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Chimneys · Long Island

Chimney cap installation.

Chimney cap installation and replacement for homes in Nassau and Suffolk County. A small part that keeps rain, animals and debris out of your chimney.

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A chimney cap is the metal cover that sits over the top of the flue, with a small roof on top and mesh on the sides. It is one of the smallest parts of a chimney and one of the most useful. Home Crew Construction installs and replaces chimney caps across Long Island, in Nassau County and Suffolk County.

Quick answer: Do I need a chimney cap?

Almost every chimney should have one. A chimney cap covers the flue opening to keep out rain, snow, birds, animals and leaves, and its mesh sides help stop sparks. Home Crew Construction installs and replaces chimney caps across Long Island, sized to each flue and chosen to suit the house.

How it works

Anatomy of a chimney.

Water is the main enemy of a masonry chimney. Each part keeps it out of a different spot.

Illustration. Point at a part to see what it does.
  1. Brick & mortarChimney repointingMortar joints wear out first. Repointing replaces them before water gets into the brick.
  2. FlashingChimney flashingMetal that seals the gap where the chimney meets the roof.
  3. CrownChimney crownsThe sloped concrete slab that seals the top of the masonry.
  4. Flue linerChimney linersThe lining inside the chimney that carries smoke and gases up and out safely.
  5. CapA metal cover over the flue that keeps rain, animals and debris out.

What does a chimney cap do?

Stone chimney with new metal flashing where it meets a cedar shake roof
Stone chimney, new flashing· Home Crew Construction
  • Keeps rain out. Without a cap, rain falls straight down the flue into the firebox, damper and smoke chamber, where it rusts metal and breaks down masonry.
  • Keeps animals out. Birds, squirrels and raccoons nest in uncapped chimneys. Nests block the flue and can catch fire.
  • Keeps debris out. Leaves and twigs pile up and choke the draft.
  • Stops sparks. The mesh sides help keep embers from landing on the roof.
  • Helps the draft. A cap can cut down on downdrafts on windy days, so smoke is less likely to blow back into the room.

Signs your chimney cap needs replacing

Illustration · CapA metal cover over the flue that keeps rain, animals and debris out.
  • The cap is rusted, bent or loose.
  • The mesh is torn, clogged or pulling away from the frame.
  • The cap blew off in a storm.
  • You hear animals in the chimney or find nesting material in the firebox.
  • Water drips into the fireplace when it rains.
  • There is no cap at all.

Galvanized steel caps are common, but they rust, especially near the shore. Stainless steel and copper last much longer.

Need help with chimney caps?

Free quotes, a reply within 24 hours, and we answer the phone 24/7.

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Rain in your fireplace?

The same wood-clad chimney chase before its new cover, flue exposed
The same chase, before· Home Crew Construction

Water dripping onto the damper or pooling in the firebox after a storm is one of the most common chimney calls. A missing or damaged cap is often the simplest explanation, since rain can fall straight down an open flue. But it is not the only one: a cracked crown or soaked brick can put water in the same place. We check all of it, so the cap you pay for actually solves the problem.

Choosing the right chimney cap

Caps come in different sizes, styles and materials. Here is what matters most:

  • Fit. A single-flue cap fits over one flue tile. A multi-flue cap covers the whole top of the chimney when there are several flues.
  • Material. Stainless steel and copper last the longest. Copper is also chosen for its looks, weathering over time to a brown and then green finish.
  • Style. From plain and practical to decorative designs that suit the character of the house.
  • Mesh. Fine enough to stop animals and sparks, open enough that it doesn’t clog and choke the draft.

We measure the flue, explain the options and help you choose a cap that works well and looks right on your home.

How we install a chimney cap

Illustration · Flue linerThe lining inside the chimney that carries smoke and gases up and out safely.
  1. InspectWe check the crown, the flue tile and the masonry at the top, since a cap needs something solid to sit on.
  2. MeasureWe size the cap to your flue, or to the whole top of the chimney.
  3. InstallWe fasten the cap securely so wind can’t lift it off.
  4. CheckWe make sure the cap sits high enough above the flue for the chimney to draft properly, then clean up.

A cap protects the flue, not the rest of the chimney top. If the chimney crown under it is cracked, that needs attention too. On a framed chimney finished with siding, the part you need is a chimney chase cover.

Need help with chimney caps?

Free quotes, a reply within 24 hours, and we answer the phone 24/7.

5.0 on Google

Get a Free Quote Call 631-965-0881

Keeping your cap working

Stone chimney on a cedar shake roof, seen from above
Stone chimney on a cedar roof· Home Crew Construction

Look at your cap from the ground after big storms, and have it checked during your yearly chimney sweep. A clogged mesh screen can restrict the draft, especially on a wood-burning fireplace.

Missing or rusted cap? Call 631-965-0881 or request a free quote. We serve homes across Nassau and Suffolk County and reply within 24 hours.

Chimney caps FAQ

Common questions.

Still not sure?

Call 631-965-0881 any time. We'll tell you straight whether it's a repair or a replacement.

01

How can I tell if my chimney has a cap?

Look at the top of the chimney from the street. A cap looks like a small metal box or roof over the flue, with mesh sides. If you can see open clay tile sticking out of the top, there is no cap.

02

Will a chimney cap stop leaks?

It stops rain from falling down the flue. It won’t stop leaks from a cracked crown, failed flashing or porous brick. Those need their own repairs.

03

What is the best material for a chimney cap?

Stainless steel and copper last the longest. Galvanized steel is common but rusts, especially in salt air near the shore.

04

Can animals get into a chimney without a cap?

Yes. Birds, squirrels and raccoons nest in uncapped chimneys. If an animal is already inside, call a wildlife removal service first, then have the chimney capped so it can’t happen again.

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