Is your chimney a prefab chase?
Many DFW homes built from the 1980s onward have a factory-built fireplace. Its metal flue runs up through a wood-framed box on the outside of the house, called a chase, finished with siding, stucco or thin brick. The top of that box is a sheet-metal chase cover with a hole for the flue.
A quick test: if the chimney sounds hollow when you knock on it, or it has siding, it's a chase.
Why chase covers fail
- Galvanized steel rusts. Many original covers are thin galvanized sheet. Once the coating wears off, rust spreads and brown streaks run down the chimney.
- Flat tops hold water. A flat or sagging cover lets rain pool around the flue hole until it finds a seam.
- Hail dents create basins. Even a few dents turn a flat cover into a set of puddles.
Water that gets past the cover soaks the wood framing and insulation inside the chase. By the time it shows inside, the framing may already be soft.
What we install
| Option | What it is | When we suggest it |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel, sloped | Custom-measured cover, cross-broken or pitched so water runs off, with a drip edge | Most homes. Our default recommendation |
| Copper | Same shape in copper, which ages to a patina | When it needs to match copper details on the house |
| Galvanized or painted | Lower cost, shorter life | We'll quote it if you ask, and tell you how long to expect it to last |
Every cover is measured on site and made to fit the chase, with a storm collar and a new cap for the flue.
What else we check while we're up there
- Soft or rotted framing at the top of the chase
- Siding or stucco damage where water has been running
- The flue pipe and termination cap for rust and damage
- Damage inside the firebox from water
Questions about chase cover replacement
What's the difference between a chase cover and a chimney cap?
The chase cover is the metal top of the whole chase box. The cap sits on top of the flue pipe and keeps rain and animals out of the flue itself. Most prefab chimneys need both.
How much does a chase cover cost?
National cost guides put chase cover replacement at about $300–$700. Custom stainless costs more than galvanized. Every repair is priced in writing before any work starts, and repair estimates are free.
Can I just paint my rusty chase cover?
Paint can slow surface rust for a short time, but it won't fix a flat top that holds water or a cover that has rusted through. If you see streaks, the metal is usually past saving.
Will insurance pay for a hail-dented chase cover?
Hail damage is often covered under wind and hail coverage. We photograph the dents with dates so you have documentation for your adjuster. Your policy decides what's covered.