Count on Us To Repair & Install Your Chase Tops & Custom Covers
When the seasons shift and the pleasantly tepid breeze of summer turns to a chilly, windy howl, it’s a signal for all of us to shift too. Where once we prioritized outings and fun in the sun, the start of fall reminds us of the calmer, cozier side of life. For many, this looks like quiet nights at home basking in the warm and comforting glow of a fire burning in the hearth.
If you have a prefabricated fireplace and chimney system and it still sports the same chase top or cover that it came with, you might want to consider upgrading and investing in a new one. Fortunately, if you live in the St. Louis, MO area the knowledgeable team of Chimney Safety Institute (CSIA)-certified techs at English Sweep, Inc. are here to help. We’ve been in the business for several decades, so we know our way around (and inside) any chimney and fireplace structure.
Whether you’re looking to have that old chase cover replaced – or perhaps it’s that time of year to schedule your regular chimney cleaning – the team at English Sweep is here for you. To learn more about our chase tops and custom chimney chase covers, reach out online or give us a call at 636-225-3340.
What Does a Chase Top or Custom Chase Cover Do?
Typically found atop prefabricated chimneys, chase tops (also known as chase covers) are meant to seal off the open cavity of a chimney with a cage-like design and metal top. The purpose of this structure is twofold:
- to protect the otherwise open and vulnerable internal parts of your chimney system from animal or debris entry
- to provide a clear exitway for the flue gases to safely leave your home
Usually, prefab units come with a chase cover made of galvanized sheet metal. This material can do an effective job for a brief time, but because it’s constructed from a cheaper metal, it won’t provide you with long-lasting protection. Before you know it, you may notice rust and other deterioration, which will end up putting your entire system at risk.
A quality chase top or cover should do the following:
Protect your chimney and fireplace from water-related damages
Stay rust-free for decades
Ensure your liner isn’t exposed to the elements
Send water out and away from the sides of your chimney chase
Help keep out animals, debris, and any stray trash blowing around outside
Basically, if your chase cover isn’t made from durable materials or isn’t installed correctly, your system will be prone to damage, clogs, and premature deterioration. That’s why the pros here at English Sweep prefer to install chase tops made from the highest-grade stainless steel.
Invest in the quality components you need to avoid bigger repairs in the future and issues throughout your burning season. We’re here to help.
How Do You Make “Custom” Chimney Chase Covers?
The beauty of working with a professional, licensed, insured, and experienced full-service chimney provider is that with the right team, vision, and materials, virtually anything is possible!
Going after a particular look and style that would better suit the rest of your outdoor house adornments? Let’s make it happen. Working with a tight budget and want to keep it sleek, simple, and sophisticated? You got it. Feeling particularly creative and interested in a custom chase cover that’s as original and interesting as you are? We can do that too.
No matter where you are in your chimney chase cover replacement journey – whether you have an exact picture of what you’d like it to look like, or you simply know you need a new one – you can trust English Sweep for a job well-done. Not only do we have the skills and craftsmanship to create something durable, long-lasting, and visually appealing, but we know how to do it right, by making sure everything is the right size and proper fit – no matter your chimney or heating appliance.
To learn more about our custom chimney covers and chase tops and what we can do for you and your system, get in touch with someone from our team. Feel free to give us a call at 636-225-3340 or reach out through our website to get started today.
Are Chase Covers Only for Prefabricated Chimneys?
What if your chimney is masonry? Does that automatically disqualify you from the excellent full-coverage protection provided by a quality chase top?
You may be surprised to learn that while this specific structural component may have originally been intended for prefab chimneys, they are not exclusive to them. Especially over recent years, more and more homeowners with masonry chimneys are switching out their chimney crowns in favor of simple, sleek, customizable chase covers. Sometimes it’s a result of a desire for change in the external presentation of a chimney, but other times it’s because the existing crown is damaged and deteriorating. More often than not, brick chimney crowns are not constructed with the correct materials and, as a result, break down much sooner than they should.
All that to say, chimney chase covers or tops are appropriate for any kind of chimney – both prefab and brick. In fact, we actually prefer them because of how much they cover and protect the entire top part of the chimney against any kind of intrusion, while still creating the perfect environment for an adequate draft and exchange of air within the flue.
What Is the Difference Between Chase Tops/Covers & Chimney Caps?
Now that we have a better understanding of what exactly a chase cover is, how it works, and that it can be installed on any kind of chimney, it’s important to touch on chimney caps. While they perform a similar job – protecting the flue from rain, animals, and any other debris – they are, ultimately, different structures.
Chimney caps are smaller in design and are installed only at the top of the chimney flue. They are generally constructed from metal and, though they vary slightly in presentation, most are equipped with a roof-shaped top to help redirect water out and away from the entire structure. Chimney caps are usually seen atop traditional brick masonry chimneys, in tandem with the chimney crown, which works to protect the otherwise exposed cavity that surrounds the flue.
