The Copper Chimney Cap

Chimney caps are incredibly beneficial, particularly when the piece of equipment comes with a screen. Most chimney caps made of copper have a screen that’s wire mesh, as this is the most effective, the most inexpensive and the easiest thing to use on the top. Homeowners do need to be made aware that the maintenance associated with chimney caps with screens is absolutely essential to not only the proper functioning of the chimney cap, but to the safety of the home. If the screen is not cleaned on a regular basis, the chimney may not work as it was designed to, possibly resulting in toxic vapors being vented into the home. To learn more about a chimney cap made of copper, click here.

Clogged Wire Mesh

The wire mesh on a chimney cap can become clogged with various types of debris such as twigs, leaves, animal nests, and really anything that the wind might put onto your roof. After a storm or windy day, you might be able to mitigate some hardship by doing a visual inspection of the chimney cap wire mesh prior to using your fireplace. Another common obstruction of the wire mesh chimney cap screen is a buildup of soot and a substance called creosote. Creosote is produced from the combustion of many different things, including certain types of wood. Many combustibles produce volatile gases when burned, and if those gases combine and condense, they produce creosote, a gummy, corrosive, and highly combustible substance that may coat the inside of the chimney and the chimney cap wire mesh. Creosote in or on top of the chimney is an issue that can actually be prevented. Too many by-products as a result of combustion is actually caused by burning the incorrect kind of wood. Unseasoned wood should not be used for a fire. There is too much moisture in it, and the heat produced from a burning fire is consumed in cooking out the moisture. Not a lot of actual radiant heat is made in this kind of fire, but there is no shortage of smoke. Soot and creosote actually get deposited in the lining of the flue and the wire mesh of the chimney cap.

What Happens?

When the screen to the chimney cap made of copper is covered in debris, the chimney can’t function properly because there isn’t adequate ventilation. Without a good flow of air, it could be rather hard to get a fire started. The choking off of air also means that smoke gets inside your home. This is by far the most dangerous consequence of a clogged screen. Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide are both very dangerous gases to be inhaling.

Always be sure your chimney cap screen is clean whenever starting a fire. Check it after severe weather and on a regular basis if you have frequent fires. You will be sure to get the proper ventilation as well as keep out anything you don’t want in.

Stacy Toolson is a writer that simply loves words.She's written on apps, electronics, marketing, schooling, pets, and more.Viist at Riverside copper for more info.