Chimney Caps & Chase Covers in Westchester County

A chimney cap is one of the smallest, least expensive components of your chimney — and one of the most important. This simple metal cover sits at the top of the flue and acts as a multipurpose shield: it keeps rain and snow out of your chimney, blocks birds and animals from nesting inside, prevents leaves and debris from clogging the flue, and uses a mesh spark arrestor to stop burning embers from drifting onto your roof. For such a modest investment, a quality cap protects against some of the most common and costly chimney problems.

At Westchester Chimney Pro, we supply and install custom chimney caps and chase covers built to fit your chimney precisely. Whether you have a traditional masonry chimney that needs a single-flue or multi-flue cap, or a prefabricated chimney that needs a full chase cover, we'll recommend the right product in the right material and install it to last. Below, we explain the difference between caps and chase covers, the materials we offer, and why this upgrade pays for itself many times over.

Chimney Caps vs. Chase Covers: What's the Difference?

People often use these terms interchangeably, but they're two different products for two different chimney types. A chimney cap covers the individual flue opening (or openings) at the top of a masonry chimney. It typically consists of a metal lid mounted above mesh sides, allowing smoke to escape while keeping water, animals, and sparks in check.

A chase cover, by contrast, is a larger metal sheet that covers the entire top of a prefabricated (factory-built) chimney chase — the wood-framed box that houses a metal flue. The chase cover protects the top of the chase from water, and a smaller cap or rain cap usually sits over the flue pipe that penetrates it. A failed, rusted chase cover is a leading cause of leaks in prefab chimneys, which is why we recommend stainless steel or copper covers that won't corrode. If you're already dealing with water intrusion, our chimney leak repair service addresses the full picture.

Why Chimney Caps and Chase Covers Matter

It's easy to overlook a part you can't see from the ground, but the protection a cap provides is significant:

• Keeps water out — rain and snow entering an open flue cause rust, deterioration, and the masonry damage that leads to expensive repairs
• Blocks animals — birds, squirrels, and raccoons love open flues; nests block the chimney and create fire and odor problems
• Stops debris — leaves and twigs can obstruct the flue and become a fire hazard
• Arrests sparks — the mesh screen prevents burning embers from escaping onto your roof or yard
• Improves draft — the right cap can help reduce downdrafts and wind-related backpuffing
• Protects your liner — keeping water out extends the life of your flue and chimney liner

Chimney Cap Materials

Material matters when a component lives outdoors year-round. We primarily install stainless steel caps and covers, which resist rust, stand up to the elements, and typically carry a lifetime warranty. For homeowners who want a premium, distinctive look, copper caps offer outstanding durability and an attractive finish that develops a natural patina over time. We generally steer clients away from cheap galvanized steel caps, which rust out within a few years and end up needing replacement — often after they've already allowed water damage to begin.

Our Cap & Chase Cover Installation Process

Proper fit is everything. We start by measuring your flue or chase precisely, then recommend the correct cap or cover type, size, and material for your chimney. For a single-flue masonry cap, installation is usually quick and clean. For a custom chase cover, we fabricate or order a cover sized exactly to your chase, with a proper slope and a collar for the flue pipe so water drains away rather than pooling. Every installation is secured to withstand wind and weather, and we'll often pair a new cap with a chimney cleaning or inspection so your whole system is ready for the season.

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