Chase Cover Replacement

Where it sits

Many houses have a framed chimney, a wood-framed box that carries a metal flue. Its top is closed by a chase cover, a metal pan that sheds water and is flashed to the sides. It is not the same as a cap, which sits over the flue, or a crown, which is the concrete slab on a masonry chimney. See chase covers for the basics.

When it needs replacing

• Rust, pinholes or a cover that is rusted through
• Dents or bent edges that hold water
• A cover that has lifted, shifted or does not seal
• Rust streaks running down the sides of the chase
• Water stains or rot in the framing or ceiling below
• Cover was made of thin or poorly coated metal and has aged

Why leaks cause damage here

A masonry chimney can take a certain amount of water. A framed chase cannot, because its structure is wood. Water that gets past the cover soaks the framing and insulation, and the damage is hidden until it shows up inside the house. Replacing the cover before then is far less costly.

What replacement involves

A good replacement cover is made to the measurements of the chase and fitted with an overhang, so water drips clear of the sides. It is sealed and fastened so that it does not lift in the wind. We check the flue, cap and the condition of the chase while we are there, and report anything that points to hidden water damage.