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Chimney caps are necessary both from a building safety standpoint in most municipalities and to keep your home protected from a variety of issues. Chimney caps are not only mandated by building code in most areas, but they also serve to keep squirrels, raccoons, and other pests out of your home, as well as snow and rain. Therefore, they help to avoid property damage, making them a worthwhile investment.

No, but they both serve distinct life-saving purposes. Smoke detectors primarily sense the presence of smoke, typically caused by a fire, and emit loud alarms to alert occupants to evacuate. In contrast, carbon monoxide detectors monitor the levels of carbon monoxide gas, an odorless and colorless but deadly substance produced by incomplete combustion of fuels. When CO levels become dangerous, CO detectors sound alarms to warn inhabitants of potential poisoning risks. 

Regular and professional chimney cleaning offers several key benefits. It prevents dangerous fire hazards by removing flammable creosote buildup, improves airflow and heating efficiency, ensures the safe venting of smoke and harmful gases, and can help you stay in compliance with local safety codes.

In addition to flashing, a roof cricket can help divert water around your chimney so that it drains properly off your roof. It’s shaped like a double triangle and is installed behind the chimney so that falling water spills evenly down each side. This helps prevent water from accumulating behind your chimney, which can increase water damage and the risk of leaks. 

The International Building Code (IBC) requires cricket installation if a chimney built after 2012 measures over 30 inches in width. Chimneys constructed before that date are typically grandfathered in and aren’t required to have crickets installed.