We Sell & Install High-Quality Chimney Chase Covers in Madison & Beyond
Chimney chase covers are essential in protecting your prefabricated chimney against the elements – without one, your chimney is susceptible to water damage. No matter what kind of fuel you burn or appliance you operate, your chimney deserves the best protection possible, and few components are as comprehensively protective as a chimney chase cover – even if you’ve got a traditional masonry system. If your chase cover is corroded, damaged, or simply exhibiting signs of age, our team can help by installing a brand-new stainless steel one.
The oldest and most preferred fireplace and chimney service company in Madison, WI, Hansen & Sons is the place to call for all your fireplace and chimney needs. To learn more or schedule your appointment, reach out to someone from our team. Fill out our contact form or give us a call at 608-466-4185 to get started today.
What Is a Chimney Chase Cover?
Traditionally, chase covers – also known as “chase pans” and “chimney covers” – are installed atop prefabricated chimneys. They’re the equivalent of the concrete crown found on traditional masonry systems, just in metal form. Constructed with an opening for the flue to pass through (so the appliance can ventilate effectively), chimney chase covers protect the otherwise open cavity known as the chase.
Without something like a chimney crown or a chase top, the structure is completely exposed to external elements. Chase covers serve the following purposes:
- Protection Against Water Entry: Perhaps the most significant threat to a chimney’s health and condition is water. Rain, snow, and ice can seep into the chimney chase, causing rust, mold, mildew, and structural damage. A properly installed chase cover prevents water from entering and directs it away from the chimney.
- Prevents Flyaway Debris: Leaves, twigs, and other debris can fall into an open chimney chase, potentially causing blockages that interfere with the chimney’s ability to vent properly. A chase cover acts as a barrier, keeping the chase clear of such obstructions.
- Prohibits Animal Intrusion: Birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other small animals often seek shelter in chimneys, which can lead to nests that block airflow and pose fire hazards. A chase cover eliminates the possibility of creatures finding refuge in your appliance walls.
- Extends Chimney Life: By preventing water damage, debris buildup, and animal intrusions, a chase cover helps extend the lifespan of the chimney. It minimizes the need for costly repairs and maintenance, ensuring the chimney remains in good working condition for as long as possible.
- Enhances Aesthetic Appeal: Chase covers also contribute to the overall look of the home. Available in various materials and finishes, chase covers allow homeowners to choose a style that complements their home’s exterior and personal stylistic preferences.
Are Chimney Chase Covers Only for Prefabricated Chimneys?
Though traditionally intended for prefabricated chimneys, chase covers are gaining traction as an option for classic brick chimneys, as well. This is because they offer comprehensive protection for the entire chimney top, boasting a clean and contemporary aesthetic.
Naturally, this raises the question for our masonry chimney customers: chase cover or a chimney crown? The good news is, both options, when properly installed or built, provide excellent defense against water damage, unwanted animal guests, and airborne debris. It truly boils down to the desired final look and your maintenance preferences.
Having a hard time deciding which option is the right one for your Madison home? Call up the pros at Hansen & Sons. While we’re known for our exemplary services and top-of-the-line product installations, we also strive to be a resource in our community. We look forward to opportunities where we can help you talk through your questions and concerns.
Feel free to reach us through our appointment request form or give us a call at 608-466-4185 to get started today.
What’s the Difference Between a Chimney Cap & a Chase Cover?
While researching general chimney care and protection, you’ve likely noticed two terms that are frequently interchanged: “chimney caps” and “chimney covers” (or chase covers/tops). Although they both safeguard the chimney’s vulnerable areas, they are distinct components with unique functions.
- Chimney caps are the little metal components installed on top of your chimney’s flue. Their design allows for proper exhaust ventilation, while still protecting the most vulnerable parts of your system from water, animals, and any flying debris. However, chimney caps only cover the flue itself – the remaining chimney chase is then protected by either a concrete crown (in the case of a masonry structure) or a chase top.
