How to make a Concrete Chimney Cap (A Complete Guide)

For many homeowners, the chimney is often an afterthought. It’s just something that you see when you look up and it makes a house complete. But if your home has a fireplace or wood stove, then there are some things to consider before building the cap on top of your chimney. This article will tell you everything that you need to know about how to make a concrete chimney cap.

Concrete chimney caps are not just for decoration. They’re meant to protect the home’s exterior from water damage, snow accumulation and more. A concrete chimney cap is also designed to seal off any gaps that might be present in the brick or stone masonry of your fireplace or venting system, which can cause drafty air inside the home. Here at Dura-Block Masonry, we want homeowners to have all possible information about how a concrete chimney cap should be installed on their property so they don’t make costly mistakes with this important project.

What is a Concrete Chimney Cap?

A concrete chimney cap is a type of structure used to cover the top opening of a chimney. The use of this kind of cap helps protect your home from rain, snow, and debris that can fall into or accumulate in your chimney due to high winds. It also protects against animals entering for shelter or nesting purposes. And finally, it helps to keep your chimney draft free and functioning properly.

There are a few different types of concrete chimney caps you can choose from, depending on the style of your home and your specific needs. The most common type is the standard cap, which is typically round or square in shape and made from solid concrete. Another popular option is the metal mesh cap, which is created with wire and designed to prevent animals from getting inside.

Last but not least, you have the spark arrestor cap, which is basically a mesh screen that prevents flying debris from entering your chimney.

Why You Should Add One?

A chimney cap is a necessary addition to any home with a fireplace. A cap keeps the rain and snow out of your chimney, which can cause water damage over time. It also prevents birds and other animals from nesting in your chimney, which can create dangerous situations.

If you don’t have a chimney cap, it’s a good idea to install one as soon as possible. They’re not expensive, and they can help protect your home from water damage and other hazards.
In this article, we’ll show you how to make a concrete chimney cap. This is a simple project that anyone can do with a few basic tools and supplies. Let’s get started!
Concrete Chimney Cap Instructions: *Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Use a trowel or putty knife to spread the concrete mix onto the base of your chimney cap, creating an even layer that’s about one inch thick.
Remove any excess mixture with your trowel.
Use the trowel to cut into the concrete mixture in a criss-cross pattern, creating small grooves that will help your design stand out when it’s finished drying. Then smooth over all of these grooves with your trowel or putty knife so they’re not too sharp (but don’t remove them entirely).
Put your chimney cap on top of the wet concrete mixture and press down firmly.
Wait 24 hours for the concrete to dry completely.
Once it’s dry, use a sharpie or other permanent marker to draw your desired design onto the chimney cap. Be sure to sketch out your design first so you know what will work. For example, if you want to create a skull design, draw out the shape of where the eyes and nose should go so you don’t mess up when actually drawing it.
Use your concrete drill bit or rotary tool to cut holes into the cap in whatever pattern matches your desired design (for our skull design, we drilled holes around the eyes and nose).
Use a small paint brush to apply concrete sealant to the top of your chimney cap. Let it dry completely before using your chimney again.

How to Create Your Own?

Making a concrete chimney cap is not as difficult as it might seem. In fact, with the right tools and instructions, you can easily create your own chimney cap in no time at all. Here are the steps you need to follow:

First, you will need to gather the necessary supplies. This includes concrete mix, a trowel, and a wood form for the top of your chimney. If you do not have concrete mix on hand, you can use cinderblocks as well.
If possible, make sure that the cap will fit perfectly onto your chimney before creating it using these materials or blocks! You may need to create one half at first and then use it as a mold for the other half.
Once you have your materials ready, start by creating the form for the top of your chimney. This can be done using either wood or cinderblocks. If you are using wood, make sure that it is sturdy and will not easily break apart under pressure.
Next, mix the concrete and turn it into a thick paste. Make sure to add water slowly so that you do not lose any of your mixture in the process! You will have about 20 minutes for this step before the concrete sets, so make sure to work quickly.
Once your form is ready and your concrete has been mixed, start adding pieces of your paste to the form. Make sure to keep a wooden stick or spoon on hand so that you can quickly and carefully smooth out any uneven pieces of concrete as you go along.
Finally, let your chimney cap dry for at least 24 hours before using it! You want to be certain that the concrete has had enough time to set and harden properly.
Now that you know how to make a concrete chimney cap, you can rest assured knowing that your chimney is well-protected from the elements! Be sure to follow these steps carefully and you will have a sturdy and long-lasting chimney cap in no time at all.
If you are handy with tools, you can make your own chimney capping.
Create a form with either wood or cinderblocks, mix the concrete and turn it into thick paste. Add pieces of paste to your chimney capping form carefully while smoothing out any uneven pieces as you go along. Let sit for 24 hours before using it!

