Caps · Chase tops · Guards

Chimney Caps / Covers

Rain, rust, and nesting animals wreck a flue. A proper cap is cheaper than the damage.

Chimney cap installation

Every home should have a properly installed chimney cap. Many older homes have unlined chimneys with no protection from the elements. Significantly extend the life of the mortar in the flue by letting us install a chimney cap.

Chimney caps keep the rain out and prevent birds and other small animals from nesting in your chimney. Older homes that have vents for furnace and hot water tank gases also benefit from a properly installed cap.

We offer a variety of caps for every budget, from single flue to custom-made for multi-flue chimneys.

Stainless chimney cap on a newly finished crown

Rusted galvanized chase top on a prefab chimney

Chase tops / covers

If you have a prefab chimney that has a rusty chase top, you may have water leaking into your chimney. Many chase tops that have been installed used galvanized metal that is prone to rust.

MJL Services can inspect and provide recommendations. We only use stainless steel products to replace rusted-out chase tops.

Bird and rodent guards

If you have birds nesting in your dryer vent or bathroom fan vents, MJL Services will remove the nests (after all fledglings have left) and place a protective cover over the vent. This will allow proper venting and prevent birds or rodents from accessing your home.

Nest removed from a dryer vent before a guard was installed

When a cap is the cheaper fix

A cap costs less than the water, the animals, and the crown work that follow an open flue.

Inquire about cap or guard needs at the time of scheduling.

Frequently asked questions

Why does every home need a chimney cap?

A properly fitted cap keeps rain, animals, leaves, and debris out of the flue while still letting smoke and gases vent safely. That means less water damage to the flue, damper, firebox, and masonry, no squirrels, birds, or bats nesting in there, fewer blockages, fewer chimney odors, and less rust and freeze-thaw cracking. Many caps also carry a spark arrestor screen. A cap costs far less than the water and animal damage it prevents.

What should I do if my chase cover is rusted?

Have it looked at soon. A rusted chase cover leaks, and that water gets into the chase, the framing, and the chimney structure, which turns into an expensive repair. In most cases the fix is replacement with a properly sized, sloped, corrosion-resistant cover. MJL replaces rusted galvanized chase tops with stainless steel products.

What is the difference between a galvanized and a stainless steel chimney cap?

Rust, mostly. Galvanized steel caps cost less up front, but rain, humidity, and chimney acids get to them over time, so they rust, they streak the chimney, and they need replacing sooner. Stainless steel costs more up front and resists corrosion far better, so it lasts longer and keeps a cleaner look. Stainless is usually preferred in a wet climate, or on a chimney that has had a rust problem before.

What type of chimney caps do you offer?

Single-flue, multi-flue, stainless, galvanized, custom caps, and chase covers. The right one depends on the size of the chimney, the number of flues, the condition of the crown or chase, and how much long-term rust protection you want.

I have birds in the vents on the side of my house. What should I do?

Do not block the vent, and do not pull the nest while birds, eggs, or chicks may still be inside, because many species are protected. The vent should be inspected to determine whether the nest is active, and the nest removed only when it is legal and safe to do so. Once the birds are gone, the vent should be cleaned and fitted with a proper exterior vent cover or bird guard that keeps them from coming back while still letting air move. Call us and we will tell you what the vent needs.

What types of house vent covers do you offer?

Depending on the vent type and where it sits, options include covers for dryer vents, bathroom exhaust, and kitchen exhaust, plus custom bird guards. They are made to keep birds, squirrels, leaves, and debris out while still allowing proper airflow. Call and describe the vent and we will tell you what fits it.

Towns we serve

MJL Services is based in Monroe and runs Mecklenburg and the surrounding counties.

All service areas →

Need a cap or chase top?

Tell us what is on the roof now. We will recommend stainless where it matters.

Call (704) 288-7316 Let's Talk