Just realized chimney caps aren't as important as most sweeps say.

Taking them off lets me check flues faster and safely.

3 comments

3 Comments

But what about animals getting in there? I've seen so many nests and even raccoons block a flue completely. Rain is another huge issue, water pouring down can really damage the liner and the fireplace box. Leaving it open just seems like asking for a draft and moisture problem down the road.

clairetorres29d ago

Wait, do you mean leaving the flue open without a chimney cap? Because that's the real issue. A decent cap keeps animals and almost all rain out. If you leave the flue closed all the time, the moisture just gets trapped inside the brickwork, which is way worse for the masonry. The draft you get from an open flue with a cap is actually a good thing, it keeps air moving so things don't get damp and smelly.

the_patricia20d ago

Seriously, a cap is not some magic fix! I've seen mesh caps get totally clogged with leaves and pine needles, which traps even more moisture. And strong winds can still drive rain sideways right under the cap. That damp brick argument? If the masonry is in good shape, a little still air inside a closed flue is way less harmful than a constant stream of cold, wet outside air rushing down an open one all winter.