Chimney Cap, Chimney Crown & Chimney Chase Cover: What’s the Difference?

Chimney terminology can be confusing. This is often the case when talking about the protective components at the top of a chimney.

Doodlebuggers Fireplace, Grill & Outdoor Stove of Pensacola, FL, and Destin, FL, would like to give you a simple overview of three of these components that help chimneys do their jobs better: chimney caps, chimney crowns and chimney chase covers.

Chimney Caps

The term “chimney cap” is sometimes used to describe both full-width caps and flue covers. A full-width chimney cap sits at the top of a masonry chimney and guards the entire top of the structure, including the flue opening(s) and the concrete chimney crown (see below). A flue cap is a mesh and metal covering that guards only the flue opening.

Full-width caps keep rain, tree debris and small animals from getting into the chimney flue. Water can damage many interior and exterior parts of a chimney. Debris narrows the flue and can lead to major drafting issues.

A good chimney cap lays a solid cover across the chimney crown and prevents water from moving into cracks in the crown, which are common. It’s designed to allow water to run off and away from the masonry below. The vertical part of a full-width chimney cap has mesh sides that let smoke and gases exit the flue.

Chimney Chase Covers

Manufactured fireplaces are drafted through their own pipes that run up a chimney chase, a structure made of wood or other material that’s connected to the outside of the home where the vent pipe emerges.

A chimney chase cover is similar to a full-width chimney cap and serves to keep rainwater and debris out of vulnerable parts of the chase system. Well-designed chase covers feature a solid top over the flue, along with mesh sides for drafting.

Chimney Crowns

Typically made of concrete and built at the same time the masonry chimney is being built, chimney crowns provide protection for the uppermost bricks of the chimney and all of its exterior masonry surfaces.

Chimney crowns are designed with a slant, which causes rain and melting snow to run off them and away from the sides of the chimney. A solid crown also protects the interior areas of the chimney around the flue from rain and debris.

Different types of chimney damage

A wide range of problems can occur in chimneys with unprotected top areas.

• Brick and mortar damage from rain, causing structural compromises up and down the sides of the chimney.
• Deterioration of the chimney liner, fireplace damper, firebox and other parts of the system.
• The release of flames, smoke and carbon monoxide through breaks in a damaged chimney liner.
• Smoke and combustion gas backups from debris obstructing the flue.
• Animals taking up residence in the chimney.
• In some cases, the eventual rotting of walls, flooring and ceilings.
• The growth of mold in unseen areas; the spread of mold spores throughout the home.

When damage is allowed to continue, worst-case end results can include a leaning or collapsed chimney and a devastating chimney fire.

Keep your chimney safe and working right

Doodlebuggers installs new chimney caps and chase covers, and we repair and rebuild damaged chimney crowns. Let us help you protect the top of your chimney. Speak with a chimney pro by phone, or reach out through our simple contact form.