How to Make Your Own Chimney Top
Chimney tops are useful for protecting your chimney from rain, insects, bats and other unwanted objects. Chimney caps also improve the efficiency of the chimney and save energy. There are various types of caps, depending on the make of your chimney. Types of chimneys include: masonry flue (clay flue), rigid metal tube, insulated concentric pipes, flexible liner and rectangular chimneys.
Items Needed:
- Wire nets
- Metal sheets
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Gloves and goggles
- Nails
- Welder
- Saw
- Ladder
- Take dimensions of the chimney flue that protrudes from the roof. Use a ladder to get up on the roof and use caution or get help for stepping up the ladder. Measure the diameter and height for round chimneys, or length, width, and height for rectangular ones.
- Order metal sheets that are galvanized, aluminum or copper. Purchase the correct wire netting and material sizes necessary. Your measurements should determine how much material you’ll need.
- Cut the wire netting and metal according to the exact dimensions of the flue, allowing for about one-quarter of inch thickness for piecing it together. Also allow for a one-quarter inch overlap on the metal sheet that will form the over-riding rim of the cap top. The wire net will form the base of the cap, while the metal sheet will be the top.
- Enclose the cut piece of wire netting and weld it together according to shape of the chimney. You can make a single-mount cap or inside mount cap. Then, weld the metal sheet on top to form the cover.
- Attach the cap either by slipping it one to three inches over the chimney flue for a single-mount, or by fitting it inside the chimney flue for an inside-mount. Use the correct heat rated adhesive for attaching the cap.
- Exercise safety precautions by wearing protective gear.