If you’re experiencing unexplained cold air circulating in or around your fireplace, it might be time to replace your chimney chase.
But what exactly is a chimney chase and how do you know when to replace it?
The first thing you want to determine is the type of chimney you have in your home. If you have a masonry chimney, which is the most common type of chimney, a chimney cap attaches directly to the brick. The chimney cap seals the flue system to prevent animals and debris from getting into the house. It also reduces the amount of moisture that can get down in your chimney.
However, if you have a factory-built chimney made of metal or wood, then you’ll need to examine your chimney chase cover.
Negative pressure draws cold air from the outside
During the winter or colder months, when the fireplace is not being used, the air cavity around the chimney and inside the chase closure is cold. The warm air inside the house rises and must be replaced, and in turn, creates negative air pressure inside the home. It then passes through the top of the chase enclosure, through the fire stops, and around the fireplace. This negative pressure then draws the cold air from outside into the home.
Is it time to replace your chase?
In the late 70s and early 80s, chase covers were common in prefabricated fireplaces, but due to the lack of details during this time, many chimney chase covers were improperly installed. Manufacturers used cheap materials to build these chimneys and in many cases chase covers rusted after only five years. The first sign of a faulty chase cover would be rust stains streaking down the side of your chimney. Once a chase cover fails, it allows water to get inside the chase and soak into wood or even drywall and can be mistaken for a leaky roof.
Make the chase enclosure airtight
Chimneys built on an outside wall, whether exposed or boxed with a chase, are prone to backdrafting. One solution is to install an insulated and sealed chase and to vent it to the interior so warm air can circulate. Another potential solution is to make the chase enclosure airtight at the top where the fire stops and where the fireplace is inserted through the wall. Not only will this prevent moisture from entering the chimney, but also, relieve the negative pressure problem.
Does your chimney need a facelift?
We here at Dr. Flue specialize in chimney cover repair. We consult with the homeowner to diagnose the problem then determine if your fireplace needs an upgrade.
Contact Doctor Flue to schedule your chimney cover replacement. Give us a call at 800-438-3583 or send us an email at office@drflue.com to request and appointment today!
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