Chimney Cap Installation: Protect Your Chimney from Water, Animals & Debris
A chimney cap is the simplest, most cost-effective protection you can add to your chimney system. For $200-400 installed, a quality chimney cap prevents water entry, blocks animals from nesting in your flue, stops debris accumulation, and contains sparks.
What a Chimney Cap Does
Water Protection
Deflects rain away from the flue opening. In the Pacific Northwest—where rainfall exceeds 37 inches annually—an uncapped chimney absorbs hundreds of gallons of water over a single winter.
Animal Exclusion
Mesh screening prevents birds, raccoons, and squirrels from entering. Animals build nests that block the flue—creating fire hazards and carbon monoxide risks.
Debris Prevention
Stops leaves, needles, twigs, and other debris from falling into the chimney. Debris accumulates on the smoke shelf and in the flue, creating blockages and fire fuel.
Spark Containment
Mesh screening contains sparks and embers that rise with hot gases. Prevents burning embers from landing on your roof or nearby vegetation.
Downdraft Prevention
Some cap designs reduce wind-induced downdrafts that push smoke back into your home during windy conditions.
Types of Chimney Caps
Standard Single-Flue Caps
Best for: Single-flue chimneys, most residential fireplaces
Metal lid with mesh screening that fits over a single flue opening. Available in stainless steel, copper, and galvanized steel.
Cost installed: $200-350
Multi-Flue Caps
Best for: Chimneys with multiple flues
Larger cap that covers the entire chimney top, protecting multiple flue openings under one structure. Also protects the chimney crown.
Cost installed: $400-800
Top-Mount Damper Caps
Best for: Improved energy efficiency
Combination cap and damper with a cable running down to the firebox. When closed, seals the chimney top completely—better efficiency than throat dampers.
Cost installed: $350-600
Custom Caps
Best for: Unusual chimney configurations
Custom fabrication for non-standard flue sizes or aesthetic requirements. Available in copper, stainless steel, or painted steel.
Cost installed: $500-1,200
Choosing the Right Cap Material
Stainless Steel
- Best value for most homeowners
- Resists corrosion
- 15-20+ year lifespan
- Lifetime warranties
Best for Pacific Northwest climate
Copper
- Develops attractive patina
- Extremely durable
- 30+ year lifespan
- Adds aesthetic value
Popular on upscale homes
Galvanized Steel
- •Lower upfront cost
- •Corrodes faster in wet climate
- •5-10 year lifespan
- •Requires earlier replacement
Not ideal for Seattle climate
Why Professional Installation Matters
Correct Sizing
We measure your flue and select the correct size. Too small leaves gaps. Too large doesn't secure properly.
Proper Securing
Caps must withstand Pacific Northwest windstorms. Professional fastening methods for your chimney type.
Safety
Professional equipment, training, and insurance protect everyone involved when working on your roof.
Inspection Opportunity
While installing your cap, we examine the crown, flashing, and visible chimney components.
Warranty
Professional installation maintains manufacturer warranties that DIY installation may void.
Signs You Need Cap Service
No cap present
Your chimney is completely unprotected. Install one immediately.
Visible rust or corrosion
Your current cap is failing and will soon stop protecting.
Damaged or torn screening
Animals and debris can enter through torn mesh.
Cap is loose or tilted
Wind has displaced it. It may blow off entirely in the next storm.
Animals entering the chimney
Your cap is missing, damaged, or has inadequate screening.
Water in the firebox after rain
Multiple possible causes, but a missing or damaged cap is the first thing to check.
Why Mad Hatter for Chimney Cap Installation
45+ Years of Experience
We've installed thousands of caps across every chimney type in the greater Seattle area.
Correct Cap Selection
We recommend the right type and material for your specific chimney, climate exposure, and budget.
Professional Installation
Properly sized, securely fastened, and installed to last through Pacific Northwest weather.
Combined Service
Cap installation pairs naturally with cleaning and inspection. One visit handles everything.
Quality Products
We install caps from reputable manufacturers with strong warranties.
Schedule Chimney Cap Installation
A chimney cap is affordable protection against expensive problems. Water damage, animal intrusion, and debris accumulation all cost far more to resolve than cap installation prevents.
Same-day service often available throughout the greater Seattle area