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Find out the average chimney cap replacement cost, key price factors, and ways to save and budget for your chimney cap project.
How to Install a Chimney Cap Safely and Efficiently
Tip your cap to your chimney’s first line of defense
Get quotes from chimney cap pros near you
No obligation · 100% free
Get quotes from chimney cap pros near you
No obligation · 100% free
SKILL LEVEL
Challenging
COMPLETION TIME
4 hours
COST
$100–$500
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
- Ladder
- Safety harness
- Work gloves
- Drill
- Measuring tape
SUPPLIES
- Chimney cap
- Masonry drill bit
- Masonry screws
- High-heat silicone sealant
- Brick-and-mortar cleaner
Although it may seem like a minor exterior detail, a chimney cap has an important purpose. It is a mighty shield that prevents rain, snow, leaves, and critters from entering your chimney while improving ventilation. Knowing how to install a chimney cap is the first step to ensuring your chimney stays safe and functional for years, whether you decide to install it yourself or hire a pro.
How to Prep for Chimney Cap Installation
Photos: Marina Sidorova / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images; makkayak / E+ / Getty Images
The first step is to measure for a chimney cap. If your chimney has a square or rectangular flue, measure the outside length and width. For round flues, you'll need to measure the inside and outside diameters to ensure the cap fits properly. Remember, selecting the right size cap is essential for proper airflow and protection—these measurements should be as accurate as possible.
Safety is everything when working on a roof. Wear shoes with a good grip and use a ladder with a stabilizer. If your roof has a steep slope, especially over 35 degrees, hire a professional to handle the installation. If this is not possible, you should wear a safety harness attached to a weight-bearing anchor point to prevent a dangerous fall.
Purchase Your Chimney Cap
Chimney caps are either single-flue caps, which fit individual flues, or multi-flue caps, designed to cover multiple flues at once.
When choosing the right cap, consider the material. Stainless steel is durable and rust-resistant and works well in most climates, while copper adds decorative appeal but requires more maintenance.
Additionally, you may consider a cap with a mesh screen to keep out animals and debris. If you live in an area with heavy rain or snow, a cap with a solid top is ideal for preventing moisture from entering your chimney.
Clean Your Chimney Crown
Photo: gabort / Adobe StockIt is essential to clean then chimney crown thoroughly before installing a chimney cap. Use a wire brush to remove loose debris, leaves, and soot. A scraper is helpful for tough spots. For extra sooty conditions, you can scrub using a brick-and-mortar cleaner. Just dilute some of the cleaner in a bucket filled with water.
Afterward, grab your garden hose to rinse off the crown, then allow it to dry completely. This necessary step prevents moisture from being trapped under the cap.
While cleaning, look for cracks or damage that need to be repaired before proceeding. Having your chimney swept and inspected by a pro is also a good idea to ensure you do not miss structural damage.
Place the Chimney Cap
Photo: brizmaker / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesTest the fit of your chimney cap before installation, following the manufacturer's instructions. The steps may include checking for stability and clearance between the top of the cap and the flue opening, so smoke and gases can exit while preventing downdrafts. Once you ensure a good fit, hold the chimney cap and mark your pilot drill holes.
Install the Chimney Cap
Use your drill and a masonry bit to create pilot holes in the chimney crown. These holes will guide the screws and ensure a secure fit for the cap. Once the pilot holes are ready, fasten the chimney cap in place using masonry screws or mounting brackets, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.
Remember to drive the screws or brackets firmly into the masonry. Securing the cap tightly is essential to prevent it from shifting or coming loose during high winds and other weather conditions, which can test its durability over time.
Apply the Sealant
Grap your caulk gun and carefully apply a generous bead of chimney-appropriate sealant around the entire base of the chimney cap, focusing on the areas where it meets the chimney structure. This will create a watertight barrier that helps prevent moisture from seeping into any small gaps and blocking drafts that could compromise your chimney's efficiency.
Be sure to apply the sealant evenly to ensure maximum coverage and protection. Most sealants need adequate time to cure before they become fully water-resistant. This process typically takes 8 hours in low-humidity conditions but may take longer in more humid environments.
Test Your New Chimney Cap
To test your chimney cap, inspect it for secure installation, ensuring there are no visible gaps or loose parts. Next, check for proper airflow by lighting a small fire in the fireplace and observing the smoke. It should rise and exit through the chimney, indicating that the cap allows ventilation.
When rain is forecast, observe how the cap performs in keeping moisture out and inspect afterward for any water seepage inside the chimney. Remember, annual chimney inspections will help ensure the cap is functioning effectively.
Cost to Install a Chimney Cap
The average cost to install a chimney cap is $300, but you can expect to pay between $75 and $500. Material plays a big part in the cost, with galvanzied steel being the least expensive at $15 to $200 and copper costing up to $900, depending on shape and size. As with most products, the larger the cap, the higher the price tag, and an oddly-shaped chimney may require a costly custom cap.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
While installing a chimney cap as a DIY project can be cost-effective, you must have relevant experience, be comfortable with heights, and own the necessary safety equipment. It's also wise to have a buddy spot you while working. We don’t recommend attempting this project yourself as any kind of roof work can be dangerous.
A local chimney cap installer will ensure great results that meet local guidelines. Remember, pros have the proper equipment, experience, and knowledge to install the cap securely, and they can spot any issues with your chimney that might require attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chimney cap services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
5.0★ avg. • 3 total reviews
- Donald L.
Ace Fireplace Services came to the rescue for my chimney repair. They were quick to pinpoint the issue and worked their magic to fix it. My chimney is now in excellent shape, and I'm a satisfied customer.
Ace Fireplace Services - Bobby G.
This company went above and beyond with their work, chimney sweeps are usually pretty messy, but the clean up was spot on.!! Josh explained every thing that he was doing, and the things that he was checking to make sure the chimney was safe for me and my family. He was very professional,...
Supreme brick & chimney - Lori C.
It was a good experience. During the call, we ran through a series of questions to determine what was in my chimney. We determined it was likely just a bird or a mouse. Thankfully the animal couldn't get into the house because the flute was shut. I was able to wait until Monday for them to...
Critter Control of Columbus - Michael S.
<p>I was anxious to replace my old, leaking water heater because once they start to leak, they can "blow up" at any moment, creating a huge and expensive mess. Once the heater I'd ordered from Lowe's arrived I got a call from Water Heaters Plus and we set up an install for Friday afternoon. ...
- Fordham.
Outstanding service. Dick Neff was prompt in estimating and added the chimney work overnight, even though it required use of a lift and color matching stucco. The plaster and stucco workers were courteous, careful, extremely competent in their craft, and cleaned up.
George F Neff & Co. Plaster & Stucco - Rick B.
We had to replace rotten wood on both buildings and shingle the sides of our dormer walls on the main building. Prior to replacing the roofs we had to tear down a deteriorating chimney to the roofline and Muth and Co worked with our hired chimney vendor to complete the project. While...
Muth & Company Roofing - Vinnie R.
I called Drain Openers, since it wasn't an emergeny they would have someone come over between 2pm and 6pm the next day. I got a call around 2:15pm the next day and met there representative at my home. He arrived at the time he indicated and was very professional. He attempted to remove...
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