Chimney caps

Chimney Caps

A chimney cap (also known as a rain cap, or flue topper) is a multifunctional element installed on top of a chimney or ventilation stack. It serves not only a decorative purpose but also addresses several important practical issues affecting the safety and efficiency of the entire system.

We offer both standard, time-tested chimney cap designs and the production of non-standard models. At the client's request, we will manufacture a cap precisely to the dimensions of your chimney based on individual sketches or photographs.

Main Functions and Benefits

A properly designed and installed chimney cap performs several key tasks:

• Protection from Precipitation and Debris: Prevents rain, snow, leaves, and bird nests from entering the chimney flue. This protects the chimney walls from deterioration and prevents blockages.
• Draft Improvement: Special designs (deflectors) use wind energy to create a low-pressure zone above the flue opening, which can enhance natural draft by up to 20%. This is particularly important for the stable operation of heating appliances. Different types of caps (e.g., simple rain caps, rotating caps, H-pots) have varying effects on draft and protection against downdrafts.
• Spark Arresting (Fire Safety): Reduces the risk of fire by preventing hot embers (sparks) from escaping the chimney. This is a crucial fire safety requirement, especially when using solid fuel boilers or fireplaces, and for buildings with combustible roofing materials.
• Extended Chimney Lifespan: By protecting the chimney crown from direct exposure to atmospheric elements, the cap significantly increases its durability.
• Aesthetic Finish: Gives the chimney and the entire roof a finished, neat appearance.

Construction, Materials, and Dimensions

We manufacture chimney caps designed for long service life in the climatic conditions of Latvia.

• Reliable Construction: Element joints are made using folds (seams), ensuring strength and tightness. The legs are made of sturdy metal strips for secure attachment to the chimney.
• Protection for Heating Chimneys: If the cap is intended for a heating system chimney (stove, fireplace, boiler), we strongly recommend installing an additional insulated stainless steel protective shield. It directs hot gases and condensate away, preventing corrosion of the main cap structure.
• Materials: Standard production uses galvanized steel (cost-effective) or PE polymer-coated steel (wide color choice, UV resistance). Other materials are available upon request, including stainless steel (maximum durability).
• Dimensions: We produce caps for any chimney size, from standard 380x380 mm up to 940x940 mm and larger.
• Certification: Our products comply with production process control requirements (Certificate No. 1805/2011).

How to choose the material? For ventilation ducts or gas boiler flues (where flue gas temperatures are low), galvanized or coated steel is usually sufficient. For solid fuel boilers, stoves, and fireplaces, a stainless steel protective shield is highly recommended, and opting for a stainless steel cap itself will ensure maximum durability under conditions of high temperatures and aggressive condensate.

Custom Designs and Chimney Surrounds

In addition to the standard models presented in the catalog, we are ready to manufacture custom chimney caps based on your photographs, sketches, or drawings. The production time for such orders may be longer than for standard products and is calculated individually.

A chimney surround (or flashing skirt) is an important element often ordered together with the cap. It consists of a metal box or set of flashings that cover the top part of the chimney's brickwork below the cap. The surround serves two functions: it seals the joint between the chimney and the roofing material (preventing leaks) and protects the upper courses of bricks from weathering. We manufacture surrounds in various configurations to fit your chimney dimensions.

Ordering a Chimney Cap

To order a standard cap, select a model from the catalog and contact us to specify dimensions and color. For a cost estimate of a custom cap or surround, please send us a sketch or photograph with all necessary dimensions.