Why Chase Covers Matter: Protect Your Prefabricated Chimney from Damage
Why a Chimney Chase Cover is Essential for Your Home
Suppose you have a prefabricated or factory-built chimney. In that case, the chimney chase cover is one of the most critical components for protecting your home from water damage, rust, and structural decay.
Often mistaken for a chimney cap, a chase cover serves an entirely different function. While a chimney cap covers just the flue opening, a chase cover protects the entire top section of a factory-built chimney system. Without a properly fitted, high-quality chase cover, your chimney and home are vulnerable to leaks, corrosion, and animal infestations.
At Chimney Bear, we specialize in chase cover installation and replacement to help homeowners protect their chimneys from costly repairs and premature deterioration.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔ What a chimney chase cover is, and how does it differ from a chimney cap
✔ Why a chase cover is essential for prefabricated chimneys
✔ Common signs that your chase cover needs replacing
✔ Choosing the best chase cover material for long-term durability
✔ Installation and maintenance tips to extend your chimney's lifespan
✔ Cost comparisons and how to invest in a high-quality chase cover
What Is a Chimney Chase Cover?
A chimney chase cover is a flat metal cover that sits on top of the chimney chase—a wooden, vinyl, or metal structure that encloses a factory-built chimney. It acts as a protective barrier, preventing water, debris, and animals from entering the chimney system.
How a Chase Cover Differs from a Chimney Cap
Many homeowners confuse chase covers with chimney caps, but they serve different purposes:
✔ Chimney Cap – Covers the flue opening to prevent water, animals, and debris from entering.
✔ Chimney Chase Cover – Covers the entire top of the chimney structure, preventing moisture damage and protecting chimney components from rust and decay.
Why Is a Chase Cover Essential for Prefabricated Chimneys?
1. Prevents Water Damage & Structural Decay
A damaged or missing chase cover allows water to seep into the chimney structure, leading to severe damage, including:
✔ Rotted wood framing around the chase
✔ Rust & corrosion of chimney components
✔ Mold & mildew growth inside the home
A properly fitted, rust-resistant chase cover is essential to prevent moisture damage and preserve the longevity of your chimney system.
2. Protects Against Animal Intrusions
Without a secure chase cover, your chimney becomes an inviting entry point for:
✔ Birds, squirrels, and raccoons that nest inside
✔ Blockages from nesting materials, increasing carbon monoxide risks
✔ Dead animals, causing foul odors and pest infestations
Installing a high-quality, securely fitted chase cover will eliminate these risks and keep unwanted critters out.
3. Prevents Rust & Corrosion on Prefabricated Chimneys
Most factory-built chimneys contain galvanized steel, which is highly prone to rust and corrosion when exposed to moisture. Over time, rust can spread to other parts of your chimney, leading to expensive repairs or complete chimney failure.
✔ A stainless steel or copper chase cover ensures long-term protection, preventing rust buildup and prolonging the chimney's lifespan.
Signs Your Chase Cover Needs Replacing
If you notice any of the following, it’s time to replace your chimney chase cover:
Rust streaks running down the chimney chase
Leaks or water stains inside your fireplace
Warped, dented, or missing sections of the cover
Visible rust or corrosion around the chimney top
Replacing your chase cover before it deteriorates further can save you thousands in future chimney repairs!
Best Materials for a Long-Lasting Chase Cover
Not all chase covers are created equal. Choosing the right material ensures durability and long-term performance.
✔ Stainless Steel – The most durable and rust-resistant option, often backed by a lifetime warranty.
✔ Copper – A premium, stylish option that resists corrosion but comes at a higher price.
✔ Galvanized Steel – Budget-friendly but prone to rust over time, requiring more frequent replacement.
✔ Aluminum – Lightweight and rust-resistant but less durable in harsh weather conditions.
Our Recommendation:
At Chimney Bear, we highly recommend stainless steel or copper chase covers for maximum longevity and protection.
Installation & Maintenance Tips for Chase Covers
How Is a Chase Cover Installed?
✔ Measure the Chimney Chase – Ensure proper sizing for a secure fit.
✔ Select a Quality Chase Cover Material – Stainless steel or copper provides the best long-term performance.
✔ Secure the Cover with Proper Fastening Methods – Prevents wind damage and water leakage.
✔ Ensure Proper Sloping for Drainage – Prevents water pooling on the cover.
✔ Seal the Edges Properly – Stops moisture from penetrating the chimney system.
Ongoing Maintenance to Extend Your Chase Cover’s Lifespan
✔ Schedule annual chimney inspections to check for rust, leaks, or structural issues.
✔ Clean off debris and inspect for early signs of rust.
✔ Ensure proper drainage by clearing leaves and buildup from around the cover.
Is Investing in a Quality Chase Cover Worth It?
While galvanized steel chase covers may be cheaper upfront, they often need replacement every 5–10 years due to rust.
By contrast, stainless steel or copper chase covers last 25+ years and offer superior protection—saving homeowners thousands in repair costs.
✔ Investing in high-quality materials upfront is the smarter choice for long-term chimney health.
Protect Your Home with a Professionally Installed Chase Cover
Don’t wait until water damage or rust destroys your chimney! A properly fitted, high-quality chase cover protects your home from moisture damage, structural decay, and animal intrusions.
✔ Prevents leaks and extends chimney lifespan
✔ Custom-fitted for superior protection
✔ Installed by certified chimney professionals
Call Chimney Bear today to schedule a chase cover installation and protect your chimney for years!
