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Just realized chimney caps aren't as important as most sweeps say.
Taking them off lets me check flues faster and safely.
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webb.xena5d ago
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.
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clairetorres5d agoMost Upvoted
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.
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