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Home Owner Maintenance Tip
We enjoy trying to make sure that your home stays your most valuable asset. One of the best ways we know to help, is to pass along some simple maintenance tips that most people don’t know could save thousands of dollars. Chimney Caps
Chimney caps may prevent many problems from occurring in your chimney. Their purpose is to prevent water from penetrating the top of a masonry chimney. (The chimney cap should not be confused with rain caps which sometimes cover the top of a flue).Chimney caps shield ice and rain from the chimney crown and extend the life of the structure. In many cases a proper cap does not come with a home. Bricklayers often put a thin coat of mortar over the top of the chimney (but never over the flue). Over time this thin layer of mortar cracks and can eventually loosen. A chimney cap is usually constructed of concrete, however, some are stone or metal. Stainless Steel is the most popular since it can best handle rain, smoke and wind. A good quality chimney cap normally overhangs the side of the chimney at least one inch. Most models have side screens which will keep animals and birds from nesting in the chimney or fireplace. Chimney caps increase the draft of the chimney especially in windy areas. A cracked cap allows water to penetrate the chimney causing premature deterioration and in northern climates, freeze/thaw damage. If your chimney does not have a cap it is recommend that you buy and install one. Be sure to check the chimney's structure for cracks and crumbling bricks. Please feel free to forward this maintenance tip to your friends and/or family members so they too can maintain their real estate investment.
Lem McSpadden and Brian McSpadden "Your Property Consultants for Life"
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