If you have a prefabricated fireplace and chimney, you most likely have a chase built around the chimney to hide the metal pipes. Since the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends that keeping water out of the chimney and the chase is essential to maintain the system and to prevent damage, you need a chase cover installed on top. Unfortunately, chimney chase covers are not made to last forever. Because they are located at the very top of the chimney, they are constantly exposed to the elements of weather, chase covers suffer from water damage. To protect your prefabricated chimney system, your chase cover needs to be in good condition. Ashbusters can help you prevent water penetration of your chimney and your chase by installing a new chase cover. We would like to tell you how you will know this important part of your chimney needs replacing and how we can protect your system.
What are the signs that my chimney chase cover needs to be replaced?
The biggest sign that lets you know that a chase cover replacement is in your near future is seeing reddish brown stains on your chase near the top. This is an indication of corrosion damage to your chimney chase cover. Since chase covers are made of metal, they can suffer from rusting due to the constant exposure to water from rain and melted ice and snow. Rust corrosion can lead to cracks in the chase cover. If left unrepaired, these cracks can cause the cover to break apart, and water can easily enter both your chimney and your chase. This is why another sign that your chase cover needs to be replaced is seeing water in the floor of your firebox. This situation can lead to the corrosion of the firebox panels.
How can Ashbusters help me protect my prefabricated chimney system?
We carry custom chimney chase covers and provide professional installation services to ensure the protection of your chimney and chase. You can choose from covers made from stainless steel, copper, and galvanized steel, and you have the option of choosing a chase cover with a drip edge that keeps water from pooling on top of the cover. While the galvanized steel chase covers are more budget friendly, Ashbusters recommends the stainless steel and copper models because they are durable enough to come with a lifetime guarantee. No matter which type of chase cover you choose, we will be sure your prefabricated chimney system is protected from water penetration.
Does your chimney chase cover need to be replaced? Contact us at Ashbusters to schedule an appointment with one of our CSIA-certified chimney technicians today.