How Often Does My Chimney Cap Need to Be Replaced?

There is nothing quite like having a fire on a quiet winter’s night—it’s a cozy experience that the entire family can enjoy. When properly installed and maintained, fireplaces and chimneys can last for a lifetime. However, that doesn’t mean you can just leave them to their own devices. It’s still a good idea to perform regular maintenance on them and replace any parts that might experience wear and tear from the elements.

Replacing your chimney cap in Ruston, LA is usually a good place to start, and it’s important to have a solid understanding of what makes that repair necessary and how often you should be considering it.

What is a chimney cap, and why does it matter?

A chimney cap is the device that fits on the very top of your flue or chimney. They usually have a roof and mesh screens around all sides to allow smoke to escape but still ensure that no wildlife can enter your home through the chimney. They can be made out of different metals, including stainless steel, galvanized steel, aluminum or copper, and their durability depends largely on your maintenance, material selection and attention to its condition. Chimney caps in Ruston, LA prevent precipitation, animals and birds from going down your chimney, so they’re a vital part of the operation.

What are some warning signs?

Whether you have a standard or a custom chimney cap in Ruston, LA, it’s important to know when you might need to call in the chimney professionals to replace it. The most obvious sign is that the cap has completely blown off after particularly rough weather, which can happen to any homeowner. Additionally, the top of the cap can get warped and start to pull away, and you might start to see overall disrepair like rust or peeling metal that can all indicate damage. Holes in the mesh can mean that birds and animals can start to make their way in, so those should be addressed immediately. You might even notice debris at the bottom of the chimney that indicates openings have emerged in the cap.

What should I do next?

If you’re seeing any of these warning signs and your chimney cap has been on for at least a few years, then it’s probably time to call the team at J & B Air Conditioning, Heating, & Gutters. We can come to you with a number of options to replace the cap and make sure your chimney and fireplace are back up and running in no time at all. Replacing a chimney cap in Ruston, LA doesn’t need to be a tough experience—our experts can make it as easy and hassle-free as possible.

Your chimney cap is a vital piece of your entire chimney and fireplace’s structure—you don’t want to skimp on its maintenance or its health. It’s a relatively simple piece to replace, so if you think yours is in need of a replacement then don’t hesitate—call us today and we can make a plan with you about how to best proceed!

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