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Chimney Cap Buying Guide

Chimney Cap Buying Guide

BY Collin Champagne Sep 12, 2025
Stainless chimney cap installed on a masonry chimney

For many people, the process of selecting a chimney cap starts with this question: do I really need a chimney cap? The truth is, yes, you do. If you've got an active chimney, you should have a chimney cap. The most basic reason for this has to do with fire safety. Whenever you use your fireplace, you create a lot of sparks. Most of them stay within the fire chamber or the base of the chimney, but some will reach the top of your chimney. If you don't have a chimney cap or screen to keep them contained, they could ignite your roof or any other nearby flammable materials.

About the Author

Collin Champagne

With over 13 years in the industry, Collin is a National Fireplace Institute (NFI) certified technician and managed content for the eFireplacestore and eCanopy brands. He has achieved the highest NFI certification possible as a Master Hearth Professional and is certified in all three hearth appliance fields: wood, gas, and pellet. With experience with sales and in-field installations, his expertise shines through his technical knowledge and way with words.

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Customer Q&A with Product Specialists

James C. from Wilmington, Delaware asked:
Are there special considerations regarding a gas fireplace vs. a wood burning fireplace?
Are there special considerations regarding a gas fireplace vs. a wood burning fireplace?
When requesting a cap for a gas fireplace, we will need the model number off of the venting itself to find a compatible vent cap. If the fireplace is wood burning, we would need the inner and outer diameters of the pipe, or a model number off of the firebox to source a cap for the unit. If the fireplace is masonry built, we would need the inner and outer dimensions of the clay flue tile.
Answered by: Cody S. on Apr 01, 2024

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Shayne from WV asked:
How many inches should the cap be above the flue for a wood burning fireplace?
How many inches should the cap be above the flue for a wood burning fireplace?
Typically your cap should have a minimum of 8" between the top of the flue and the top plate of the cap.
Answered by: Cody S.

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Doug asked:
Why does the chimney cap screen keep plugging up?
Why does the chimney cap screen keep plugging up?
Improper wood practices like burning pine or improperly-seasoned wood with a moisture content greater than 20 percent would cause this problem, but so would building smoldering fires. Also, any lengthy run of exposed air-cooled chimney above the roof could cause the topmost portion of the chimney (and cap) to cake with creosote, but there are many potential causes. I recommend contacting a chimney sweep in your area.
Answered by: Will M.

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