Chimney Tops

At the very top of your chimney, you may notice the cap or chase cover and the crown. These components, which can also enhance the appearance of your chimney, are essential for maintaining its structural integrity. The top of the chimney is where smoke and combustion byproducts, such as carbon monoxide exhaust, exit your home. This process occurs automatically and continuously as fresh air is drawn into the chimney to fuel the fire in your fireplace or stove. Damage to the chimney top can cause a myriad of problems, including water damage, animal intrusion, mold, mildew, and even dangerous obstructions.

Whether you have a missing cap, a damaged crown, or a rusting chase cover, the certified professionals at Smoke Stacks have extensive experience repairing, replacing, and rebuilding the top of the stack for homeowners throughout Greater Milwaukee.

How Weather Impacts Chimney Tops in Southeast Wisconsin

From freezing rain and heavy snow in winter to intense UV exposure in summer, and even strong winds and hail during spring and fall storms, put immense stress on your chimney. For instance, freeze-thaw cycles can cause small cracks in masonry crowns to expand into wider gaps, leading to significant water intrusion. Powerful wind gusts or the force of a microburst can dislodge or damage caps, while heavy snowfall can create immense pressure and rust chase covers. Protecting your chimney top is paramount to ensuring its longevity and preventing costly water damage to the entire underlying structure and your home.

Chimney Cap

A sturdy chimney cap is the first line of defense, keeping rain, snow, wind, and wildlife out of your chimney system. Chimney caps are available in a variety of materials, like copper and stainless steel. They also feature a mesh screen and spark arrestor to prevent hot embers from escaping and landing on your roof, significantly reducing the risk of a roof or brush fire.

Chimney Crown

The chimney crown is the concrete surface that tops the chimney structure, typically sloped and extending slightly beyond the chimney walls to create an overhang. Think of it as the roof of your chimney, directing precipitation away from the flue opening and down the sides of the chimney, preventing it from seeping into the masonry below or entering your home. If the crown is cracked or deteriorating, water can penetrate the chimney's structure, leading to costly damage, such as spalling bricks, rusted dampers, and compromised flue liners.

Top-Mount Damper

Unlike traditional throat dampers, which are mounted just above the firebox, a top-mount damper is installed at the very top of the chimney flue. When closed, a top mount damper seals off the entire flue, rather than just the firebox. This superior seal helps improve energy efficiency, keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. It also includes a cap to prevent moisture, animals, and debris from entering the chimney.

Chase Cover

A chase cover is installed at the top of a manufactured chimney. Its function is similar to that of a chimney cap on a masonry chimney: it prevents water, snow, ice, leaves, twigs, and other debris from entering the flue. Additionally, it stops birds, bats, and other wildlife from nesting in the chimney, which can become a significant fire hazard.

Available in galvanized steel, aluminum, or stainless steel, a quality chase cover prevents water intrusion into the chase. Rusting or improperly installed chase covers are a common source of chimney leaks.

Call Smoke Stacks for Quality Chimney Tops Repair & Installation

Smoke Stacks is Milwaukee’s premier source for superior chimney tops, including the repair, replacement, and installation of high-quality caps, crowns, and chase covers. Our service area covers Brown Deer, Elm Grove, Oak Creek, West Milwaukee, and surrounding southeastern Wisconsin townships. We treat each customer like family, ensuring that every service call is handled with the utmost care and professionalism. Contact us today to schedule your appointment! Family Pride. Exceptional Results.