Chimney cap

[derek_m]

When I bought my house the home inspector flagged the chimney that it needed a cap. I'm not too familiar with what I have here. There are drain holes in the vent that direct water out to the roof. This is for a gas insert fireplace. Is this vent not correct? I don't see any mount locations where the cap would be missing.

 

[gmcgeo]

Never seen anything like this before.

I do not see how it vents and pulls fresh air. unless the fireplace is a be vent and not a Direct vent

 

[PoorUB]

so much of this is dependent to the manufacturer of the insert. Figure out what brand and model of insert you have, get and install manual and see where it leads. Or, find out who installs that brand in your area and contact them.

Very possible that it might not need a cap and the inspector doesn't know what he is taking about. They generally are not as knowledgeable as one would hope!

 

[Jackfre]

Poor UB is correct. The manuf of the appliance will call out acceptable manuf of vent components. It is not allowed to mix and match. My question, is there a liner for the masonry chimney. I am sure it is required. I have never seen that termination piece before either. It is flush with the top of the chimney and may be why it was used as most conventional systems would have a bit of pipe above the top of the masonry with a flat flashing for the pipe extending above and a typical B or Direct vent cap, depending upon type of appliance.

 

[ybnormal]

When I bought my house the home inspector flagged the chimney that it needed a cap. I'm not too familiar with what I have here. There are drain holes in the vent that direct water out to the roof. This is for a gas insert fireplace. Is this vent not correct? I don't see any mount locations where the cap would be missing.

how old is the fireplace/house? has this been replaced before?

I had to build a new crown on my chimney about 5 yrs ago because the original builder never did it right in the first place. how is your cap going to prevent any weather/water ingress? that design makes no sense.

 

[derek_m]

The house was built in '79. The insert is one of those gas logs. From what I can tell this cap/vent appears to be original and does not let any weather in. I just am not familiar with the style or if it is correct.

so much of this is dependent to the manufacturer of the insert. Figure out what brand and model of insert you have, get and install manual and see where it leads. Or, find out who installs that brand in your area and contact them.

Very possible that it might not need a cap and the inspector doesn't know what he is taking about. They generally are not as knowledgeable as one would hope!

The inspector picked up on some good items, at the same time he failed to notice there wasn't a single smoke detector in the house. That's why I'm questioning if there is even anything wrong.

 

[ybnormal]

doublecheck with the firecode in your city/county, or call a local chimneysweep (who should know). I'm not familiar with gas fireplaces but even to me, how is that thing supposed to prevent water from coming straight down the exhaust pipe? It should have some sort of roof on it with side vents to draw off the fumes

New chimney crown - my experience

Last fall I put a completely new concrete crown on my chimney. This was in preparation for a new PE Super insert and insulated SS liner (for which this forum was an invaluable resource). Most of the Internet articles I found on the subject just involved slapping a layer of mortar around the...

www.hearth.com

Replacing a Leaking Chimney Cap

Detailed to shed water and built with concrete rather than mortar, a chimney cap should outlast the chimney beneath it.

www.jlconline.com

Rebuilding a chimney crown....Chim-chiminy Chim chiminy...our Chimney Cap Project

This post is a perfect example of how projects can drag on for years, and yes I do mean years! We had our flat roof torn off the summer of...

chicago2-flat.blogspot.com

 

[gmcgeo]

Gas logs, if vent free does not need a cap.

If they are vented gas logs then this cap will be fine

 

[FredWanaker]

the only concern I would have is that if water can find a way down the flue, and if you get 30" of rain a year then 30" of rain goes into your chimney masonary / flue, or worse leeches thru into the surrounding structure.

 

[rodrigger]

does not look like the right cap for direct vent insert or b vent for that matter. never seen louvers on a chimney vent system before. It has to have a cap to keep element out.

 

[gmcgeo]

does not look like the right cap for direct vent insert or b vent for that matter. never seen louvers on a chimney vent system before. It has to have a cap to keep element out.

Its a log set, not a direct vent. yes elements get in. it should be changed. however it does not effect the log set unless its pouring water inside

 

[Uncle murph]

Never seen anything like this before.

I do not see how it vents and pulls fresh air. unless the fireplace is a be vent and not a Direct vent

Agree,and I’ve seen more than my fair share.

 

[nadogail]

One of the rental properties was getting Wind Blown Rain in an exhaust vent, the cap on the exhaust pipe only diverted falling rain. I have no desire to climb on a concrete tile roof of a two story house. A local roofing company put an appropriate cap on the exhaust vent for only $250.

 

[gmcgeo]

One of the rental properties was getting Wind Blown Rain in an exhaust vent, the cap on the exhaust pipe only diverted falling rain. I have no desire to climb on a concrete tile roof of a two story house. A local roofing company put an appropriate cap on the exhaust vent for only $250.

that is a great deal

 

[75gmck25]

If its just a standard single wall stove pipe, a design like this should work to vent the fireplace and also keep debris and water out.

The Forever Cap Slip-In 6 in. Round Fixed Stainless Steel Chimney Cap FSIRC6 - The Home Depot

The Forever Cap Forever Slip in 6 in. Round Fixed Stainless Steel Chimney Cap is perfect for outdoor usage. This chimney cap is constructed of stainless steel for long lasting durability. It adds style

www.homedepot.com