Measured chimney cap installation for South Orange homes

Clearing nesting material before the cap goes on

An uncovered flue collects leaves, twigs and old nesting material. Fitting a new cap over that debris keeps new material out but leaves the old pile in the flue or resting on the damper.

During the inspection we look down the opening and at the damper area from below. When debris is present, we recommend removing it before or during the cap visit and price that work on its own line. A flue that is clear and covered is the result you are paying for, and we explain what we removed once the work is done.

Rust streaks running down from the chimney top

Orange or brown streaks on the crown, the brick or the siding below the chimney can come from a corroding cap, rusted fasteners or other metal at the top. The stain is a clue about where metal is breaking down.

We trace the streak back to its source before proposing anything. If the cap is the source, replacement with a corrosion-resistant cap addresses it. If the stain comes from flashing, a chase cover or a steel lintel, we tell you, because a new flue cap would leave that source in place. Cleaning existing stains is discussed separately when you want it.

Flues that sit off center on the crown

Not every flue sits in the middle of its chimney. Offset flues, flues close to one edge of the crown or flues set at an angle can make stock caps hard to fit.

We measure the position of each flue relative to the crown edges and to each other. A single-flue cap may still fit on the tile, while a crown-mounted cap may need a custom footprint. We recommend the simplest option that fits well and explain why a stock cap will or will not work.

Questions to ask before approving a cap replacement

A clear estimate answers these questions on paper. If one of them is not covered, ask before you approve the work, from us or from anyone else quoting the job.

• Which part is being replaced, the flue cap, the crown or a chase cover?
• What size is the cap and what was measured to choose it?
• What metal is the cap body and what is the screen made of?
• How is it attached, and can it be removed for cleaning?
• Is removal and disposal of the old cap included?
• How will anything found under the old cap be handled?