- PENSACOLA SHOWROOM: 7555 Highway 98 West, Suite A, Pensacola, FL 32506
- DESTIN SHOWROOM: 36054 Emerald Coast Pkwy #100, Destin, FL 32541
A manufactured fireplace is a popular and attractive home feature many folks enjoy in Milton, FL, and along the Emerald Coast. However, like its traditional masonry counterpart, a manufactured chimney and fireplace needs protection from the elements such as thunderstorms, freezing rain, and wind gusts that can result in extensive damage and premature replacement. One essential component responsible for doing just that is the chimney chase cover.
What Is a Chimney Chase Cover?A chase cover is a metal flashing that tops the chimney chase of a manufactured fireplace.
It protects the metal flue and wood-framed chase from moisture intrusion, wildlife, and debris that can cause extensive damage to the chimney and fireplace.
It has a collar that snugly fits through the metal flue pipe and features a skirt and drip edge to deflect precipitation away from the wood, vinyl, or brick siding of a manufactured chimney.
Chimney chase covers can also protect the crown of a masonry chimney. It is typically made of galvanized, stainless steel, or aluminum.
Water is its mortal enemy whether your Crestview, FL, home has a manufactured or traditional chimney. Water leaking inside the wood-framed chase can cause mold, mildew, and wood rot, resulting in extensive repairs, early replacement, and even health hazards. In addition, if water is getting inside the chimney, so is oxygen. This increases humidity, making it an attractive environment for insects, rodents, and other pests that can damage your chimney and invade your home. It also increases the fire risk and exposure to toxic carbon monoxide exhaust and other harmful contaminants.
Common Signs Your Chase Cover Needs Repair or ReplacementThe lifespan of your chase cover depends on many factors, including age, weather, material quality, and maintenance. With annual chimney inspections and professional cleaning, a stainless-steel chase cover can have a 20-year life cycle or more. Since even stainless steel can rust when damaged, inspecting your chimney and fireplace at least once yearly is essential. An inspection is also necessary after a significant weather event such as a tropical storm, hurricane, or tornado in the area.
Some of the common signs of chase cover damage include:
Your chase cover is an essential component for protecting your manufactured chimney, flue, and fireplace. So, if you notice any of the above signs of a damaged chase cover or haven’t had a chimney inspection in the past year, call Doodlebuggers® at 850-477-1151 in Pensacola; 850-243-0154 in Destin; or 251-971-3828 in Mobile, AL to schedule an appointment today.
We also invite you to visit our beautiful showrooms in Destin and Pensacola to see our large selection of quality fireplaces, inserts, stoves, and accessories, including chase covers. Our trained experts can assist with your indoor or outdoor home heating needs. You can also contact us online at today.
