Chimney Chase Repairs

Chimney chase repairs

Chimney chases often present maintenance opportunities related to weather and pests, which can be addressed effectively. A prevalent concern is water infiltration, which may lead to wood rot and rusting metal components in the chimney and fireplace systems. Fortunately, the most common solution is to replace the metal chase cover or chase cap, a process that many satisfied customers have successfully experienced. After reviewing the installation instructions from the factory-built fireplace manufacturer and inspecting the removed chase covers, some combustible hazards have been discovered, such as wood or insulation placed too close to the chimney pipe or insufficient ventilation of the chase. However, with proper planning, these issues can typically be resolved at no extra cost during the chase cover replacement. Generally, replacing rusty steel chase covers with powder-coated aluminum covers is a fantastic choice, but sometimes stainless steel, non-powder-coated aluminum, or even powder-coated steel or copper options are recommended for added durability and aesthetics.

Anatomy of a chimney chase.

Clip of installation instructions featuring the “Majestic Thulman” fireplace name, which fireplace was the concept of the original factory built fireplace inventor, Robert Thulman.

Steel lintel improperly oriented above gable, allowed unsupported brickwork below lintel to shift.

Crumbling brickwork above gable is being replaced with composite siding.

New powder coated chase cap and composite siding correctly installed above gable following brick repairs at corners.

Enhancing Chimney Aesthetics

If the homeowner desires custom color or material for their chase cover besides our standard white powder coated aluminum material, please request a display of alternative materials, or to display our custom color palette.

A necessary but typical chase repair our clients will be confronted with is replacement of wood pecker and insect damaged exterior wood trim.

Upgrading Exterior Trim

Ben & Sons will usually encourage replacement of such compromised trim with a patently resilient composite trim such as TruExterior or Hardie® Trim which are installed, and then color matched to pattern the prototype trim paint already on your home.

Crooked chase leaning due to bellied truss too far away in attic at 30″ on Groveland Rd. in northern Oakland County.

Chase cap was leaking water.

Cracked thin brick chase cladding.

Chimney and vent pipes in chase.

Truss bellied by 2 1/2″!

Reinforcing keeping thin bricks in place whilst jacking.

Wood spacer stud jacking truss.

Wood spacer stud split!

Metal spacer jacked stud without splitting!

Truss jacked up 1 1/2″ and chase reinforcing installed!

Truss top separated.

Truss top repaired.

Chimney caps removed.

Storm collar removed revealing missing starting collar water leak points.

Water leak marks from leaky nail holes.

Birds nesting inside combustion air inlet duct for fireplace.

Resident replaced combustion air inlet hood to keep out birds.

Chase cover installed, but laminate not completely removed.

New collars installed and sealed.

Finished product with protective laminate removed.

Finished product.

Chimney Chase Repairs