You may not see a chimney cap on every chimney you encounter — but we know that shouldn’t be the case. All chimneys should have caps, as they prevent some of the most common issues that homeowners with a fireplace or stove have to face: water damage and animal infestations.
Whether you are looking to replace your chimney cap or are wondering how much getting one for the first time will run you, On Duty Chimney Service is here to help! Like many things around the house, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how much a chimney cap costs. Let’s take a look at what influences the final price tag of this chimney component:
Factors That Influence the Cost to Install a Chimney Cap
While average prices can give you a rough idea of what you can expect to pay, there are several factors that determine how much chimney cap installation costs will turn out to be, including:
- Type of metal used: The three most common options are galvanized steel chimney caps (lowest cost), stainless steel chimney caps (average cost), and copper chimney caps (higher cost).
- Cap size: Standard single chimney caps can be 6” round or 9” x 12” rectangular. Caps covering two or more flues can be as large as 18” x 64” but cost three times as much. If you require a custom sized cap, be prepared to pay a 20-40% premium.
- Specialty types of caps: Chimney pots, decorate caps with shrouds, and Kynar-coated caps can cost up to twice the cost of standard styles.
- Installation considerations: It’s common for chimney caps to have one or more tightening screws on each side for speedy installation. The installation cost will be higher if adhesive is used, or if mortar screws are installed in the crown.
- Time of year: You could have to pay more to have a chimney cap installed during the winter if there’s snow and/or ice present on the roof. Cooler months are the optimal time to install a chimney cap, because conditions are safe and roofs are not so hot that walking on them will cause damage to shingles, membranes, or other materials that soften due to heat.
- Crown and flue condition: If chimney repairs are needed first, your final cost will be considerably higher.
Chimney Cap Installation: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
You may be tempted to skip the labor costs all together and opt for installing a chimney cap yourself. However, there are several reasons why partnering with a chimney specialist is the way to go. Aside from feeling confident everything will go off without a hitch and not having to traverse your roof and, by hiring a professional to install the cap, they will have the opportunity to see if there’s any other service your chimney needs. From scheduling your next chimney sweep to installing a chimney liner, you could be well on your way to a happy, healthy chimney.
For more information about frequently asked questions or our chimney services in Fitchburg, MA, and the surrounding communities, contact us today!