Chimney Cap Installation
An open flue lets in rain, snow and animals. A cap is the cheapest chimney repair there is.
- Stainless & copper caps
- Custom sizes made to fit
- Licensed & insured
- Family owned since 1999
FRS Roofing + Gutters
Medford, MA · Serving Greater Boston
Chimney Cap Installation in Greater Massachusetts
The cap is the lid of your chimney. Without one, every rainstorm pours straight down the flue, soaks the liner and the crown, and carries moisture into the masonry. We measure your flue, fit a cap that actually matches it, and fasten it so it stays put through a Nor'easter.
Keeps rain out
No more water running down the flue into the firebox.
Blocks animals & nests
Mesh sides stop birds, squirrels and raccoons.
Spark arrestor
Catches embers before they reach your roof.
Measured to fit
Single flue, multi-flue or full-crown covers.
Proper fastening
Anchored to survive New England wind.
Rust-free materials
Stainless or copper, not painted galvanized.
Why it matters in Massachusetts
An uncapped flue takes in every inch of rain and snow that falls on it. That water saturates the crown and the upper joints, then freezes. Capping a chimney is a one-day job that prevents the two most expensive chimney repairs: crown replacement and rebuild.
Chimney cap materials at a glance
- Stainless steel
- Most common choice. 15-25 years, no rust, mid price.
- Copper
- Premium look, ages to a green patina. 30+ years.
- Galvanized
- Cheapest. Rusts in 3-5 years in New England. We do not recommend it.
- Full-crown cover
- Covers the entire crown, not just the flue. Best for cracked crowns.
- Typical install time
- Under two hours for a standard single-flue chimney.
Pros
- Lowest-cost chimney repair with the highest payback
- Stops water, animals and downdrafts at once
- Usually installed in a single visit
- Extends the life of the crown and the liner
Cons
- Mesh needs a check every few years on wooded lots
- Does not fix mortar joints that are already open
- A cracked crown may need repair before capping
Compare:
Chimney Repointing · Chimney Rebuild · Chimney Sealant & Waterproofing
Our simple process
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1
Free inspection
We measure the flue and photograph the crown from roof level.
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2
Cap selected
Stainless, copper or a full-crown cover, sized to your flue.
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3
Installation
Fitted and anchored — most caps are done in a single visit.
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4
Photo confirmation
You get pictures of the finished cap from the roof.
Backed by a real guarantee
Licensed & insured
Roof work done safely by trained crews.
Usually one visit
Most cap installations take under two hours.
Rated by homeowners
Trusted across Greater Boston since 1999.
Rated by homeowners across Greater Boston
Chimney Cap Installation — questions
How much does a chimney cap cost?
It depends on the flue size and the material. A standard stainless single-flue cap is the most affordable option; copper and full-crown covers cost more. Every quote is free and written.
Can I install a chimney cap myself?
It is roof work at height on masonry that may already be unstable. We do not recommend it, and a poorly anchored cap becomes a projectile in a storm.
Will a cap stop downdrafts and smoke smells?
It helps with rain-related odour and downdrafts. Persistent smoke problems usually point to flue sizing or draft, which a certified sweep should evaluate.
Do I need a cap if I never use the fireplace?
Yes. An unused flue still collects rain and animals, and the water damage happens whether you light fires or not.
What if my crown is cracked?
We will show you in the photos. Sometimes a full-crown cover solves both problems at once; sometimes the crown needs repair first.
Get a free chimney cap installation quote
Tell us about your home and a specialist will call you back — usually the same business day. No obligation.