The heating needs of most homes during the cold winter are typically taken care of by the chimneys. Although they may look very simple and quite basic, they are very complex things.
For a chimney to operate at full capacity, all the small components that make it up must also be in good condition.
What Are the Main Components of a Chimney?
Before we get details about chimney cap installation, it is important to first highlight some of the most important components of any chimney.
As noted above, for your chimney to operate at optimum capacity, all these components will need to be in good condition.
So, the first thing every chimney has is the cap at the top of the roof. This is where the soot that is generated from burning fuel is released. Chimneys also have a crown, a liner, a flue, flashing, a damper, and of course the smoke chamber.
Chimney Cap Installation and Costs
In case your chimney cap is damaged or missing, then you will need to replace it as soon as possible. The good news is that the chimney cap replacement cost is not high.
Most folks in the US pay on average between $150 and $200 to get this done. However, it's also possible to pay way more than that depending on several factors. We will discuss these factors in detail below.
What Factors Affect Chimney Cap Replacement Costs?
If you are lucky and most parts of your chimney are in good shape, then the cost of replacing the cap won’t be high. But if overall your chimney needs a few repairs here and there, then you have to be ready to spend extra.
Here are some of the factors that will determine the final cost:
Capsizes
Chimneys are not the same. You will notice that some may have a relatively larger cap size than others. Well, if indeed your chimney has a bigger capsize, then the final chimney cap installation cost will be high.
A big cap will cost more and since it is relatively bulky and heavier. The labor costs needed to install will also be high.
Type of Metal Used
To enhance the durability of the chimney cap, these days metal is used to make them.
And there is no doubting the effectiveness of metal. After all, metal will not only last long but it is durable enough to survive in harsh weather.
But there are many different types of metals that are used in chimney caps.
Copper, for example, is very common but you can also find caps made from aluminum, metal sheets, wrought iron, and so on. The more exclusive the metal is the higher the cost of installation will be.
Contractor Fee
Unless you are a well-equipped and skilled DIYer, you will need to hire a contractor to take care of the installation.
The fees charged by various chimney cover installation services will vary greatly. In most cases, the pedigree of the contractor will determine how much they charge.
Installers that have been doing this for years and those that have a great track record of quality will charge extra.
But that means their service is top-notch. It's better to pay extra for installation service and get value for your money than choosing cheap services that won’t deliver.
Inspection Costs
It is always considered good practice to get a professional chimney inspection when you get a new chimney cap cost installed.
This will help to identify any potential issues with the chimney before they become big problems.
Inspections are not always expensive and you will only need them twice a year at most. But they can play a very central role in helping maintain efficiency and performance for your chimney.
Always budget for inspection fees as you plan for chimney cap installation services.