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If you own a home with a prefabricated or factory-built chimney in Rhode Island, there’s a key component that plays a major role in protecting your home from weather damage—your chimney chase cover. While it may not get the attention of other chimney parts like the flue or cap, the chase cover is absolutely essential to the safety and durability of your chimney system.
At Local Chimney Services , we often find homeowners aren’t aware of what a chimney chase cover does—or that theirs is leaking or rusting away. That’s why we’ve created this guide to explain what chimney chase covers are, why they matter, and how you can make sure yours is doing its job.
A chimney chase cover is a metal covering that sits on top of a chimney chase, which is the framed structure that houses a prefabricated chimney. Think of it as a lid that seals off the top of the chimney chase, much like a shoebox lid. It’s angled to allow water to run off and is fitted with an opening for the flue pipe to extend through.
While chimney caps go on top of the flue pipe itself to keep animals and rain out, the chase cover is responsible for protecting the entire chase from rain, snow, and debris. Both are important, but they serve different functions.
Chimney chase covers are usually made of galvanized steel, aluminum, stainless steel, or copper. The material used can make a big difference in how long the cover lasts and how well it protects your home.
In Rhode Island, where heavy rainfall, snow, and salt air can all take a toll on your home’s exterior, chimney chase covers are your chimney’s first defense against the elements.
Without a properly sealed and rust-free chase cover, water can seep into your chimney chase and cause serious problems. Moisture can damage the wooden framing, lead to mold growth, rust out metal components, and even leak into your attic or living areas. Water entering through the top of your chimney is one of the most common causes of structural chimney damage—and it’s entirely preventable.
Chimney chase covers also keep out leaves, twigs, and pests. If left uncovered or poorly sealed, your chimney chase becomes an easy entry point for squirrels, raccoons, and birds looking for shelter. Once inside, they can build nests or even become trapped.
Many chase covers start out strong but degrade over time. Here’s what to look for:
Rust stains on the chimney chase siding: This is often the first visible sign that the chase cover is corroding and allowing water to escape onto the sides of your chimney.
Water stains or leaks inside your home: If you notice ceiling stains near your chimney, your chase cover may be compromised.
Visible rust or holes in the chase cover: Any sign of corrosion means the metal is weakening and can no longer protect your chimney effectively.
Pooling water on top of the cover: If the cover isn’t sloped correctly, water won’t drain off, leading to quicker deterioration and potential leaks.
If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to have your chase cover professionally inspected. Catching damage early can save you from costly repairs later on.
Not all chase covers are built the same. Many builders use galvanized steel because it’s cheap and easy to install, but it tends to rust within just a few years—especially in coastal climates like ours. Stainless steel and copper are much more durable, with lifespans of 20 years or more, and they’re resistant to rust and corrosion.
At Local Chimney Services, we only install high-quality stainless steel or copper chase covers designed to stand up to Rhode Island’s harsh weather conditions. These materials may cost more up front, but they provide long-term peace of mind and reduce the risk of water damage.
Installing a chimney chase cover might seem like a straightforward job, but doing it correctly is critical. A poorly installed cover can allow water to leak in around the edges or pool on top. If the flue collar isn’t sealed properly, you might also face draft problems or even carbon monoxide leakage.
Professional chimney technicians know how to measure your chimney chase precisely, select the right slope for drainage, and install a weather-tight seal around the flue. At Local Chimney Services, our team is trained to ensure your chimney chase cover is not just installed—but installed right.
Our state experiences everything from coastal storms to freezing winters and humid summers. Each of these weather patterns can accelerate damage to unprotected chimneys. A chase cover helps keep moisture, pests, and debris out—preserving the structure and safety of your chimney year-round.
Homeowners across Rhode Island—from Providence to Newport—rely on their chimneys for heating, ambiance, and even energy efficiency. But when moisture sneaks in from the top, it can quietly erode everything from the inside out. A solid chase cover gives you one less thing to worry about.
Even a great chase cover won’t last forever. That’s why it’s important to have your chimney system inspected annually. A trained technician can check for early signs of rust, sealant failure, or improper drainage. These routine inspections can spot small problems before they turn into major issues.
If you’ve recently moved into a home and aren’t sure about the condition of your chimney chase cover, now’s the time to check. Catching it early could save you thousands in repairs.
At Local Chimney Services, we take pride in helping Rhode Island homeowners protect their chimneys and their homes. We don’t cut corners—only quality materials, expert workmanship, and honest advice. Whether you need a new chimney chase cover, an inspection, or full chimney repair, we’re ready to help.
Our team has worked on chimneys in all types of homes—from new builds to historic properties—and we tailor every solution to your specific setup. With us, you’re not getting a quick fix—you’re getting long-term protection.
Don’t let the next rainstorm turn into a major home repair bill. A well-installed chimney chase cover keeps water, animals, and debris out—protecting your home from the top down. It’s a simple fix that prevents expensive problems down the road.
Ready to secure your chimney? Contact us today to schedule an inspection or chase cover replacement. We’ll help you choose the right materials, install it with precision, and make sure your home stays safe through every season. Protect your home, your chimney, and your peace of mind—starting now.
A chimney chase cover is a protective metal cover that fits over the top of a chimney chase to prevent rain, debris, and animals from entering the chimney while also allowing proper ventilation for the system.
Chase covers protect your chimney and home from water damage, rust, and the potential for animals nesting in your chimney. Without a proper cover, moisture can seep into the chimney structure, leading to costly repairs.
Signs that your chimney chase cover may need replacement include rusting, holes, cracks, or visible damage. If you notice water or debris inside your chimney, it’s also a good indication that the cover may be compromised.
Chase covers are typically made from stainless steel, copper, or aluminum. Stainless steel is the most durable and rust-resistant, making it ideal for long-term protection.
While it’s possible to install a chimney chase cover yourself, it’s recommended to hire a professional to ensure proper fitment and secure installation. Improper installation can lead to gaps, allowing water and debris to enter.
It’s a good idea to inspect your chimney chase cover at least once a year, especially after heavy storms or during regular chimney maintenance. This helps ensure that it is intact and functioning properly.
Yes, a damaged or missing chimney chase cover can lead to water damage, rust, and even blockages in the chimney, potentially causing smoke or hazardous gases to back up into your home.
The cost of replacing a chimney chase cover depends on the material used, the size of your chimney, and labor costs. On average, replacing a chimney chase cover can range from $200 to $600.
