+ What is a chase top?

A chase top or chase cover is a metal cover that acts much like a crown for pre-fabricated or manufactured fireplaces & chimney systems. Prefab fireplaces have been on the market for about 25 years and have been a huge hit with homeowners who like how affordable they can be and how easy they are to have installed. The majority of these factory-built fireplaces are made of metal, and all of them need to be outfitted with a metal chase top. They should never be outfitted with concrete crowns, as this leads the prefab pipe to rust and erode.

+ What is the purpose of a chase top?

Chase tops serve to keep water out of the chimney, but they also keep birds, and other critters out. Most birds prefer to nest in prefab chimneys relative to the masonry chimneys? The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) finds that chimney sweep Birds prefer nesting material inside a prefab chimney. This is undoubtedly a Fire hazard! The birds nests can impede the flow of air and cause the chimney to overheat.

+ Problems with rusty chase tops.

If you have a prefab fireplace with a rusty chase top, it needs to be replaced before it begins to leak. Chimney leaks can be extremely detrimental to your property—costing you thousands in repairs to drywall, floors, ceilings, attics, and wall coverings. This leaking normally originates where nail holes have begun to rust and erode. The longer you wait to have your rusty chase top repaired or replaced, the worse the problem could become and the bigger headache you could end up with. The chase tops SOS-ASAP Chimney Services installs today are made of galvanized metal and come with 10 year warranties when properly maintained. Many are shaped so that they create a roof effect that prevents water from pooling on top and becoming a breeding ground for rust. Our technicians also double caulk around our chase tops, taking care to prevent leaking for the life of your chase top and chimney. Also, if you have a prefab chimney, realize please that the annual inspection recommendation still applies just like with masonry chimneys. Prefab chimneys need inspections to determine fire hazards, efficiency issues, draft problems, and other safety concerns.

+ Why do I need a chimney cap?

A chimney cap serves to:

• Guard against flue blockage: Leaves or debris entering your chimney can cause flue blockage and lead to smoke damage, fire or even carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Eliminate moisture damage: Water entering your chimney erodes masonry and mortar joints and will cause your damper or firebox to rust out or decay. This creates a potential hazard and added expenses.
• Prevent rodent, critter or bird invasion: Chimney caps protect your chimney from nesting birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other disease-carrying animals.
• Protect against airborne sparks and embers: Our chimney caps have up to 18 gauge mesh that reduces the risk of fires caused by embers and sparks exiting your chimney flue.

+ Custom aesthetic chimney caps.

SOS-ASAP Operators provides decorative custom caps that are designed to match a variety of architectural styles and preferences. From magnificent multi-flue Caps to beautiful copper pieces, we can provide you with the right answer for your home. It really does not matter what type of chimney or style you prefer. We are here to assist you each step of the way.

+ More info

A chimney cap is installed atop a chimney to cover the opening of your chimney’s flue and/or chase. As there are lots of things you want to keep out of your chimney, there are also things that you want to keep inside your chimney. A chimney cap will stop large burning embers from escaping your chimney and landing on your roof [or near your house] which can lead to a fire. Caps will also keep water, animals, or debris from getting into the chimney. Rain is the primary enemy of your chimney. Not only does water cause a musty odor when it mixes with soot, it also creates an acid that breaks down mortar and causes chimney components to rust. Water also can drip on the throat damper—causing it to rust and warp. Brick and mortar are both porous materials weaken with continued exposure to water. So, the obvious and preferred way to keep your chimney from deteriorating over time, damaging your home, and requiring expensive repairs is to make sure that water stays out of it. Thus do yourself and your family’s large home investment a favor by Capping your Chimney!