The inside of your chimney and home are protected from pests and weather damage with chimney caps.You can technically install a cap on your own, even if you prefer to hire a professional.The steps you need to take vary based on the chimney you have, so make sure you choose the right type of cap before proceeding.
Step 1: You need a ladder to get onto the roof.
If you want to climb on top of your roof, you need a ladder that is at least 3 feet above it.Place the ladder's feet on the ground and lean it against the house.Move the feet of the ladder away from your home by one foot (30 cm) for every 4 feet (1.2 m) of height.You are less likely to fall if you keep 3 points of contact on the ladder.If your ladder is 16 feet tall, then the bottom will be 4 feet away from your home.You could lose your balance if you stand on the top step of a ladder.
Step 2: Measure the length and width of the flue.
The clay or metal tube that extends from the top of your chimney is called the flue.To find the length of the flue, use a tape measure.The widest point is where you should find the width.Don't forget your measurements, write them down.If you have a circular flue, you should find the diameter instead of the length and width.If your chimney has multiple flues, a flue level with the top of the chimney, or one with an oval shape, you need to use a top-mount cap.
Step 3: Buy a cap that is the same length and width as your chimney flue.
You can buy chimney caps at hardware and roofing supply stores.To make sure it will work for your chimney, check the packaging or item description.If you can, choose a flue made out of galvanized steel.It is okay if the cap dimensions are larger than the flue, but avoid getting anything larger or it will not fit properly.
Step 4: The flue has a cap on it.
Since they sit on top of the flue, single-flue caps are the easiest to mount.The top of your chimney flue should be Aligned with the open bottom of the cap.Slowly lower the cap onto the flue and push it down as far as you can.Smoke and gases won't be able to vent properly if there is at least 6 inches between the top of the cap and the flue opening.Your cap will usually have a rim around the bottom so you don't place it too low on the flue.There are some chimney caps that fit inside of the flue.Push the cap against the side of the flue.
Step 5: The flue should be secured with the chimney cap's screws.
You don't need to drill any pilot holes with the self-tapping screws on your chimney cap.Feed the screws through the holes in the corners or sides of the cap and then turn them clockwise by hand until they dig into the flue.Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws until the cap doesn't move.You are finished after that!If you have a circular cap, there may be something that wraps around the outside.The flue can be tightened until it fits securely.
Step 6: You can climb onto the roof with a ladder.
Pick a ladder that is at least 3 feet above the edge of your roof.If you put the ladder's feet on level ground, they will be 14 of the height away from your home.As you climb up, only move one hand or leg at a time so you don't fall down.The base of the ladder should be 5 feet away from your home if the edge of your roof is 20 feet high.If you have a steep roof that is difficult to walk on, use a roofing safety harness braced to the roof's peak or chimney.
Step 7: Measure the length, width and height of the chimney flues.
The clay or metal tube that comes out from the top of your chimney can be seen on the side of the flue.To find the total length of flues, extend the tape measure.Measure across your flues to find the widest point.Take the height measurement and look for the tallest flue on your chimney.Don't forget your dimensions, write them down.Even though you aren't mounting the cap directly to the flue, you will have to get one that's large enough to completely cover them.
Step 8: Find the width and length of your chimney.
There is a concrete slab on top of your chimney.To find its length, place your tape measure along the crown's longest edge.The crown should be measured at the widest point.You can reference your measurements later on by writing them down.If you want your cap to fit on the chimney, you should use the maximum size of the crown.
Step 9: You can get a chimney cap taller than the highest flue and the same size as the crown.
A top-mount cap can be found at a roofing supply or hardware store.Make sure the dimensions are large enough to cover all of the flues, but not larger than the crown.If your chimney can't vent properly, make sure the packaging is at least 5 inches taller than the flue.You may need to order a custom cap if you can't find one that fits on your chimney crown.
Step 10: The crown has debris on it.
You can use a brush to wipe off the crown on the roof.If you want to have a clean mounting surface, focus on areas with loose mortar, old glue, and animal waste.Before your installation try to get the crown clean and smooth.
Step 11: Pilot holes can be drilled into the crown with a masonry bit.
The bottom edges of your chimney should be flush with the sides of the crown.You know where to position the pilot holes by looking at the holes running along the bottom of the cap.The screws that came with the cap are 8 inch smaller in diameter than the masonry bit that you need to install on your drill.You can start your screws if you drill through the cap's holes.You could damage the crown if you don't drill pilot holes.
Step 12: Seal the crown with caulk around the edge.
The caulk should be placed along the outer edge of the crown.A line of caulk is about 1 inch wide along the entire edge.Water is less likely to get inside of the flue if the crown is sealed.You can find caulk and a caulk gun at your hardware store.
Step 13: The crown should be secured with the set screws.
The cap should be on top of the caulk you just applied.The pilot holes need to line up with the holes on the cap.The caulk should be pressed firmly onto the bottom flange.Feed the set screws that came with your cap and tighten them with a screwdriver.Make sure the screws are flush with the crown so your cap doesn't move.You are finished once you feel tension when you tighten the screws.