Looking for a New Chimney Chase Cover? Ashbusters Sells & Installs Only the Best
If your prefabricated chimney system has a rusted, corroded, or otherwise damaged chase cover, Ashbusters Chimney Service can help. The preferred chimney service and maintenance provider in the general Nashville, TN area, we sell and install the best fireplace parts, pieces, and appliances on the market. For chase covers near Nashville, we’re the crew to turn to.
Interested in learning more about us, our products and services, and what we might be able to do for you? Get in touch by filling out this appointment request form on our website, or give us a call at 615-459-2546 to get started today!
What Is a Chimney Chase Cover?
OK, so what exactly is a chimney chase cover and what purpose does it serve? Are they completely necessary or just more of an optional chimney extra?
First things first, they are definitely essential – for certain chimneys. Where traditional masonry chimneys sport a chimney crown, the open cavity around the flue of a prefabricated chimney is protected by a sheet of metal called – you guessed it – a chase cover.
Designed with space for the chimney’s flue to pass through, chase covers prohibit water, animals, and any other flying debris from entering the system. All this considered, chimney chase covers are indeed very necessary for prefabricated systems and other cases where a chimney crown is not present or in need of repair or replacement (which we’ll go over in a bit more detail later).
What’s the Difference Between a Chimney Cap & a Chimney Chase Cover?
As you’ve begun the process of learning more about your chimney structure and how best to care for it, you’ve likely seen a couple of terms used somewhat interchangeably: chimney caps and chase covers (or chase tops). And while they’re relatively similar in the way they protect the most vulnerable parts of the chimney, they are, in fact, entirely different components that perform different functions.
Chimney Caps
Available in a variety of different styles, chimney caps are installed at the very top of the chimney’s flue and act as a first line of defense against things like rain, animals, and flying debris. They also serve as spark arrestors, so that if any hot ash or particulate matter is present in the fire’s smoke, it stays contained within the flue (as opposed to flying out and catching nearby trees or other surrounding objects on fire).
Some chimney caps are shaped like small roofs to divert and redirect water out and away from the system, while others take a flatter, low-profile shape. But, regardless, all chimney caps perform two very important jobs: 1) to protect the flue, while still allowing it to 2) properly, and to safely ventilate the combustion fumes.
Chimney Chase Covers
Chase covers are metal lid-like structures installed on top of the chimney with a hole in the middle just big enough for the flue to stick through. This essential piece of your chimney seals off the otherwise open cavity surrounding the flue pipe and protects it from being damaged by animals, moisture permeation, and any other debris that could find its way inside.
Unlike chimney caps that come in many different styles and designs, chase covers only really vary in terms of the metal they’re constructed from; the size, shape, and number of holes for the flue(s); and whether or not they are designed to sit flush with the edge of the structure or create a bit of an overhang to encourage water runoff.
What Chase Covers Does Ashbusters Sell?
Here at Ashbusters Chimney Service, we’re proud to sell chimney chase covers in multiple different grade metals: stainless steel, 20-oz. copper, or galvanized steel. Our custom chase covers are available for use in systems with just one flue or those with multiple flues and also come with an optional drip edge for added water protection. Proudly made in America, these products have a lifetime warranty and create the perfect solution to aging and deteriorating fireplace chase covers.
Our Other Related Products
In addition to quality chase covers, we also sell:
Storm Collars: When it’s time to have your chase cover replaced because it’s beginning to rust and deteriorate, it’s also a good idea to think about switching out your storm collar. Located right above the flashing, the circular storm collar has but one job: to make sure no water sneaks past and leaks into your chimney!
To ensure the finished look is cohesive, our storm collars are available in the same materials as our high-quality chase covers: 20-oz. copper, stainless steel, and galvanized steel. And when you purchase a new storm collar at Ashbusters, you can feel proud knowing that you’re buying a well-made product from the United States.
Custom Shrouds: Looking for a bit more protection for your chimney? Ashubusters creates, sells, and installs custom shrouds that will fit over your entire chase cover, creating a fanciful focal point that doubles as a sort of cover over your chase top. Not to be confused with chimney caps, custom shrouds are not allowed everywhere, so before you pull the trigger on moving forward with one, be sure to check with your local codes and regulations.
To accommodate a range of different styles, we can make these shrouds out of 20-oz. copper or stainless steel, and they can either be installed directly on top of your chase cover (top mount) or hang a little over and be attached to the outside of the chimney structure (outside mount).
Questions about what we offer? Want to learn more about the various chimney chase covers and other related products we sell? Get in touch with someone from our team by filling out this appointment request form through our website, or give us a call at 615-459-2546. Learn more about all the products we sell that can help ensure your chimney remains adequately protected for the long haul!
Are Chase Covers Only for Prefabricated Chimneys?
It’s a common misconception that chimney chase covers are exclusively used in prefabricated models. While it’s true that they were designed and installed on those factory-made systems to begin with, they are not limited to prefab appliances. In fact, over recent years, many homeowners with traditional brick chimneys have turned to chase covers as an alternative to chimney crowns.
Not only do chase covers tend to offer slightly more protection for the whole top of your chimney and fireplace system, but because they’re constructed from a handful of different metals – that boast different finishes – they establish a stylishly modern and sleek finish to the whole structure.
