Chimney Care Company's Blog
What is a chimney chase top? Does it need to be replaced?
Homeowners who love to use their fireplaces are usually well versed on the workings and construction from their chimneys on the inside. However, what’s happening with the chimney above the firebox is often a mystery, until they hear that the upper portion of their chimney requires some repair. One common chimney component maintenance issue with prefabricated fireplaces is the chimney chase cover. But what is the chimney chase top? And what kind of maintenance or repair could it need?
What is a chimney chase top?
You probably know that your chimney offers a direct route out of your home. That makes it an easy entryway for water, animals, and debris. A prefabricated chimney is made up of parts of factory-made wood, gas or pellet fireplace. A prefabricated chimney chase cover protects the chimney from the outside elements. Regardless of the outer material of your chimney, the chimney chase cover is a metal topper for the chimney. It’s slopped to divert the flow of water, ice or melting snow. A center opening allows smoke out, while an attached chimney cap prevents water from flowing down the opening.
Does my chimney chase cover need to be replaced?
In a prefabricated chimney system, the chimney chase cover is usually the first element to break down. Water pools on the chase cover, rust forms and holes and cracks develop. Because most contractors default to a galvanized steel chase cover, that breakdown can happen in a matter of years. If your chimney chase cover has developed holes, it should be replaced to prevent water from coming down your chimney or leaking into your home’s structure and causing damage. Aside from examining your chimney chase cover from the roof, signs your chimney chase cover needs to be replaced include:
- water in your fireplace,
- a damp smell emanating from the chimney,
- water leaking down the walls or ceiling around your chimney,
- and rust streaking down the sides of your chimney outside your home.
Of course, your chimney sweep will inspect your chase cover during your annual sweeping and inspection and let you know if your chase cover is deteriorating.
What are my options for replacing my chimney chase top?
If your chimney chase cover is failing and needs to be replaced, you’ll have a few options. The recommendation most chimney experts will give is to choose a stainless steel chimney chase cover. They are durable and long-lasting. For homeowners who want a durable chimney chase cover that adds style to their home, copper chimney chase covers are another popular choice. If you’ve noticed water coming in through your chimney, or need your cover replaced call Chimney Care Co. to schedule an appointment today! We can fit your chimney with a durable chimney chase top that will protect your chimney and home from water damage for years to come.
Replacing Your Chimney Chase Cover
When it comes to keeping your chimney and fireplace system safe and sound, keeping water out should be your No. 1 priority. When water is allowed to make its way into your chimney, it can damage your flue liner; rust your 
damper, firebox or fireplace doors; or even cause water damage to the walls and ceilings that abut your chimney.
If you have a manufactured fireplace, your chimney top should be enclosed with a chimney chase cover. Each fall, as you prepare your chimney for the fire-burning season, it’s important to make sure that your chase cover is firmly in place and damage free. If your chase top is corroding, it’s crucial that you have your chase cover replaced.
What is a chimney chase cover?
Unless you have visited your roof, you’ve likely never seen your chimney chase cover. It’s a flat metal box that encloses the top of your chimney. It should be fitted with a chimney cap that allows smoke to escape the flue while keeping water from running down the chimney flue.
What does a chimney chase cover do?
Your chimney chase cover should seal your chimney’s chase. That is, the box framing that surrounds your prefabricated chimney. The chase cover prevents water, animals and debris from entering the chimney flue. It also keeps water from seeping down between the sides of the chimney and the sides of the chase, which can cause water damage to your home’s structure.
Why do chimney chase covers need to be replaced?
Like anything, chimney chase tops will wear down over time. When homes are built or fireplaces or heating stoves installed, contractors often will keep costs low by installing the cheapest possible materials. Because of that, many chase covers are made from cheap galvanized metal. That metal breaks down within the span of about five years, rusting and corroding and failing to keep out water.
How can you tell if your chimney chase cap needs to be replaced?
Often, the first sign of a failing chimney chase top is a water leak within your chimney. If your chimney chase cap has developed a hole or crack, you might notice water pooling within your firebox, rust around your damper or a discolored wall or ceiling near your chimney. To avoid a leaking chimney, it’s important to have your chimney inspected annually! Your chimney technician will check your chimney chase cover and warn you of any signs of weakness.
What should I look for in a new chimney chase top?
At The Chimney Care Co. we recommend installing a chimney chase cap made from a durable metal that will protect your chimney for years to come. We install chimney caps made from stainless steel or copper, both of which will provide a beautiful finish to your chimney and keep your chimney dry.
If you’ve noticed water leaks in your chimney, if you’ve noticed rust or corrosion on your chimney chase cap, or if you are due for your annual chimney sweeping and inspection, call The Chimney Care Co. to schedule an appointment today.