Chase Covers: What They Are and When to Replace Them

If you’re a homeowner and have a factory-built chimney instead of a masonry chimney, you most likely have a chase cover instead of a chimney cap. They serve the same purpose. Chase covers cover the chase, or chimney opening, and are essential for preventing damage to the chimney due to water damage and animal habitation the same way as a chimney cap.

Your chase cover should be inspected annually just like the rest of the chimney system during your annual CSIA chimney inspection. At these inspections a professional may notice issues with your chase cover. They are generally made of metal materials that can cause problems with age and regular use.

Types of Chase Covers

• Galvanized Steel is inexpensive and pretty standard for factory chase covers, but can rapidly rust and will need to be replaced early on for this reason.
• Aluminum is also used, but aluminum covers can easily dent and allow water to pool and cause damage.
• Copper is a popular choice for chase covers because of its longevity and beauty. Copper chase covers are generally more expensive, though, and provide years of use.
• Stainless steel chase covers and rain pans are strong, affordable, and will not rust. With a stainless steel chase cover, they won’t have to be replaced again in your chimney’s lifetime.

Hire a professional

When you hire a professional to clean or inspect your chimney you can rest assured that they will not leave until your chimney is safe for operation. If you choose Chimney Solutions to inspect your chimney, you can count on our experience and professionalism to keep your fires burning safety. We have experience in all types of chase covers, and when we notice an issue with your chimney system you will get a detailed report before proceeding with repairs.

If the chase cover is damaged it can allow and contribute to extensive damage to the chimney. A professional chimney sweep company can repair water damage due to a damaged chase cover. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends regular cleaning and annual inspections of chimney systems. This is the time that a problem is found, and can be repaired.

Chimney Solutions of Indiana not only provides chimney inspections, but we are certified chimney sweeps and are experienced with chase covers. Chimney Solutions can also provide expert services to damaged, rusted, or missing chase covers.

Replacing a chase cover is a relatively inexpensive way to prevent extensive damage due to water penetration, and should be considered if your chimney and fireplace efficiency has gone down.

If you have a newly purchased home with a manufactured chimney and live around Indianapolis, you should call a professional today. A Chimney Solutions professional is standing by to inspect, repair, or replace your chase cover to prevent water damage to your chimney system. Call us at 317-757-6979 or start an appointment online.