The Materials Needed

Concrete mix (enough for a small chimney cap)
Trowel
Stiff brush
Paintbrush
Masonry chisel
Safety glasses
Dust mask
Old clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
Rubber gloves
Liquid dish soap
Water
Newspaper.

Tools Required for the Job

Concrete Mix
Masonry Nails
Hammer
Chisel
Level
Tape Measure
Shovel.

Instructions How to make a Concrete Chimney Cap (Step By Step)

Step One: Determine the shape and size of your Chimney Cap.
Step Two: Cut Plywood to fit the shape and size of your Chimney Cap.
Step Three: Fasten the Plywood to the Concrete with construction adhesive and screws.
Step Four: Mix concrete according to the instruction.
Step Five: Pour the concrete into the form and smooth it out.
Step Six: Allow the Concrete to Cure for at least 48 hours before using your Chimney Cap.

Environmental Protection

Chimneys are a necessary part of our homes, but they also can be a major source of environmental pollution if not properly capped and maintained. A concrete chimney cap is the best way to protect your home from rain, snow, and animals while still allowing your chimney to function properly.

There are many different ways to make a concrete chimney cap, but the following is a complete guide to making one that will last for many years.

Safety Tips

Before you start making your chimney cap, it is important to keep in mind some safety tips. Make sure that the area around the chimney is clear and free of any obstructions. Also be aware of the weather conditions; do not work on the project if it is windy or raining. Wear proper safety gear, including a hard hat, safety glasses, ear plugs and gloves. The last thing you want is to get injured while making the chimney cap!
Now that you are aware of the safety precautions, let’s get started on making the chimney cap. The first step is to gather the materials you will need. You will need a piece of plywood or metal roofing material, concrete mix, a trowel, a level, screws and nails.
Once you have gathered the necessary materials, the next step is to prepare your work area. The surface of where you will be working should be level and clear of any debris that could get into your mix or create an uneven foundation for your chimney cap.
Next, mix up a small amount of concrete using the trowel according to package directions. Insert metal roofing material or plywood into the wet concrete. Tap it in with a hammer to ensure that it is fully submerged. Allow the cap to dry completely, which could take several days depending on weather conditions.
Once the concrete has dried, use screws and nails to attach the metal roofing or plywood to the chimney. Make sure that the roofing or plywood is flush with top of chimney. Use a level to check for any unevenness before applying sealant to bottom edge and along seam where two ends meet. Allow sealant 30 minutes to dry, then apply again as needed until entire surface is evenly coated.
There you have it! Your very own concrete chimney cap. Follow these simple instructions and you will be able to create a durable and weather-resistant cap that will help keep your chimney in good condition. Enjoy your new fireplace accessory!

Safety Tips

Before beginning, make sure the surrounding area is clear and free of any obstructions.
Be aware of weather conditions and do not work on the project if it is windy or raining.
Wear proper safety gear, including a hard hat, safety glasses, ear plugs and gloves.
Mix concrete using trowel according to package directions.
Submerge metal roofing or plywood in wet concrete.
Tap it in with a hammer to ensure that it is fully submerged.
Allow the cap to dry completely, which could take several days depending on weather conditions.

Once the concrete has dried, use screws and nails to attach metal roofing or plywood to the chimney. Make sure that the roofing or plywood is flush with top of chimney. Use a level to check for any unevenness before applying sealant to bottom edge and along seam where two ends meet. Allow sealant 30 minutes to dry, then apply again as needed until entire surface is evenly coated.

FAQs

What is a concrete chimney cap?

A concrete chimney cap is designed to keep water and debris from entering your home’s exterior structure. It seals the top of any chimney that extends through an outer wall or roof, including flue liners and factory-built metal fireplaces with hearth extensions. When you install a new cap, all of your fireplace’s components are protected.

Why is it important to have my chimney capped?

Installing a concrete chimney cap on top of an un-capped chimney creates protection for your home against rain and snow runoff that can damage the exterior structure of your home. It prevents leakage into the interior, which can cause damage to ceilings and walls in your living space below.

How do I install a concrete chimney cap?

First you need to climb up on top of your roof with some safety equipment like rope or harnesses for fall protection before beginning the installation process. Then, you need to check the chimney’s dimensions and purchase a cap that fits your specific measurements. Then, you need to prep the area around it by removing old capping materials or bricks. Then mix up some concrete (following manufacturer’s instructions) and fill in any gaps with insulation if necessary before pouring the mixture over your chimney cap for a secure seal that should last about 50 years. Finally, secure your new concrete chimney cap with an appropriate number of bolts and washers. If you have any old capping materials that still look good, save them in a safe place for future use.

How much does it cost to install a concrete chimney?

The average cost is typically between $500 and $1000.

How long does it take to install a concrete chimney?

It can usually be done in about half a day with the proper equipment, manpower, and materials on hand.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading our guide on how to make a concrete chimney cap! We hope you found it helpful. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask us in the comments section below. And be sure to check out our other DIY guides while you’re here. Thanks for reading!