providing you with peace of mind and long-lasting protection. Plus, while we’re up there, we can take a quick look at other nearby system components to determine whether other services are needed.
Trust us: you’ll save so much more time and money in the long run when you choose to work with a professional company from the jump. And why not trust the oldest chimney and fireplace service provider in Madison to install a shiny new chimney cap? See for yourself why we’ve been this community’s top choice since 1953. Give us a call at 608-466-4185 or reach out online to learn more.
How Do I Clean & Maintain My Rain Cap?
Just like every other chimney part that requires professional attention and assistance, the chimney cap is no different. So, while there is not a whole lot you personally can do to ensure your rain cap stays clean and effective, it is your responsibility to stay on top of your annual preventive services like chimney cleanings and inspections.
In the same vein, it’s always a good idea to have a general awareness of the overall state and condition of your chimney and fireplace appliance. Keep track of service dates and when you’ve replaced certain parts or pieces over the years. That way it will be slightly easier – in theory anyway – to discern potential root causes if and when they arise.
For instance, a leak in your chimney could be the result of a lot of different things, but when you have a record of when you last had your flashing repaired or your masonry tuckpointed, it might mean your chimney cap is to blame.
Can You Fix a Damaged Chimney Cap?
Unlike other chimney repairs that offer multiple solutions based on the extent of damage, a damaged chimney cap must be replaced entirely. Issues with chimney caps generally involve corrosion, rust, or structural deterioration that renders the cap ineffective. However, needing to invest in an entirely new cap means that you can pick one that better matches your home’s look or your preferred aesthetic.
Prevent Leaks & Invest in a Rain Cap from Hansen & Sons
Regardless of the kind of chimney you have, investing in water protection is crucial – especially when it comes to the vulnerable insides of your structure. At Hansen & Sons, our rain caps are designed to prevent leaks, blockages, and animal invasions while enhancing the overall efficiency of your chimney system. With our expert installation and wide selection of durable and stylish caps, you can rest assured that your chimney will remain in optimal condition for years to come.
Contact Hansen & Sons to learn more about our chimney cap solutions for your Madison home and schedule your installation today! Call 608-466-4185 for details.
Sometimes, damage to a chimney is extensive and requires major chimney repair like a complete rebuild. If that describes your situation, no worries – we’ve got you covered.