The Role of Chimney Caps in Winter Weather
As the winter winds howl and snow blankets the landscapes of southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, many homeowners find comfort in the crackling warmth of a fireplace. But while those soft pillows of smoke curling skyward are a familiar sight, forgotten on many rooftops is a silent guardian – the chimney cap. This often-overlooked hero plays a crucial role in keeping fires burning bright and homes safe from the harsh realities of winter weather.
Battles the Elements
Rain and snow can drip into the firebox without a chimney cap, dampening your fire and potentially causing chimney liner cracks and other damage. Even a small amount of packed snow can clog the flue, suffocating your fire and creating dangerous carbon monoxide risks. A strong chimney cap stands like a champion, deflecting rain, sleet, and lake-effect snow away from the porous masonry.
Dampers the Backdraft
Wind, the bane of winter, can also cause havoc with your chimney. Strong gusts moving across the area can cause sudden downdrafts, pushing choking smoke back into your home, a scene straight out of a Dickens nightmare. A chimney cap acts as a windbreaker, channeling the airflow away from the flue and preventing a dangerous backdraft that can push smoke, soot, and hot debris out of the fireplace.
Keeps Curious Critters at Bay
Squirrels, birds, and even the occasional raccoon – these furry critters see your chimney as cozy as any Sugar Maple or White Oak tree. Installing a chimney cap with a sturdy mesh barrier is a fortress for deterring those cute but unwanted guests from building nests in your chimney that can block the flue and even start a fire.
Extinguishes Hot Embers
In its final act, the chimney cap has another important role in reducing fire risk: arresting sparks. Hot embers from the firewood fueling your fireplace can spark a fire if they land on your roof. With its spark arrestor feature, a durable chimney cap prevents these rogue embers from taking flight and igniting nearby rooftops or dry brush.
So, when cozying up with a mug of delicious hot cocoa by the fireplace during winter and watching a matinee on the big screen in your living room, take a moment to applaud the critical role of the chimney cap. This humble device protects your chimney from various elements such as rain, snow, wind, and animals, ensuring that your fire burns bright and your home stays warm throughout the season.
Prolongs Chimney Liner Lifespan
The chimney liner is usually made up of terra cotta tiles and can be easily damaged by moisture, corrosive combustion gases, and excessive temperatures. With time, these cracks get worse, reducing the liner’s ability to retain heat in the chimney, which increases the risk of fire and carbon monoxide spreading to other parts of your home.
The chimney cap plays a crucial role in protecting the flue liner from harsh weather and corrosive elements by deflecting precipitation and debris. This helps extend the liner’s lifespan and saves you from costly repairs.
Chimney Cap Repair – Replacement – Installation With Burlington Fireplace
Ensure your chimney cap is up to playing its part this winter with a chimney inspection. Call Burlington Fireplace today at 262-763-3522 to schedule a chimney inspection and cleaning. Or contact us online for a free estimate. Our chimney professionals provide chimney inspections, cleaning, repair, replacement, and installation. We serve customers throughout southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, including Delavan, WI; Lake Geneva, WI; Lindenhurst, IL; and Spring Grove, IL.