What are my options with a chimney cap repair?

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When it comes to chimney cap repair there are many options for what can be done. The first thing you need to understand is the importance of the cap, and what range of repairs can be done. Here is a brief guide to help you determine if this is a do it yourself project, or if you need the help of a professional.

When it comes to chimney cap repair the first thing you have to find out is what type of repair you need. Sometimes it can be as simple as repairing the seal and mortar joints, but at other times you may be looking at a total replacement as the repair. The chimney cap is a vital part of your fireplace system. It serves to dissipate heat, gain air flow, and prevent things from coming out of the chimney that shouldn't while keeping all the things that would love to come set up house in your chimney from doing so.

Yes, there are some repairs you can do yourself

Take a walk through any home repair store and you will see an aisle devoted to chimney repair. It is true that there are some jobs you can do yourself, but patching a cap will only get you so far. In fact, you should only be patching a cap to extend its protection while you are waiting for a contractor to come out and do the full repair. There is too much about your home that is dependent on that cap being in full working order for you to rely on patching to get you through. You could create a larger repair bill by doing so.

Finding a good contractor

You have to cover a lot of ground to make sure you find the right contractor for the job. Besides doing the standard checks on reputation, license and insurance – you also want to see examples of the work they have done. A reference check is always recommended. One thing you should never do is rely on testimonials on a website or even customer reviews found online. In this day and age they play an important role in marketing and may not really represent the business' reputation.

Making sure you are prepared for what they may find

The age old problem of chimney cap repair is that when the contractor arrives to repair the cap and crown they usually come right back down the ladder and tell you your chimney needs other work too. That work could be anything from relining the chimney, a full rebuild or a simple cleaning. This is one of the reasons that keeping the cap and crown in good condition is essential. It does more than help keep ash in and birds out, it is a part of maintaining the structural integrity of the whole chimney. Don't be surprised if your small cap repair leads to a larger relining job, you should be glad it was noticed before a fire occurred.

Screening is essential

In this day and age not many people understand the intricacies of home design and structural elements. There are many metal caps being sold today that while ornate are lacking screens. Screening is essential. Screens prevent cinders from leaving the chimney and starting fires on your roof or in the surrounding area, they also prevent things from coming in to your chimney. You don't want birds and rodents entering through your chimney. They will destroy the lining to make nests. You also don't want bees and wasps getting in to build nests either. Make sure there is a screen in your cap, a dark colored screen won't be visible from the ground so you don't have to worry what it will do to your home's appearance either. In fact, it could add to your home's value in a way you may not expect.

View it as the calling card of your home

You probably know that Chimney Cap Repair is essential to preserving the value of your home, but it can also be a way to add even more curb appeal. You don't have to get crazy, but there are designs in chimney caps that can add to the overall appearance of your home. Now is a good time to consider topping off your skyline with a weather vane or other decorative item that draws the eye. It can create a bit of charm that will make you happy to see your home. Keeping your chimney cap in good repair is essential to keeping your home safe and creating an efficient heating environment. It can also add a striking detail that serves as the finishing touch to your home’s appearance.

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