We’re the San Diego Area’s Chimney Cap Installation Experts
Simply looking at the metal chimney cap up at the very top of the flue of your San Diego home might not give away just how many services it’s providing…but we aren’t exaggerating when we say that the chimney cap might be the most multi-faceted part in your chimney system. In fact, because of its importance, the California Uniform Building Code requires that each chimney have a cap.
Fortunately, when it comes to getting a chimney cap installed in San Diego and many areas surrounding, we’re here to help. Have questions or need your cap looked at, repaired, or replaced? Give us a call or reach out online now.
Keeping Water Out
First things first, your chimney cap is covering up what would otherwise be an open hole in the top of your home, and preventing rain and all other forms of precipitation from entering your flue. Without a cap, water can enter your chimney system and damage virtually every part of it – right down to the durable masonry. This water can also easily spread to areas of your home – think ceiling stains, ruined carpeting, rotted woodwork, and more.
Keeping Birds & Critters Out
Animals can be troubling intruders, and often enough, they’ll choose your chimney as a place to set up a new home. Birds, squirrels, and similar creatures choose your chimney as a home base because its location is highly appealing – safe, warm, and protected.
Here’s the thing, though – when squirrels and birds make their home in your chimney, they bring in highly flammable debris for their nests that can clog up the flue and easily start a chimney fire. They also attract bugs, create unpleasant smells, and make annoying noises. The problem isn’t even simply limited to animals that choose to move in – baby birds and squirrels are known for falling into chimneys, getting stuck and dying, making for an unsanitary and unfortunate circumstance in your home.
Keeping Sparks In
Gases and hot air should be moving up and out of your chimney, but you don’t want sparks doing the same. The chimney caps we install for our San Diego customers can prevent sparks from flying out of the top of the chimney top and causing a fire on the roof (or igniting nearby trees or shrubbery).
Eliminating Downdrafts
A downdraft occurs when air travels directly downward into your chimney – instead of up and out, like it’s supposed to. Many things can contribute to this problem – from improper cap installation to strong winds – but custom chimney caps installed by a Weststar professional can help in preventing the issue from occurring at all.
Can I Install a Chimney Cap Myself?
No, it’s best to hire a professional to install your new chimney cap. While it might seem like a simple enough DIY task (especially according to all those how-to blogs you’ve been reading), chimney cap installation involves working at heights, precise fitting, and ensuring the cap is securely in place. DIY attempt can lead to improper installation (and damages as a result), homeowner injury, and a cap that’s more prone to experience rust and warping.
Remember – a chimney cap needs to fit perfectly to be effective. Our team of professionals will accurately measure your chimney and select the right type and size of cap for your home and needs.
In addition, our experts have the knowledge to identify potential chimney issues that could affect the cap’s installation and effectiveness – think cracks in the chimney crown, damaged flue liners, or signs of structural wear. We can address these problems before installing the cap, ensuring that long-term protection you deserve.
Finally, keep in mind that many chimney cap installations done by professionals often come with a warranty, ensuring that if any issues arise, they can be addressed without any additional cost to you. A DIY attempt typically voids any warranty benefits, so you’ll be paying out-of-pocket for what a pro could have done correctly from the get-go.
All in all, professionals have the right tools, safety equipment, and experience to install your cap properly and safely. Make the right choice by getting our team on the job soon.
Book Your Next Chimney Cap Installation With Us
Are you looking to have a new chimney cap installed to protect your chimney and home against the intrusion of water and animals? Or do you need to halt sparks or downdrafts? Whatever the case, call Weststar Chimney Sweeps at 619-338-8116, or make an appointment online – we’re here to help.
Preserve your chimney and home’s air conditioning by having cap dampers and damper locks. Let the experts at Weststar Chimney Sweeps talk to you about this important chimney installation service.