Hurricane Rated Chimney Cap

Hurricane season brings fierce winds that can rip standard chimney caps right off your flue. We’ve seen homeowners lose caps, deal with water damage,

And face expensive repairs after storms hit. A hurricane rated chimney cap changes everything. These heavy-duty caps are built to handle extreme winds and keep your chimney protected when nature gets violent.

Hurricane Rated Chimney Cap Design Features

Hurricane rated chimney caps use thicker steel construction than standard caps.

The mounting system includes extra fasteners and reinforced brackets that grip your flue tighter. Wind load calculations determine the exact gauge steel needed for your area’s weather patterns. We use 304 stainless steel that won’t rust or weaken over time. The meshing is also heavier gauge to prevent tearing during storms.

Your cap’s aerodynamic design helps wind flow over and around the structure instead of creating lift. Standard caps often act like sails in high winds, but hurricane caps have lower profiles and strategic venting. Multiple anchor points distribute wind stress across the entire mounting surface. This prevents the concentrated pressure that causes regular caps to fail. Hurricane caps cost more upfront but save thousands in storm damage repairs.

Why Hurricane Rated Chimney Caps Matter for Storm Protection

Regular chimney caps fail at wind speeds around 60-70 mph. Hurricane rated caps are tested to withstand winds over 120 mph without loosening. When your standard cap flies off during a storm,

Rain pours directly into your chimney and home. Water damage to walls, ceilings. Flooring can cost $5,000 to $15,000 to repair properly. Animals and debris also enter through an uncapped chimney opening.

Your cap protects your flue liner from wind-driven rain that causes freeze-thaw cracking. Mortar joints deteriorate faster when exposed to sideways rain during storms. Your damper mechanism can rust and seize up from water exposure. High wind protection becomes essential if you live in coastal areas or tornado-prone regions where severe weather strikes regularly.

Choosing the Right Hurricane Rated Chimney Cap Size

Measuring your flue opening correctly determines which hurricane cap size you need. Most home chimneys require either a 9×9, 13×13, or 15×15 inch cap for proper coverage.

The cap needs to extend at least 3 inches beyond your flue opening on all sides for weather protection. Undersized caps allow water penetration during angled rain. Oversized caps create unnecessary wind resistance and cost more than needed.

Square flues are straightforward to measure, but rectangular or round flues need special consideration. We stock 13×13 hurricane caps for most standard masonry chimneys built in the last 40 years. Older chimneys often use the 9×9 size, while large fireplaces may require the 15×15 option. Measuring twice prevents ordering mistakes and ensures proper storm protection for your chimney.

Hurricane Cap Installation and Mounting Methods

Hurricane caps require more secure mounting than standard caps to handle extreme wind loads. We use stainless steel bolts instead of sheet metal screws for the primary attachment points.

The mounting clamp system grips the inside of your flue with multiple contact points. Proper torque specifications ensure the cap stays tight without cracking your flue tiles. Professional installation includes checking the flue condition before mounting the new cap.

One thing. Some installations require drilling pilot holes in masonry flues for the strongest possible attachment. We seal all penetrations with high-temperature caulk to maintain weather protection. Your cap must sit level and plumb to function properly in crosswinds. Choosing the right size makes installation easier and ensures the mounting system works as designed for maximum wind resistance.

Hurricane Rated Chimney Cap Maintenance and Longevity

Hurricane caps need annual inspections to ensure all mounting hardware remains tight. We check the meshing for damage from debris impact during storms. Leaves and small branches can accumulate on the cap surface and need regular cleaning. The stainless steel construction resists corrosion. But coastal environments require more frequent maintenance. Salt air can cause pitting over many years of exposure.

Proper maintenance extends hurricane cap life to 15-20 years or more based on your local weather conditions. We recommend professional inspection after any major storm to verify the cap remained secure. Loose bolts or bent meshing compromise the cap’s protective ability. Regular maintenance costs much less than replacing a failed cap or repairing water damage from an open chimney during severe weather events.

Why People Pick Chimcare Chimney Caps

• Hurricane Tested: Our caps pass our wind load requirements for storm protection
• Professional Grade Materials: 304 stainless steel construction resists corrosion and cracking
• Proper Sizing: We stock multiple sizes to fit your specific flue dimensions
• Secure Mounting: Heavy-duty clamps and fasteners prevent wind failure
• Expert Installation: Professional mounting ensures maximum storm protection
• Long-Term Warranty: We stand behind our hurricane caps with comprehensive coverage

Related Hurricane Protection Services

• Need standard protection? We also carry regular caps for areas with moderate weather. Hurricane caps.
• Sizing questions? Our team helps determine the correct cap dimensions for your chimney type and flue size.
• Installation service? Professional mounting ensures your hurricane cap performs properly during severe weather.
• Maintenance plans? Annual inspections keep your hurricane cap ready for storm season year after year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much wind can a hurricane rated chimney cap handle?

Hurricane caps are tested to withstand winds over 120 mph without failing. Standard caps fail around 60-70 mph wind speeds.

What makes hurricane caps different from regular caps?

Hurricane caps use thicker steel, reinforced mounting systems, and aerodynamic designs. Multiple anchor points distribute wind stress better than standard cap mounting methods.

Do I need a hurricane cap if I don't live on the coast?

Tornado-prone areas and regions with severe thunderstorms benefit from hurricane caps. Any area that experiences winds over 70 mph should consider upgrading to hurricane-rated protection.

How long do hurricane chimney caps last?

Properly maintained hurricane caps last 15-20 years or more. The stainless steel construction resists corrosion and weathering better than standard materials.

Can I install a hurricane cap myself?

Professional installation ensures proper mounting torque and weather sealing. Hurricane caps require more secure attachment methods than standard caps for maximum protection.