Copper is a beautiful and functional metal. Topping your chimney with a copper cap will accentuate almost every brick color, plus add to the general feel of your home. Copper chimney caps, although beautiful, do not come without a few drawbacks.

First… What is a chimney cap?

Regardless of which type you ultimately go with, a chimney flue cap is going to do a few important things for you. It is going to prevent birds, bats, and other critters from entering your chimney. These animals want to find a warm spot to call home for their nests and young. A chimney cap is also going to prevent rain from getting in. You see, rain that is falling straight down, not blown by the wind, will actually fall directly into your chimney. This rain water will accelerate the build-up of creosote in the chimney. Lastly, a chimney cap is going to help protect the masonry surfaces at the very top of the chimney from damage.

The Benefits of Copper

As briefly stated above, copper is very beautiful. That's not the only reason to choose copper, though. It's also quite functional. Stainless steel and copper are both resistant to rust but copper is known to be more durable since it is a heavier, stronger metal. Aluminum chimney caps are a weaker metal than stainless steel and have the tendency to rust. Often, homeowners discover that the money you save by purchasing this less expensive metal you wind up paying in repairs as holes will rust into the cap. Copper may save you money in the long run because it will last for many years to come.

The Drawbacks of Copper

That being said, not all chimney caps are the same. Copper chimney caps are typically more expensive than your normal stainless steel chimney cap. Similarly, they require additional maintenance. Stainless steel chimney caps require maintenance only if the wind blows them off of the top of the chimney. Copper chimney caps will turn green over time if not properly shined and maintained. This color often looks perfectly fine on homes, but some people simply don't like it. A homeowner who wishes to keep their copper chimney cap shiney like a penny must either clean it regularly themselves or call in a professional for regular maintenance.

What are My Other Options?

Some chimney cap options bring the benefits of copper, without the drawbacks. Stainless steel chimney caps act in much the same way as a copper cap only without the added maintenance and cost. A standard sized stainless steel chimney cap is approximately 12″ x 12.″ This will usually run less than $200. Custom made caps for multi-flue systems or particularly large or small chimneys will vary in cost, though.

Whether you choose aluminum caps, stainless steel caps, or a copper chimney cover, the most important thing to remember is that every chimney needs a cap. The metal you choose is a personal choice.