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Chimney Caps
Always there, wherever you look, but never seen. Immortalized in 19th century prints of the rooftops of London, the ranks of ever receding chimney caps overshadow the steeply gabled rooftops, and the chimneysweeps.
From the original clay pots mortared into position at the top of the chimney, a massive technological evolution has taken place. They have progressed from what was, to a large degree, purely an ornamental item, with very little real function, an extension of the chimney stack, to items that are not only ornamental, but so much more.
The first step to basic functionality was the traditional clay pot. The clay pot restricted wind and rain access to the chimney to a degree, so much so that the open clay pot was used well into the 20th century.
Chimney experts were appalled at the conditions of many of the chimneys they worked on, and started giving some thought as to how the insides of the chimneys could be better protected from the elements, birds, and small animals that found chimneys irresistible as homes. This evolution started late in the 1800’s, and heralded the swing from pots to caps. Left alone, design progress was slow until well after WWII, when the first patent for a ventilating device was filed in September 1963.
Since then, patents covering virtually every aspect of what is required from a chimney cap, have been filed. Developers and designers have left no stone unturned to ensure they are able to build the best application for the job.
It is not uncommon to see chimney caps with multiple louvers to control the draft, and a rotating head to keep the open side of the cap away from the wind. Roofs and overhangs on these installations contribute to their efficiency. Also popular are the wind turbine types, which rotate at a high speed, creating a strong updraft to draw the chimney.
Automating of the manufacturing process has gone a long way toward making them affordable, in any shape or size required. Buying a ready-made chimney cap via the internet is possible, subject to your providing just a few basic measurements, and your preferences regarding style and material of choice. That’s right, material of choice.
Although the design brief calls for sheet metal, it does not stipulate which metal.
From plain old ordinary galvanised steel sheeting, to stainless steel, copper, and non-ferrous alloys, the choice is yours. The drawback to the galvanised sheeting product is the necessity to keep it painted, this is however, balanced out by its relatively low cost. For a renovation on an old building, use a copper unit, within two seasons, it will have weathered, and will be a positive attribute to the authenticity of the design of the building.
When planning your new home or business development, and the plans call for a fire-place, furnace or a boiler, in fact anything that requires a chimney, make the decision to use chimney caps. The advantages of aesthetics and functionality, coupled with minimal maintenance costs, will ensure that you are making a decision that will increase the value of your property, as well as extend its life.
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