Own a Prefabricated Fireplace in York, Kittery, Eliot, or Somewhere Nearby? We Install Chase Covers!

Chase covers are essentially the chimney crowns of prefabricated units, so as you can imagine, they serve a very important purpose. On a masonry chimney, the crown is essential for keeping your system protected against leaks and excess moisture, and the role of the chase cover is quite similar. It covers the chimney opening and shields it against moisture.

But even though it’s incredibly important, this is a chimney part that tends to get overlooked. So, we want to go through just what a chase cover is and why exactly it’s so important. First, let’s go back a step further and talk about the thing your chase cover is designed to protect – the chase.

The chase itself is essentially the enclosure that surrounds and protects the flue in a prefabricated fireplace system. Chases are usually designed to match the home, meaning they could be made from a variety of materials such as brick, wood, vinyl, stucco, or metal.

Frechette Chimney – Chase Covers

The Role of Your Chase Cover

Unfortunately, chases aren’t designed with their own protective roof, meaning outside debris (like leaves, twigs, etc.), as well as rain, snow, and other forms of moisture could easily work their way in. All of these intruders can cause significant damage to both the chase and the flue, and can trigger clogging and buildup as well.

Along with water damage and blockages, an open flue invites in birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other critters who are hoping to take refuge in a spot that’s warm and hidden from predators.

So, how can these issues be avoided? This is where the chase cover comes in! It works alongside your system’s chimney cap to cover the flue opening and keep it protected over time. Rest assured – with a quality chase cover in place, no curious creatures, flying debris, rainfall, snow, or any other outdoor materials will make their way in anytime soon.

How Does a Chase Cover Get Damaged?

A chase cover is obviously a necessity, so they must be made from the best of the best materials, right? Eh, unfortunately this isn’t always the case. When you ordered your original prefab unit, it’s likely you were sent a chase cover made from cheaper metal that is prone to rust.

Once rust starts, you’ll soon be looking at corrosion and holes, Eventually all that water and debris you were hoping to avoid will have an easy pathway into your system (as will those unwelcome forest friends). So, it’s in your best interest to invest in a high-quality chase cover that will withstand wear and tear and last you for years to come. Our experienced and educated crew can set you up with just that.

How Can I Tell if My Chase Cover Is Damaged?

Wondering what you can look out for as a homeowner in terms of damage? First things first, if you spot any rust or corrosion on the chase cover itself, then it’s time to reach out and ask our crew for help. You can also keep an eye for rust or rust stains on the chase.

Yet, from the ground, these issues aren’t always easy to spot, so be on the lookout for more classic signs of water damage, too. This could include pools of water in your firebox, clogs forming in your flue, rotted woodwork around the chimney, staining on your walls or ceilings, or any signs of moisture.

But the best way to know if damage is present? Get that annual inspection booked! Damages like these are why scheduling that yearly overview is so important. If we catch rusting on a chase cover early on, the most we’ll have to do is replace it with a better model – no problem.

Yet, if you wait until your fireplace stops working well or you notice water damage throughout the system, then you’ll be looking at a much longer list of repairs. It could be that what would have been a simple inspection and chase cover replacement becomes an inspection, a chase cover replacement, firebox repairs, a sweeping, a relining, drywall replacement, and addressing various areas of decay and deterioration.

Which option sounds better to you?

Have a Masonry Chimney You Want Permanently Sealed? A Chase Cover May Be Just the Thing…

We don’t only install chase covers on prefabricated chimneys – they’re also great options for permanently sealing up masonry chimneys that are no longer being used.

If you have a chimney that you won’t be using in the future and you want to keep it free of moisture and cold downdrafts, ask us about installing a chase cover. It’s an effective and affordable option that keeps rain, snow, sleet, and cold air from entering your home through the chimney.

Give Us a Call or Request Your Appointment Online

Don’t wait until water damage becomes costly to repair – take care of your chimney now by having a quality chase cover installed. Reach out through our website, or simply give us a call at 207-608-0564. We’d love to hear from you, and we look forward to addressing any and all of your chimney and fireplace needs!

Check with our sales and installation professionals for the advantages of a class A chimney…you might be surprised at what you learn!