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      RAIN CAP'S

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• Chimney cap mesh sometimes has very small openings that are easily clogged with creosote. Anytime firewood is burned, some creosote is deposited in the flue lining; and it can also become attached to the mesh of the chimney cap. The oxygen needed for the fire can be cut off as a result of an obstructed chimney cap. This can result in difficulty lighting a fire and in inefficient fires that don’t produce much warmth. Any type of chimney obstruction can also expose the household to toxic fumes, including deadly carbon monoxide.

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• Black fine powder called soot can also obstruct the chimney cap. If the fuel is clean-burning, less soot and creosote will be deposited. But if green or moist wood is burned, there is a greater likelihood of having a chimney cap that is obstructed by soot.

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• It is recommended that paper not be burned in a fireplace, and one reason is that ash can easily become trapped in the chimney cap netting, creating blockage.

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• High winds can cause leaves and other types of debris to clog chimney caps.

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• In heavy winter storms, snow and ice can block the chimney cap mesh.

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• If creosote and soot accumulates in the chimney cap mesh, the chimney and roof as well as the surrounding stucco or brick can become discolored.

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...All of the potential problems associated with chimney caps are easily addressed with routine maintenance; and the pros far outweigh the cons. Annual chimney inspections include attention to chimney caps and removing any obstructions. Even if you rarely use your fireplace, there is the possibility of chimney cap obstruction that should routinely be addressed.