The chimney is more than just a decorative element in a home. It also protects people's health by channeling smoke away from their homes. In a home with a gas or wood-burning fireplace, this is especially true. The chimney cap is essential for keeping the chimney in working order. Snow, rain, and tiny animals can't get into the chimney because of it. A safety feature on some chimney caps stops huge spark embers from flying out of the chimney and burning flammable items. A chimney cap repair service can help with a variety of chimney issues, including: 

1. Damaged or Missing Chimney Cap:

The top of the chimney has a cement or metal cap. It is slanted away from the chimney to keep water out. Some chimneys include a mesh grill to keep big embers out.

Water, trash, and small animals will all fall down the chimney if the chimney cap is damaged or missing. This might result in heat loss and other difficulties. As a result, you'll need chimney cap repair services to replace it right away to avoid more damage.

2. Cracked or Missing Brickwork

Cracked or missing bricks indicate structural problems, which are frequently caused by faulty fireplace installation, poor mortar quality, and a damaged cap. Furthermore, deterioration of the brickwork results in cracks in the brickwork and water infiltration.

To prevent additional water erosion, the chimney cap needs to be repaired. Repointing the brickwork and installing waterproofing to avoid water ingress and damage are also part of the repair.

3. Damaged or Clogged Chimney Flue:

The flue is the chimney's vertical duct that directs smoke to the chimney's top. It protects the masonry of the chimney from heat damage. High heat can cause the flue to crack, and creosote buildup makes it ineffective at removing smoke. You'll require chimney cap repair services to inspect the flue with a camera and rectify any issues.

4. Creosote buildup:

Creosote is a sticky residue that builds up inside the fireplace due to ‌the incomplete combustion of wood or gas. Creosote buildup can cause chimney fires; thus, chimney repair services need to remove it regularly.

5. Flashing issues:

By directing water off the roof away from the chimney, flashing protects it from water damage and erosion. To avoid leaks and other difficulties caused by water, damaged flashing will need to be replaced. To fill gaps between the chimney and the roof shingles, the chimney repair provider will use caulk or roofing cement.

Is your chimney no longer effective at eliminating smoke from your home? To examine and correct problems, contact a chimney cap repair service.