An open or unprotected chimney on top of your roof is an invitation to birds, rodents and squirrels to go down your chimney and set up residence wherever they want. If you want to prevent an unwanted guest showing up in your fireplace, your best line of defense is a chimney cap. With its grated sides and a sturdy hood that fit snugly on top of the chimney, critters,rain and debris won’t be able to enter.
Installing a standard round or rectangular cap is relatively easy compared to climbing up a ladder to reach the chimney. There you can inspect the flue and measure its inside dimensions so you know what size cap to buy. The cap goes in place by inserting the flue tabs of the cap into the chimney and using a screwdriver to fasten screws around the outside of the chimney cap base to hold it in place.
