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Many times the flue tile that exits out of the top of the chimney does not have a cover on it to protect it from rain and animals. Flue rain caps are typically made from galvanized steel, stainless steel, copper, or clay. They are available in many different sizes to fit pretty much any chimney.

When the flue does not have a cover on it, it allows water to drop drown to the base of the chimney in the case of a heating appliance flue. In the case of a fireplace, water drops down to the smoke shelf of the fireplace. The water can then pass through the masonry and deteriorate the back wall of the fireplace or the base of the chimney.

When there is no screened rain cap on the chimney, some animals find chimneys to be a great place to build a nest. Animals such as birds, squirrels, raccoons, etc. can sometimes call your chimney home. This creates a very serious and potentially dangerous problem. When there is a nest in the chimney, the draft is seriously compromised or worse, there is no draft at all! No draft means that the byproducts of combustion have no way to escape the house. This can lead to moisture problems, appliances that fail, CHIMNEY FIRES, EVEN CARBON MONOXIDE in the house. It is CRUCIAL that remove ANY NESTING from all chimneys!

“Igor is the man. I found Igor when looking for my first home and man I couldn’t have made a better decision. He is thorough and I mean thorough. He checks everything in the house top to bottom and he even checks things out of the scope of the inspection and tells you what’s wrong and his opinion. After I terminated my deal on the first house I found another one and I automatically called Igor for my home inspection. I would recommend him to anyone. He is the REAL DEAL. Thank you Igor”
John F.

Wayne, NJ

If you’re looking for professional home inspections in New Jersey, call today at 201-699-6608 or complete our online request form.