Our Company Blog

Why a Chimney Cap Is Necessary

In order for your chimney and fireplace system to work efficiently and safely, you need to be sure that all of its components are in place. One of these components is a chimney cap, which is essential for several reasons. For over 25 years, Atlas Chimney has been working on chimneys in the Austin, Texas area, and we have seen many uncapped chimneys. We frequently repair chimney damage that would have been prevented if the chimney had been capped. Why are chimney caps so necessary? We would like to share with you the important functions of a chimney cap so that you can understand why it is such an essential part of your chimney and fireplace system.

KEEPS WATER OUT OF YOUR CHIMNEY

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), a chimney cap is the most budget-friendly way to prevent water from getting into your chimney. Without a chimney cap on the top of your chimney, your roof has an open hole that easily allows water from rain and melted snow to enter the chimney. Our CSIA-certified chimney technicians can professionally install a chimney cap that will keep water out of your chimney.

PREVENTS WILD ANIMALS FROM GETTING INTO YOUR CHIMNEY

When birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other wild animals are looking for a nesting spot, they often mistake chimneys for trees. To keep these critters from getting into your chimney, you need to have a good quality chimney cap with metal mesh sides installed on top of your chimney. These mesh sides will prevent wild animals from being able to enter your chimney.

STOPS HOT SPARKS AND EMBERS FROM JUMPING OUT OF THE CHIMNEY

The metal mesh sides that keep birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other wild animals from getting into your chimney also stop hot sparks and embers from jumping out of your chimney. This reduces your risk of experiencing an accidental fire being ignited on your roof or in your yard.

IMPROVES CHIMNEY DRAFT

Having problems with your chimney draft? Atlas Chimney can help you correct these issues with a chimney cap that has vents on its sides that direct how wind flows into your chimney. This type of cap improves your chimney draft by directing the wind to help pull exhaust gases and smoke out of your home.

As you can see, a chimney cap plays a significant role in how your chimney and fireplace system works. Contact us at Atlas Chimney to learn more about our chimney cap sales and installation services.

Why You Should Schedule Your Chimney Inspection in the Spring

National fire safety organizations like the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommend having your fireplace and chimney professionally swept and inspected annually to be sure the system works safely and efficiently. Many homeowners wait to have these chimney maintenance services done in the fall, but Atlas Chimney recommends that you take care of these tasks in the spring. We would like to tell you more about why you should schedule your chimney inspection in the spring.

You can easily get the appointment you need.

When you wait until the fall to have your chimney maintenance tasks performed, you could have a hard time scheduling your appointment on the date and time you need. In the fall, the CSIA-certified chimney sweeps at Atlas Chimney are extremely busy sweeping and inspecting chimneys all across the Austin area. In fact, fall is our busiest season. Since someone needs to be at your home when we sweep and inspect your chimney, it can be difficult to find the best time to schedule this appointment. You will have a much easier time getting the appointment you need in the spring since we will not have such a packed calendar.

You can have winter-related damage repaired in a timely manner.

One of the reasons the CSIA claims that water is the greatest enemy of masonry chimneys has to do with spalling damage. Since masonry materials naturally absorb water, there can be moisture trapped within the bricks and mortar. Whenever the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, that trapped water will freeze and expand inside the masonry materials. This water will thaw as the weather warms up, and its force can cause the bricks and mortar joints to crack and even break apart. The longer you wait to have this damage repaired, more water leaks can occur and lead to even more deterioration. Having your chimney professionally inspected in the spring allows you to have this damage repaired in a timely manner, which can prevent serious water leaks from appearing.

You will not have to worry about chimney odors during the summer.

Before Atlas Chimney inspects your chimney, we will professionally sweep it to remove all of the creosote that has accumulated inside your chimney. Not only is creosote dangerously flammable, but it can produce a strong, unpleasant odor, especially during hot and humid summer weather. When you have your chimney maintenance services done in the spring, you will not have to worry about dealing with stinky smells coming from your chimney.

Don’t wait until the fall to schedule your chimney maintenance tasks. Contact us at Atlas Chimney to have your chimney inspected this spring.