People began to use the weather vane hundreds of years ago, improving the heating system of houses. Why a weather vane? Because initially it was decided to install a weather vane on this structure at the top of the chimney. Often, craftsmen, artisans used chimneys to show that a blacksmith, carpenter, cabinetmaker lived here โ a corresponding figurine or plate was installed on the cap. A small advertisement that complemented the main function of the chimney.
Now, simple structures are more often used, in particular, from steel or zinc sheets, which can be easily made by hand. But the popularity of forged weather vane also remains high, because often they are real masterpieces of handmade blacksmithing masters.
From a practical point of view, the chimney hood has very important functions:
- In particular, the chimney prevents various debris from entering the chimney system, for example, leaves that are carried by the wind. Birds, insects will also not get into the chimney.
- The chimney is also protected from snow and rain. Heavy rainfall can cause moisture to build up inside the pipe, resulting in poor draft.
- An umbrella, a fungus on top of the chimney will protect the brick structure from destruction. Modern hoods usually have special grooves that drain condensate that appears on a cold metal surface when it collides with hot air and smoke that comes from a ventilation duct or pipe. As a result, a brick chimney will last longer..
- There are deflectors of various modifications that improve traction. However, even the most common homemade fungus is able to improve the draft in the pipe by about 20%..
As an additional protection from debris, nets are often installed on the side openings of the chimney to ensure that neither leaves nor birds get inside. At the same time, nothing prevents the flow of air and smoke from freely going outside.
Most often, chimneys are made of galvanized steel, copper, zinc-titanium alloy and stainless steel. Such structures have a very long service life, tolerate temperature changes well and are resistant to corrosion. Copper chimney umbrellas are the most expensive.
For attaching the hood, it is better to choose self-tapping screws that are resistant to destruction and oxidation in order to extend the service life and not climb onto the roof due to a torn off or tilted chimney. The cap can be attached to a brick pipe with dowels or ordinary long nails.
In general, the mounting system should be selected based on the shape and material of the chimney; many weather vans initially have special holes for fastening. If conventional stainless steel is used, it is advisable to use hoods coated with a polymer compound, the color of which can be matched to the roof.
Chimney caps can be in the shape of a house with a traditional pitched roof, snow does not linger on such. There are also conical umbrellas, often sliding, this allows you to adjust the structure to the size of the pipe. Note that umbrellas are most often installed on round metal pipes, and on square brick ones โ house caps of the corresponding shape. Caps with a semicircular top are also popular. Decorative weather vane can have the most unusual shapes..
The cost of the finished chimney cap will be different, it all depends on the material and the complexity of the design.
What is the purpose of a chimney cap and what are the different types and features available?