Now, usually when we provide this little factoid, the next question becomes, “Well, which one is better for a masonry chimney: a traditional chimney crown or a metal chimney chase cover?”
For better or for worse, the truth is that there really is no exceptional difference between the two – at least when it comes down to the nitty gritty of adequate overall structural protection. Choosing between a chimney chase cover and a chimney crown matters much more with regard to stylistic preferences.
- Are you after the traditional brick chimney look? Perhaps you’d prefer a classic cement-poured chimney crown to seal off the top of your system.
- Aiming to achieve a certain modern twist? A chase cover made of a certain type of metal that suits just the right look you’re going for might be your perfect solution.
The important thing to remember is that both poured chimney crowns and metal chimney chase covers offer excellent protection against the elements – as long as they’ve been constructed and installed properly. Which, when you work with Ashbusters, you can trust they will be.
Ready to upgrade your chimney’s look and increase overall system protection by installing a brand new shiny chase cover? Call on the dedicated team of Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified professionals at Ashbusters for an excellent product with even better service. Reach out to us online or give us a call at 615-459-2546.
How Long Do Chimney Chase Covers Last?
In the same way masonry chimneys tend to have issues with their crowns cracking and crumbling (when they’re not constructed properly and from the right materials), metal chase covers are prone to corrosion and rust – especially when made from a lower-quality metal.
All materials weather and degrade differently, but you can expect your metal chimney cover to last you anywhere from five years to a lifetime, depending on the grade and quality of the metal used, the way it was installed, and a variety of other circumstances.
Just like any other home or chimney element that is susceptible to everyday wear and tear and damage as a result of regular use, how long your chimney chase cover lasts can depend on a multitude of factors. Things like frequency of system use, general appliance health, recent weather conditions, and more, can all play into the lifespan of a chase cover.
However, it’s also important to consider the type of metal used and how it was treated prior to construction and installation.
How Do I Prevent Rust on My Chimney Chase Cover?
Well, that’s just the thing. Unfortunately, when it comes to those external parts designed to protect against all of Mother Nature’s many moods, aside from choosing high-quality materials (and a trustworthy company to install them), there’s not a whole lot you can do.
That’s one of the biggest reasons it’s super important to invest in preventive chimney maintenance by scheduling regular chimney cleanings and inspections. While they may seem somewhat of a nuisance – especially when everything seems to be operating and performing properly – they’re helpful in providing you with a detailed overview of all the components at work.
This means you learn about problematic areas in addition to the things that are working as they should. Without annual chimney inspections and sweepings, it might otherwise be very difficult for you to know the state and condition of your chase cover – and if it is corroded and rusty, what your best replacement options might look like.
If you’re a homeowner in Nashville and you’ve been meaning to schedule your annual preventive services like a chimney sweep, Ashbusters has got you covered. Schedule an appointment with us today by filling out our appointment request form or by giving us a call at 615-459-2546.
While we’re up there, we’ll be sure to look over your existing chase cover and safely determine whether or not it’s rusted and in need of replacement – that way you don’t have to venture up there yourself!
What’s the Best Chimney Chase Cover Material?
In the same way that we can’t claim that a brick chimney is superior to a prefab one (or vice versa), we can’t tell you what the “best” chase cover material is either. What we can say is that here at Ashbusters, we would never sell or install products that we don’t wholeheartedly stand behind.
Whether you choose stainless steel, regular steel, or copper for a new custom chimney chase cover, when you work with the team of experts at Ashbusters Chimney Service, you can rest assured you’re getting the best product possible.
Not sure which material best suits your intended aesthetic? We’d be happy to offer our professional opinion. No idea where to start when it comes to deciding on a chase cover replacement material? We can walk you through your options. Just give us a call at 615-459-2546, tell us a little bit about your chimney, and we’ll handle the rest. You can also reach out to us online!
Are Chimney Chase Covers Expensive?
As much as we would love to be able to answer these “yes” or “no” questions with a simple answer, we just can’t. And why is that exactly? Because in the same way there is no specific “right” answer to the previous question, when it comes to the pricing of products and services, it’s just not one-size-fits-all. Plus, “expensive” is too subjective a word to provide a confidently absolute answer. What’s expensive to one, might not even faze another.
Also, for as similar as chimneys appear, they are in fact, all just a little bit different – just like the houses they’re attached to. These differences play a big role in determining the overall cost of a product or service, making it impossible for us to even publish any kind of estimated range that would apply to our wide customer base.
However, we believe that price transparency is incredibly important in building and maintaining meaningful, long-lasting relationships with our customers. As such, we encourage you to reach out with questions about estimates, and once we learn a bit more about your unique situation, we’d be happy to give you a quote!
Get Your Chimney Chase Cover Replaced by the Pros at Ashbusters
Do you know the current condition of your chimney chase cover? Whether you’re looking for a stainless steel chase cover for your multi-flue appliance or perhaps a copper cover for a chimney with a singular flue, Ashbusters has the products for you.
Get in touch with one of our friendly professionals online, or give us a call at 615-459-2546 to learn more and schedule your appointment today!
Did you know that at Ashbusters Chimney Service, we sell and install everything you need for a beautiful outdoor fireplace? We do…and we’re ready to talk with you about yours!