What To Do With an Unused Chimney?

Having an unused chimney can result in moisture and air leakage problems. In addition, it will cost you not only charges from thermal loss but also possible damage to your roofing, walls, and home interiors.

Chimney capping is one of the ways you can deal with the challenges of an unused chimney. You can block the top of your chimney using a flue ventilator or chimney cap with mesh, leaving space for chimney ventilation.  Read more to find out how to cap your unused chimney and the benefits!

Should Unused Chimneys Be Capped?

An uncapped chimney can result in blockage leading to poor chimney ventilation, leakages, water collecting from rain and snow, and unwanted birds and insects sheltering inside your chimney stack.

You obviously wouldn’t want to go through all that. That’s why the answer to whether chimneys should be capped remains, ”Yes.” In addition, the continuous icing and thawing of snow can deteriorate the chimney masonry walls and crowns that can lead to cracks, especially during winter.

How Do You Cap An Unused Chimney?

Capping an unused chimney is something you can do yourself if you’re inclined, but it would be best to seek professional services. The most important factor is using a barrier resistant to moisture, keeping pests away, and allowing chimney ventilation. Although some people prefer to use slabs, chimney caps with mesh are the best for capping.

Chimney caps come in different materials, from galvanized steel to stainless steel and copper, depending on the price. If you are on a budget, galvanized steel would be a suitable option because it is cheap. However, you should be cautious that they tend to rust with time, resulting in roof staining.

Therefore, the best option would be stainless steel due to its durability, but its costs are a little higher. On the other hand, copper is the most durable and the best option if you prefer aesthetic value.

One of the easiest ways to install a chimney cap is using a Chimney C Cap, which regulates heat loss. You will only need to push the Chimney C Cap into your chimney pot and secure it using its spring-loaded wires. The assembling and installation process takes less than five minutes to complete.

Another option for capping is using a slab. However, this is not among the best options because of its appearance, costs, and future utility and value.  The process is irreversible, and the slab starts to wear off with time, letting water draw back into your chimney stack.

Continuous Chimney Inspections

Chimney inspection should be for both used and unused chimneys and should only be done by a professional. Unused chimneys are prone to blockages caused by pests, leaves, sticks and insects, and birds nesting. Sometimes these birds and animals such as squirrels and raccoons may get stuck and die inside the chimney stack.

A professional chimney sweeper in Nashville will also look out for cracks in your chimney crown. The crown allows chimney ventilation through the flue. A cracked chimney crown may let rainwater into the chimney, resulting in moisture buildup.

The probability of having trapped moisture is still high in unused chimneys. When this moisture infiltrates concrete and bricks, it can wear off the walls. As a result, the chimney will entirely fall, leading to accidents and destruction of other items and properties.

Does a Capped Chimney Need to Be Vented?

Venting a capped chimney is equally important in preventing moisture build-up. Proper chimney ventilation helps keep the chimney dry by driving away any dampness from the stack due to condensation. Therefore, capped chimneys need to be well vented to avoid breeding grounds for future disasters, even if they are unused.

Chimney Maintenance and Repair in Nashville

Capping is undoubtedly the best option when it comes to dealing with your unused chimney. Failure to secure proper chimney ventilation could damage your chimney and roofing.

At Chim Chimney, we are a trained team of professionals dealing with chimney solutions in Nashville. We are experts in chimney installation, capping solutions, cleaning, and repairing services at cost-friendly rates. Contact us today to get a free estimate for chimney capping and cleaning.

Image Source:  Benjamin Clapp / Shutterstock