Chimney Caps
Cap installations and estimates aren't taken on during the winter months due to rooftops being inaccessible from snow, ice, or frost. If the chimney crown or protruding flue tiles are in disrepair, caps cannot be installed.
Aftermarket Top-Dampers
When a fireplace's damper, located above in the throat of the chimney, is no longer serviceable, the go-to replacement solution is installing a top-damper.
These take the place of traditional chimney caps, and are actuated by a braided, steel cable that runs the entire height of the chimney.
Damper cables sometimes have to be retracted for chimney sweeping services. This is performed by accessing the top of the chimney, which usually isn't possible during the winter months.
Installation
Most malfunctioning dampers require removal and replacement, and these top-sealing dampers are the standard default solution. Gaining safe roof access is required, so similarly to installing chimney caps, aftermarket damper installation cannot be performed while there is snow of your rooftop.
Chase Covers
Chase covers are not to be confused with chimney caps. Chase covers can be found on non-masonry, "pre-fab" chimneys (chimney exterior is comprised of vinyl, aluminum, or wood siding; some are stone-faced). Mt Freedom Chimney does not provide chase cover replacements, or cap replacement for pre-fab chimneys.
Stone Covers
Bluestone, slate, and limestone chimney covers aren't caps either. Gaining access to perform a sweep from the top down is severely hindered due to these covers being incredibly heavy. Most stone covers are usually in a state of disrepair, and any agitation could cause further damage - to the point where covers cannot be reinstalled.
Stone Covers
The typical repair is to remove the stone and its supporting pillars, perform the necessary repairs to the existing crown, and install stainless chimney cap(s). Stone cap repairs are a service seldom provided by Mt Freedom Chimney.
Clay Pots
Decorative "clay pots" are also not considered chimney caps. These are sunk into wet masonry during initial construction, extending as deep as one foot into concrete or cement crowns. Material cost is expensive, as they can range from $600 to over $1,000 from most vendors. They are also incredibly heavy, whereas one person alone cannot safely lift one on to a roof. Clay pot installation is not a service currently provided by Mt Freedom Chimney.
Animal Removal
Emphasis is on consulting with a licensed pest control service prior to contacting any chimney service company for animal removal FIRST. If safe access is available to the roof and chimney top, rods or rope MAY lowered down, and animals might climb out on their own volition (this can be time consuming). Egressing animals will not be captured. Poking, prodding, and lighting fires to smoke out animals is abuse, and such methodology is NOT utilized (it's also illegal).
Animal Nests
If nesting materials are present, chimney sweeping will be recommended, and prices adjusted accordingly. If a nest-removing sweep is declined, it will be annotated on the invoice the appliance is unsuitable for continued use due to the full or partial obstruction and fire/smoke hazard.
Chimney Caps
If safe access is available to the roof and chimney top, the technician will remit a cap installation or replacement estimate. Chimney caps are usually custom-fabricated to ensure proper and secure fitment, and are ordered on an as-needed basis. Same-day cap installation is usually not available.
"Crispy Critters"
Animal remains are removed at no additional cost during regular servicing. Most times, homeowners are unaware of previous animal intrusion, and they make for decisive chimney cap marketing and sales tools.
Chimney Swift Information
