Chimney Chase Cover Replacement Near You: We Replace Worn, Rusted-Out Chase Covers in Tulsa, Skiatook & More
Whether you have a prefabricated chimney or a masonry one, one thing remains constant – you need to keep water out! Prefab chimneys can rust and rapidly deteriorate if water makes its way into the system. Those repair costs can add up fast, which is why they come equipped with chase covers. For chimney chase cover repair, replacement, and installation near you, reach out.
Chase Cover Installation Near Me: What Is a Chimney Chase Cover?
Whether your chimney chase is made of metal, vinyl, or wood, the chase cover is a key component in its fight to stay dry. Essentially, a chase cover is to a prefab chimney what a chimney crown is to a masonry chimney – it sits atop the flue and helps to direct water out and away from the sides of the chase.
But if it’s so important, why is the chase cover so often to blame for chimney leaks and water damage?
Well, unfortunately, many chase covers are made of whatever sheet metal the contractor had laying around when the chimney was installed. Not all sheet metal is created equal and not all metal is equipped to withstand the constant exposure to moisture that the chimney chase experiences. This can cause premature failure on the part of the chase cover.
How Does a Chase Cover Get Damaged?
If your chase cover is made from weaker metals, it will likely sag under the weight of any water on top of it. The more the chase cover sags, the more it will pool water. Eventually this can lead to a full chase cover collapse.
So, how do you know if your chase cover is causing a leak in your home? Here are some of the tell-tale signs:
- rust on your chase cover
- rust streaks down the chase of your prefab chimney
- a rotting, water-stained chase (if your chase is wood)
- water staining and discoloration on your chase (if your chase is vinyl sided)
- water or rust inside of your fireplace
- wood rot in your attic near the chimney
- water stains on the ceilings and walls by the fireplace
If you’re noticing any of the above issues, or if you’re concerned about any other issues with your flue, chimney, or fireplace system, don’t hesitate to reach out – we’d love to help.
What Materials Are Best for a Long-Lasting Chase Cover?
The reason so many manufacturer-issued chase covers fail is because they aren’t built from the best materials. Unfortunately, this can spell disaster in a hurry, since the material of your chimney chase cover plays a crucial role in how well it protects your chimney from water damage, rust, and deterioration over time.
While there are several materials used for chase covers, stainless steel is widely regarded as the best option due to its superior durability and resistance to corrosion – and it’s what we recommend.
Unlike other metals, stainless steel does not easily rust, even when exposed to heavy rain, snow, and fluctuating temperatures. This makes it a long-term investment that saves homeowners from needing frequent replacements and costly chimney repairs. In other words, a high-quality stainless steel chase cover will last for decades.
Another premium option is copper, which offers excellent durability along with an attractive, high-end appearance. Copper chase covers develop a natural patina over time, which can enhance the aesthetic of your chimney while still providing reliable protection. However, copper is significantly more expensive than stainless steel, making it a less common choice for homeowners on a budget.
How Is a Chase Cover Different from a Chimney Cap?
Chimney chase covers and chimney caps are placed in the same area, are often made from the same material, and both serve similar protective functions. So, are they the same?
No – they are distinct components with different roles, both of which are vital for keeping your chimney working well and rust-free.
- A chimney chase cover sits on top of the entire chase (or, in some cases, over the masonry chimney top), sealing off the space around the flue to prevent water from seeping in. It’s also slightly sloped, ensuring water is sent away from the outside of the chimney.
- A chimney cap is a much smaller component that sits directly over the chimney flue opening. Its primary function is to prevent rain, animals, leaves, and other debris from entering the chimney itself. Chimney caps should feature a mesh screen, which helps keep everything out, while still ensuring smoke can effectively escape.
While a chase cover protects the entire top of the chimney chase, a chimney cap only protects the flue opening. Both are essential for maintaining a dry, better protected, and more functional chimney system.
Schedule Your Chase Cover Inspection & Replacement Today for Proven Water Protection
If you’re concerned about your chase cover and you’d like to have yours inspected and/or replaced, Comfort Class’s Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified chimney sweeps are ready and able to help.
We provide thorough chimney inspections and our team has years of experience installing new chase covers. We’ll custom fit a corrosion-resistant stainless steel chase cover to your chimney and make sure it’s watertight and ready to effectively keep your prefab chimney protected.
Ready to schedule? We travel all throughout the greater Tulsa area and can serve you with prompt, courteous, professional service. Reach out now.
When it comes to preventing chimney leaks, a reliable chimney cap is a must – count on us for chimney cap installation services.