While we were up on a roof in Burnaby, we came across a chimney chase cap that had completely rusted out. The chase cap is the metal lid that covers the top of a framed chimney chase, and its whole job is to keep water out of the structure below.
The first thing that caught our eye: someone had glued and caulked roofing nails all over the top of the old cap, points up, to stop birds from landing on it. Creative. But the real problem was underneath, where the cap itself had rusted right through.
Why a rusted chase cap is a problem
A chimney chase is a framed box, usually wood wrapped in stucco, built to enclose a metal flue. The cap on top is what keeps rain out. Once it rusts through, water runs straight into the chase, and from there into the framing and the home. A rusted cap is not a cosmetic issue, it is an open door for water.
The fix: a new chase cap
We removed the old rusted cap, nails and all, and installed a new metal chase cap. It sheds water, seals around the flue, and will not rust out the way the old galvanized one did. No bird nails required, a proper cap does not leave a flat spot for them to sit on anyway.
Got a chimney chase? Look at the cap
If your chimney is a framed chase rather than solid masonry, the cap on top is worth a look. Rust stains running down the chase, or a cap that is more orange than silver, means it is time to replace it before water gets into the structure.
We replace chimney chase caps and repair roofs across Greater Vancouver and serve Burnaby and the surrounding area. See our roofing services or call 778-389-5564 for a free estimate.