The cold of the winter brings a lot of things to North Texas; hot chocolate, cozy blankets and cuddling up next to a fire. If you’re ready to light your fireplace this season, we want to stop you and remind you of something important before you strike the match: it is important to have a safe and well-working chimney before your first fire. Every single component of your chimney system plays a vital role in its function and the safety of your home and loved ones. If a piece is missing or damaged, you could be at risk for property damage and costly repairs. One of the components that is often overlooked is the chimney cap.

What Is A Chimney Cap?

A chimney cap is, well, a cap for your chimney. While that sounds pretty basic, its role is pretty serious. A chimney cap helps to prevent animals and from entering your home, prevents moisture from rain and weather out, and helps to protect your roof from catching on fire from embers from the fires you burn in your fireplace.

When the cap is missing or damaged, you may experience problems such as:

• Difficulty lighting fires
• Smoky conditions inside your home
• Drafts in the room your fireplace is in
• Rain or leaks in or near your chimney

Rain and water damage can lead to extensive issues inside your chimney that can eventually penetrate your walls and weaken the structure of your home – leaving you with costly repairs and your family at risk of injury.

If you’re experiencing any of the issues we’ve mentioned or notice water in or near your chimney, you may have a missing or damaged chimney cap. We suggest scheduling an inspection with a professional roofing company to check your chimney cap and your roof.