- Chimney chase covers are more comparable to a chimney crown: they fit like a metal lid over the entire top of the chimney stack – usually constructed with a margin for overhang to encourage water runoff – and feature a hole just wide enough for the flue to pass through. A chimney cap is then installed snugly on top of the flue so the system is fully protected against external damage and can still ventilate properly.
How Long Does a Chimney Cover Last?
In many ways, it depends. Just as every home differs in its structure, maintenance needs, and overall condition, so do the chimneys that are part of them. As masonry chimneys age, their crowns start to crack and crumble when they’re built incorrectly and with the wrong materials; a structure protected by a chimney cover, meanwhile, is susceptible to corrosion, rust, and general water damage, especially when constructed from a lower-quality metal.
That being said, generally speaking, a chimney chase cover can last anywhere from five years to a lifetime, depending on a handful of factors:
- The material it’s made of
- How the material was treated before installation
- How the cover was installed
- Frequency of appliance use
- General appliance condition
- Recent weather conditions, etc.
Across the board, when it comes to promoting suitable hearth appliance operation and longevity, it’s important to establish a regular service schedule. When you keep up with annual maintenance services like chimney inspections, you ensure that your entire unit – from the top of your chimney cap and chase cover to the bottom of the firebox floor – is in optimal condition for effective and efficient performance. Book your appointment with our talented technicians by calling 608-466-4185 or filling out our contact form.
How Do I Know When I Need a New Chimney Cover?
To determine when your chimney cover needs to be replaced, look for visible rust as the most common sign. If your chimney has a rusted chase top, it should be replaced promptly to prevent leaks. Chimney leaks can cause extensive damage to your property, leading to costly repairs to drywall, floors, ceilings, attics, and wall coverings. These leaks typically start where nail holes have rusted and eroded.
Delaying the repair or replacement of a rusty chase top can exacerbate the issue, resulting in more significant problems and higher repair costs.
How Do I Prevent Rust on My Chimney Cover?
Unfortunately, other than selecting quality materials and hiring a reputable company for installation, there’s not much you can do to prevent your chimney cover from rusting. This is because these external chimney components are continually exposed to varying weather conditions – especially here in the Midwest.
That’s why it’s so important to invest in preventive chimney maintenance services. Scheduling regular chimney cleanings and inspections, though they may seem inconvenient when everything appears to be functioning correctly, provides a comprehensive assessment of all components each and every year.
Services like inspections give you the inside scoop on what’s going on behind your chimney walls, identifying problematic areas and ensuring all parts and pieces are working together and functioning as they should be. Without annual inspections and sweepings, it can be challenging to determine the condition of your chase cover. If it is corroded and rusty, these check-ups will also help you understand your best replacement options.
Have more questions? Not sure how your chimney cover is looking these days? Hansen & Sons Chimney & Fireplace is the place to call. No matter your fire-related questions and concerns, our team has answers and solutions for them all. For the best high-quality chimney covers near Madison, WI, trust our team. Schedule your appointment online or give us a call at 608-466-4185 to learn more.
Protect Your System With a Brand New Chimney Cover – Call Our Pros Today!
Not only do chimney chase covers serve an important purpose, they’re also a great way to add a bit of personality and contemporary flair to the outside of your home. Regardless of your system type – prefabricated or traditional masonry – having the proper components in place to protect against the elements is vital. By investing in a new, high-quality chimney cover, you ensure performance efficiency and a prolonged lifespan of your whole chimney system.
Don’t wait for small problems to become major headaches. Reach out to our team of experts for a comprehensive inspection and professional installation. Protect your home and enjoy peace of mind with a brand-new chimney cover. Get in touch with the friendly team of experts at Hansen & Sons by calling 608-466-4185 today.
Traditional masonry and brick fireplaces need a concrete chimney crown to get the protection they need. Get the best one for your home from our chimney repair techs.