Chimney caps

[brandons87]

My new house has a fireplace, but we will be living in Texas and wont have use for it the vast majority of the time.

I've heard a lot of bad stories about critters coming in thru the chimney. I want to prevent it if I can.

Do chimney caps do a good job of keeping the small critters out like mice and birds? Or do they just block the really nasty rodents like skunks and raccoons?

 

[baboso]

They make ones with really small heavy gauge screening. Those will keep the birds and beasties out.

 

[Stuck_At_Work]

Yeah - they keep everything out.

 

[NCAAFBALLROX]

What you're really asking for is more accurately described as a flue cap.

We install them all the time as a part of our roofing work; there are basically two types - outside with adjustable screws that tighten inward & one that fits inside with outward pressure clamps.

The inside fit needs a much better measurement however it's also a more snug fit.

Also look @ the cap to the brick or siding to see if it's built right & if you have any rust in a metal chimney cap or if it is properly pitched to not pond any water. If you're stone & mortar, you want to look for excessive cracks that will allow water in.

Don't bother with black cement; it won't hold in direct exposure. Go to a place (if in Austin) like Roofing Supply Group (Lamar, E side, just N of 183) & get some GeoCel 2300 to fill in the cracks. Leave @ least some kind of a weep hole near the bottom, however.