A chimney cap is the cap on the top of your chimney that allows smoke to freely vent from your fireplace. They are usually mesh sided enclosures that also prevent water, snow, animals, bird droppings and leaves from entering your fireplace.

Chimney caps are usually made of stainless steel, copper or galvanized steel. The copper chimney caps look especially nice on upscale homes. The stainless steel chimney caps are better for lighter colored chimneys or in salt water environments. The galvanized steel may need to be changed every five years or so.

You will want to periodically check your chimney caps to make sure that they haven’t blown off, rusted through, or have become clogged with leaves or soot. Next time you are on the roof cleaning the gutter or putting up those Christmas lights take the time to inspect your chimney cap.

If you have decided you need to install a new chimney cap you first need to determine whether you have a round flue, a square or rectangular flue, or multiple flues. Then measure the inside of the flue and find the appropriate size and shape.

The size and style of your chimney cap are of utmost importance but you can also get special anti-downdraft chimney caps and chimney cap and damper combinations.

Once you have the correct chimney cap you can install it with adhesive or masonry screws. Certain areas have additional requirements for the safety of your chimney and fireplace. So if you have any doubts it would probably be best to hire a professional for a job like this.