Chimney chase covers, on the other hand, are more like a lid: they are meant to encompass the entire top part of the chimney’s structure, as opposed to just the flue or just the chase. In this way, chase tops are like a combination between a chimney cap and crown.
Because of their similar function, it makes sense why all of these different parts and pieces – chase covers, chimney crowns, and caps – tend to all get lumped together and used interchangeably. Since they all largely do the same thing for the chimney, when it’s time to look into upgrading or changing around your chimney’s greatest protector, it really comes down to personal preference.
Here at English Sweep, we’re pretty partial to the nice finished look a chase cover creates. Plus, the lid-like design ensures just a bit more coverage and protection against the elements, and that’s always a bonus.
If you’re a St. Louis homeowner and you’re interested in learning more about chimney chase cover replacements and chase tops, we’d love to help you out. You can get in touch with someone from our team by filling out this appointment request form or by calling 636-225-3340. We’re always happy to answer questions to help you make the best decision for your home.
Why Is Stainless Steel a Good Option for Chimney Chase Covers?
Stainless steel chase tops or covers are known for their durability and long-lasting protection, but they’re also a bit more expensive than some of the other material options on the market. Because of this higher price tag, many homeowners wonder if a stainless steel chase top is worth it.
We get it. After all, why shell out the extra cash for something that you could get so much cheaper? Well, unfortunately, because if you do settle for a less expensive metal, there’s a high chance that you’ll be back looking for another replacement chase cover before long.
The reason we recommend stainless steel is because it is resistant to all types of weather, and given the location of the chase top or cover, that’s super important. Remember, of all the many parts that makeup your chimney system, this chase cover is the first line of defense against the outside world – and all that comes with it. All the rain, snow, sleet, and heat of the outdoors can really do a number to weaker, less durable metals. But with a stainless steel chase top or custom cover, you’ve got one less thing to worry about, no matter what season we’re in or what the current climate is.
Another reason we love stainless steel? Of all the other options, stainless steel is known to last – and maintain its original color year after year, unlike something like copper (another popular choice) which oxidizes to a pale minty green. Other materials will eventually need to be replaced – sometimes within a mere few years – but a stainless steel cover equips you with a solution that’s sure to last a lifetime.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace a Chimney Chase Cover?
Great question. Unfortunately, while we would love to be able to confidently provide you with a general price range for a chimney chase cover replacement service, we just can’t. If you’ve spent any amount of time perusing our site, or even the results page on a Google search, you’ve probably already gathered that so much in this industry – from cost estimates to various service expectations – greatly varies from customer to customer, chimney to chimney.
Due to the highly individualized nature of chimney structures and the general health and condition of them, it’s virtually impossible to give you an idea of pricing for our products and services – and have it be accurate. With regard to chimney chase cover replacements, for instance, there are a handful of factors that will play into your final cost including the size and shape of your chimney, the state of your existing chase top (and how difficult it is to remove), and more.
All that to say, we strongly believe that price transparency only boosts trust and reliability between us and our customers and, as such, we’re always happy to discuss quotes over the phone or in person. Once we learn a bit more about your unique situation and get better, more concrete details regarding your interests and needs, we’re able to give a more honest estimate of what to expect.
Give us a call at 636-225-3340 to learn more and reserve a spot in our books. We’d love to help you keep your chimney beautiful, protected, and healthy!
How Do You Know When Your Chase Cover Needs To Be Replaced?
Another good one. Once again, unfortunately, it depends. Unless you spend a great deal of time climbing up and inspecting your roof and chimney, it can be quite a challenge to know how your chimney chase cover is holding up. Sure, there are some signs that indicate something is awry – water dripping down the flue, signs of animals or other debris, strange musty odors lingering around your fireplace, etc. – but even then you can’t ever be sure that your system woes are the result of a damaged or otherwise ineffective chase top.
Along with all the other benefits, this is one of the reasons it’s so important to stay on top of those regular preventive services like chimney inspections and annual cleanings. If you maintain a regular maintenance schedule and have everything checked over and swept out every year, you’ll have a pretty good idea how all of the different composite parts are faring. That way, you can call someone out to take a look without wasting any time wondering.
We Specialize in Custom Covers & Chase Tops – Book an Installation Service Today
If you’re looking to resolve problems with your chase cover, count on us from the very beginning. We’ll recommend the appropriate size and materials for your needs and budget, so you can rest easy knowing your cover is custom-fitted to your unique setup.
If you live in Kirkwood, Webster Groves, University City, Clayton, Des Peres, Olivette, Ballwin, Wildwood, Chesterfield, or anywhere else surrounding, our experts can help with it all.
We’re here to answer your questions – call 636-225-3340 or request an appointment online to get started.
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