Chimney Cap Installation in Independence, MO
A chimney cap keeps rain, animals and debris out of the flue. Jake And Son Chimney Sweep supplies and fits chimney caps in Independence, MO and 20 nearby towns.
What a chimney cap does
A chimney cap does four jobs: it keeps water out, keeps animals out, keeps debris out, and contains sparks.
- Water. An open flue takes in rain every time it falls, which rusts the damper and firebox and soaks the liner.
- Animals. Birds, squirrels and raccoons nest in uncapped flues and block them.
- Debris. Leaves and twigs collect on the smoke shelf.
- Sparks. The screen stops embers leaving the flue.
Signs you need a new cap
You need a cap if there is none, or if the one you have is rusted, loose, or missing its screen. From the ground, look for a cap that is tilted or stained with rust, and for birds going in and out of the chimney.
Types of chimney cap
The right cap depends on the number of flues and the type of chimney.
| Type | Fits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single-flue cap | One clay tile flue | The most common type. Clamps to the flue tile. |
| Multi-flue cap | A chimney with two or more flues | Mounts to the crown and covers the whole top. |
| Top-sealing damper cap | A fireplace with a failed throat damper | Closes the flue at the top; worked by a cable. |
| Chase cover and cap | A factory-built chimney | The metal cover over the framed chase, with the cap on the pipe. |
We fit stainless steel caps, which do not rust and stain the chimney the way galvanized caps do.
No cap on your chimney?
Call (816) 239-8989What a chimney cap costs
A standard single-flue stainless steel cap, supplied and fitted, starts at $279. Multi-flue and custom caps, and steep or high roofs, add to that. All starting prices are on our pricing page.
Related services
A cap is often fitted during a chimney sweep or after animals have been removed; see birds or animals in your chimney. Other top-of-chimney repairs are on our chimney repair page.
Common questions
How long does a chimney cap last?
A stainless steel chimney cap typically lasts for many years because it does not rust. Galvanized steel caps are cheaper but can rust through within a few years and leave stains down the chimney. The screen is the part to check each spring, since a damaged screen lets animals in.
Can I install a chimney cap myself?
A single-flue cap that clamps to the tile can be fitted by a homeowner who is safe working on the roof. The risks are the roof work itself and choosing the wrong size. Multi-flue caps, chase covers and top-sealing dampers need to be measured and fitted professionally.
Will a chimney cap affect my fireplace draft?
A correctly sized cap does not reduce draft, and in windy locations it can improve it by deflecting gusts. A cap that is too small, or a screen clogged with soot and creosote, can restrict the flue, which is one reason the cap is checked at each sweep.
What is the difference between a chimney cap and a chase cover?
A chimney cap covers the flue opening. A chase cover is the flat metal lid over the top of a framed, sided chimney chase around a factory-built fireplace's pipe. A factory-built chimney has both. When a chase cover rusts, water gets into the framing.
Does a gas fireplace chimney need a cap?
Yes. A flue serving a gas fireplace, furnace or water heater can be blocked by a nest just like any other, and a blocked gas flue can send carbon monoxide into the house. Gas appliance vents use a cap or termination made for that vent type.