Chimney cap or chase cover? They're not the same thing. 🏠🔧
Diane R., a homeowner near Northbrook's Techny Road, called us after her fireplace store recommended a "new chase cover." Her first question: "Don't you mean a chimney cap?"
Nope — two different parts. A chimney cap sits on top of a masonry chimney and covers a single flue opening. A chase cover is a wide, flat metal panel that seals the entire top of a factory-built fireplace's framed chase.
The mix-up is common because both sit on top of a chimney structure and both keep water out. But they're shaped differently, made of different materials, and fail in different ways — chase covers especially, since rust and pitting are common after a few Chicago winters.
We broke down how to tell which one you have, the warning signs of a failing chase cover, and which material actually holds up long-term:.
Serving homeowners across Northbrook, Buffalo Grove, Deerfield, Glenview, and the rest of Chicago's Northshore.