Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

Chase Covers, Storm Collars, and Custom Shrouds

Manufactured or factory-built chimney systems are an increasingly popular choice for many homeowners. Their low cost, ease of installation, and lessened maintenance needs make them an excellent alternative to traditional masonry fireplaces. However, it is important that all manufactured chimneys have a chase cover to protect the flue from the elements.

What is a Chimney Chase Cover?

The chimney chase is the structure built around the flue of a manufactured chimney. They typically consist of same materials as the rest of the house such as wood siding, shingles, bricks, or stone.

The chase cover is made of metal such as galvanized steel, copper, or stainless steel. Chase covers fit on top of the chimney chase and protect the top of the flue. Their design keeps water, debris, and animals out of the flue while still allowing the chimney to vent hot air, smoke, and gas.

Is the Storm Collar Different Than the Chase Cover?

The terms storm collar or chimney chase cover are sometimes used interchangeably. However, the storm collar is a different chimney component than the chase cover.

The storm collar covers the area where the chimney pipe exits the roof. Typically considered part of the flashing, the storm collar prevents water from entering your home and affecting the roof, building materials, or chimney components.

At Clean Sweeps of Michigan, we often recommend simultaneously replacing the storm collar and chase cover. In addition, replacing the storm collar after roofing repairs prevents leaks. Our storm collars are made in the USA of either 20 oz copper or galvanized steel.

The Importance of Quality Chase Covers

The quality of the chase can affect how long it lasts and how well it protects your chimney against water damage. A high-quality, well-fitted chase cover is one of the most valuable parts of the chimney and can help prevent water damage, leaks, chimney blockages, and animal entry. Our durable chase covers come with a lifetime warranty to give homeowners additional peace of mind.

Shrouds vs Chase Covers

Shrouds and chase covers serve the same basic purpose – the protect the chimney against moisture and the elements. However, their designs are different, as they custom fit to each individual chimney. Likewise, shrouds also help cover more of the chimney chase itself, protecting the flue and keeping the elements out. Since they are illegal in some areas, it is important to check with local codes before purchasing or installing a chimney shroud.

At Clean Sweeps of Michigan, we offer a variety of designs and models to meet all the wants of our customers. Homeowners can choose from either top mount or inside mount dampers to find the perfect shroud for their home.

A quality chase cover, storm collar, or custom shroud can protect your manufactured chimney from the elements – and improve the curb appeal of your home. For more information about installing a new chase cover for your home, contact us today!

Check Out Our Service Area!

We know that finding an honest, reputable chimney sweep can prove to be more difficult than a Google search or even hiring the first person that comes to your door. At Clean Sweeps of Michigan, we are proud to live in the same communities we serve, and we love providing our customers with the highest quality chimney care, dryer vent care, and air duct care.

About us

Clean Sweeps of Michigan was founded in 1980 by a Clarklake fireman. We have always been dedicated to provide our friends and neighbors with the highest quality chimney, fireplace, air duct, and dryer vent services since we’ve begun. Because we live in the same communities we serve, our technicians understand the unique needs and issues that come with fireplace systems in mid-Michigan and the surrounding areas.

One of the ways we ensure our customers are receiving the best services possible is by having (Chimney Safety Institute of America) CSIA-certified chimney sweeps. In addition to this professional certification, we only employ master masons, who are members of professional organizations, such as the National Chimney Sweep Guild, and they also serve as speakers for the American Society of Home Inspectors.

Our service area

Mid-Michigan, northern Ohio, and northern Indiana are known for cold and harsh winters. Because of this reason, many homeowners rely on fireplaces and chimneys to keep warm and comfortable when the cold strikes.

We are located in Clarklake, Michigan, and we offer a wide service area covering much of mid-Michigan, northern Ohio, and northern Indiana. Our service area extends as far as Toledo in the east, Elkhart in the west, Lansing in the north, and Fort Wayne in the south. Our service area includes:

• Ann Arbor, MI
• Adrian, MI
• Chelsea, MI
• Lansing, MI
• Saline, MI
• Ypsilanti, MI
• Defiance County, Ohio
• Fulton County, Ohio
• Williams County, Ohio
• Allen County, Indiana
• Dekalb County, Indiana
• Elkhart County, Indiana
• Kosciusko County, Indiana
• Lagrange County, Indiana
• Noble County, Indiana
• Steuben County, Indiana
• Whitley County, Indiana

Our chimney services

With CSIA-certified chimney sweeps, master masons, and even certified Heat Shield installers, we are able to do much more than just sweeping your chimney! We offer our customers a variety of quality chimney services, from caring for the top of the flue all the way to the bottom of the firebox – and even everything in between. Our fireplace and chimney services include:

• Chimney Sweeping/Cleaning
• Chimney Inspections
• Chimney Masonry Repairs
• New Chimney Constructions
• Chimney Relining

Other services

We care for more than just your chimneys and fireplaces! Dryer vent cleaning is a good way to extend the life of your dryer and help reduce the chance of a dryer-related fire. If your dryer is not running efficiently or is experiencing problems, have the vents cleaned before heading to the appliance store!

Contact us today!

Whether your fireplace needs to be repaired, your dryer vents are clogged, or your air ducts need to be cleaned, Clean Sweeps of Michigan can handle it all. Contact us today to speak with one of our dedicated professionals and schedule your next service!