At the top of any wood framed chimney chase is a steel cover that is intended to prevent rain, snow, and critters from entering the chimney. Builders of homes tend to cut corners to save themselves money and fail to properly seal the top of chimney chases. The issues of improperly sealing the chase go unnoticed until there is a problem. Water damage and rust stains are two of the most common issues when a chimney chase cover starts to corrode. The chimney chase cover should be replaced before these problems arise to prevent costly future repairs down the road. Replacing the inferior chimney chase cover with a stainless steel cover is a great solution and is often a one-time fix, with very little maintenance.
The majority of chase covers are installed with treated galvanized steel. The most common issue with galvanized chase covers is rusting. Being exposed to the elements and having the exhaust from the vent pipes close to the cover will make the thin steel rust at a faster pace. Once the cover has rusted, the rust will start to bleed down the side of the chase, showing unsightly stains on the side of the home. Chimney chases with vinyl siding make it extremely difficult to remove the stain. Harsh chemicals can remove the stain, but also dim the color of the siding. Wood siding will have to get repainted completely. If your chimney chase cover is starting to show signs of rust, it would be a good idea to replace the cover before the problem gets worse.
Leaky or damaged crowns and chase tops are potential hazards on brick chimneys and prefabricated metal fireplaces. We help eliminate problems before they start by repairing masonry and replacing rusty metal chase tops with a new crown or a brand new custom chase cover to fit your chimney. Call us now!