What Type of Metal Would be Best for Your Chimney Cap

Once you have determined the shape of the chimney cap you need, it is time to think about what type of metal would work best.

The common materials used to create chimney caps are copper, galvanized steel, and stainless steel. You will get the best value by using stainless steel. Upscale or historic homes often look best with a copper cap which is far more stylish. Both copper and stainless steel chimney caps usually come with a lifetime warranty. You can also find stainless steel chimney caps that have been covered with a heat resistant coating, either black or colored. The least durable chimney caps are made using galvanized steel. They are also the least expensive, and usually come painted black.

It is usually best to avoid copper if you have a light colored chimney. If you live in an area where your chimney cap will be exposed to salt water it is best to use stainless steel.