Custom-Fitted and Made in Vermont
Chimney Cap Replacement & Installation in Vermont & New Hampshire
A chimney without a cap is an open flue — rain, snow, wildlife, and debris can come straight down into it. Most homeowners don't think much about chimney caps until something goes wrong, but a properly fitted cap is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do to protect your chimney and your home year-round.
Chimney Savers installs custom-fitted chimney caps and top-sealing dampers across Vermont and New Hampshire. We don't use off-the-shelf hardware store products — every cap we install is sized and fitted to your specific flue. All of our custom caps are made right here in Vermont and come backed by a lifetime manufacturer's warranty.
Why a Well-Fitted Chimney Cap Makes a Difference
A good chimney cap is a small investment that quietly does a lot of work. Here's what you get when it's the right fit for your flue.
Keeps Rain and Snow Out of the Flue
A properly fitted cap sheds water away from the flue opening, protecting your liner, damper, and firebox from the moisture that causes rust and deterioration over time.
Keeps Wildlife Out
The mesh around the cap prevents raccoons, squirrels, birds, and other animals from nesting inside the chimney — which can create blockages and other problems that are time-consuming to sort out.
Catches Stray Sparks
The mesh also acts as a spark arrestor, catching embers before they can exit the flue and land on your roof, deck, or surrounding landscaping.
Keeps Debris Out of the Flue
Leaves, twigs, and other debris can't fall into the chimney when the cap is in place — which keeps your draft clear and your fireplace operating the way it should.
Trusted by Your Neighbors
Absolutely recommend them. Another year, another great job by the Chimney Savers team! Knowledgeable, tidy and professional. Professional, efficient service! We've used them for years. Very highly recommend Gene, Paul and the whole gang! They have installed chimney caps, flue liner, and they clean the stove and flue every year. Terrific. At least seven stars!
Bill Risso
Not sure if your chimney cap needs replacement?
Here are the most common signs your chimney cap needs attention.
Animal Noises Inside the Flue
Scratching, chirping, or rustling sounds echoing down into your fireplace are usually a sign that something has moved in.
Debris Showing Up in the Firebox
Twigs, leaves, or bits of nesting material collecting in the firebox are a clear sign the flue is open to whatever's falling in from above.
Drafting or Odor Issues
Difficulty getting a fire to draw properly, smoky smells when the fireplace isn't in use, or an earthy odor coming from the hearth can all be signs the flue isn't sealed the way it should be.
Visible Rust or Gaps From the Ground
If you can see from the ground that the top of your chimney looks open, corroded, or bent out of shape, it's worth having it inspected.
Water in the Firebox After Rain
Dripping sounds inside the fireplace or standing water in the firebox following a rainstorm usually point to a missing or damaged cap.
Our Chimney Cap Installation Process
Getting the right cap fitted correctly is what makes it last. We don't guess at sizing or pull a cap off a shelf — every installation is measured and fitted to your specific chimney and flue.
On-Site Measurement & Assessment
We get on the roof and take precise measurements of your flue opening, liner termination, and crown to make sure the cap we install fits exactly right and seats securely.
Selecting the Right Cap
Based on your chimney configuration and preferences, we help you choose the right material — stainless steel, powder-coated, or copper — and confirm the right sizing and style for your home.
Fixed-Price Proposal
Before we order anything or schedule the installation, you'll receive a clear written proposal with the total cost. No surprises.
Professional Installation
We secure the cap using appropriate anchors or clamps rated for the wind loads common in this region — so it stays put through a nor'easter. We verify the fit and confirm water is being directed away from the flue opening before we leave the roof.
Made in Vermont, Backed by a Lifetime Warranty
All of our custom chimney caps are manufactured right here in Vermont. Before we wrap up, we'll walk you through the installation and make sure you know what to expect — and your new cap comes backed by a lifetime manufacturer's warranty.
Regional Expertise
Expert Chimney Cap Replacement & Installation Across Vermont & New Hampshire
We install chimney caps throughout Vermont and New Hampshire as a standalone service and as part of larger chimney cleaning, repair, and installation projects. It's a simple fix that makes an immediate difference. No more rain in the firebox, no more animals, and no more debris.
We regularly serve homeowners in Burlington, Montpelier, Rutland, Stowe, Randolph, Lebanon, Hanover & Claremont, along with dozens of surrounding towns in both states. If you're not sure whether we cover your area, just reach out.
Ready to schedule your chimney cap installation?
Contact us today to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every chimney need a cap?
In most cases, yes. Water does more damage to a chimney over time than fire, and an uncapped flue lets water in year-round. Chimney caps also prevent animals from nesting and debris from accumulating in the liner. That said, in some cases installing a chimney cap can create or worsen draft problems, so it's important to have a qualified chimney service technician evaluate your system before installation. We assess this as part of every cap job.
What happens if an animal gets into an uncapped chimney?
Birds, squirrels, and raccoons commonly find their way into uncapped chimneys in Vermont and New Hampshire. Once inside, they often can't get back out. Nesting material accumulates and can create a fire hazard or blockage. Animals that die in the flue cause odor problems that can persist for months. We clear nesting material and debris as part of the cap installation when needed.
What is the best material for a chimney cap in Vermont and New Hampshire?
Stainless steel is the most practical and durable choice for this climate. It holds up to freeze-thaw cycles, doesn't corrode from combustion byproducts, and all stainless steel caps we install carry a lifetime manufacturer guarantee. Copper is an excellent option for homeowners who want the traditional aesthetic. It's extremely durable and develops a natural patina over time. Powder-coated stainless is also available for a custom look.
What is a Lock-Top damper and is it better than a throat damper?
A Lock-Top Energy-Saving Damper mounts at the top of the chimney and seals with a rubber gasket, which provides a significantly tighter seal than a traditional metal throat damper. Traditional dampers still allow a lot of heated air to escape even when closed, resulting in hundreds of dollars in additional heating costs over a season. The Lock-Top also functions as a chimney cap, so you get both benefits in one unit. We install these as an upgrade option on fireplaces where energy efficiency is a priority.
Will adding a chimney cap create a draft problem?
In most cases, no. A properly designed chimney cap still allows air to flow out of the chimney without restriction. However, a chimney system already suffering from a draft problem may not be a good candidate for a rain cap, as it could make the problem worse. We strongly recommend having a qualified chimney technician inspect your system before installing a cap and that's exactly what we do at the estimate stage.
My chimney doesn't have a cap. Where does the rain go?
In masonry chimneys with terracotta tile liners, rain falling down the chimney is usually absorbed by the masonry before it reaches the bottom but this depends on the size of the flue and the amount of rainfall, and it doesn't mean the water isn't causing damage. Over time, repeated water entry deteriorates the liner, the smoke chamber, and the masonry. We recommend a cap inspection to weigh the pros and cons for your specific chimney configuration.