Chimney Cap Installation in the Pittsburgh Area

What chimney cap installation involves

A chimney cap is the covering at the top of the flue, usually stainless steel or copper with a mesh screen. It keeps rain, animals, birds and debris out while still letting smoke and gases escape — and the screen helps stop sparks from leaving the flue.

Why homeowners need it

An open flue is an invitation. Rain pours straight in and corrodes the damper and liner; birds and squirrels nest in the warmth and block the passage; embers can drift onto the roof. A cap solves all of that at once, which is why it's one of the highest-value, lowest-cost parts on the whole chimney.

Common problems it addresses

• Rain and snow entering an open flue
• Birds, squirrels and other animals nesting inside
• Leaves and debris blocking the flue
• Sparks escaping onto the roof

Warning signs to watch for

• No cap on the chimney at all
• Water or rust on the damper
• Animal sounds or nesting material in the flue
• Debris falling into the firebox

How we approach the work

Materials and equipment

• Stainless steel or copper cap
• Spark-arrestor mesh screen
• Appropriate mounting hardware

What this means for Pittsburgh-area homes

Between our rain, snow and freeze-thaw, keeping water out of the flue is a big deal around Pittsburgh — a cap is the simplest way to do it. It also keeps out the birds and squirrels that readily nest in a warm, sheltered flue in our wooded suburbs.