Custom Chimney Caps
Custom fabricated chimney caps in copper, stainless steel, and galvanized metal. Built in Reno for Northern Nevada and Lake Tahoe homes.
What We Build
Off-the-shelf chimney caps rarely fit right and never look great. We build caps to your chimney's exact dimensions using materials that last decades - not seasons. Copper caps develop a natural patina over time. Stainless holds its finish in harsh mountain weather. Every cap includes proper ventilation, optional spark arrestor mesh, and mounting details that make installation straightforward. For Lake Tahoe and Truckee homes where snow loads are severe, we build caps with reinforced structures and steeper profiles that shed snow effectively. Learn more about materials, sizing, and snow-country details in our guide to custom chimney caps for Sierra Nevada homes.
- Copper, stainless, and galvanized options
- Sized to your exact chimney dimensions
- Spark arrestor screens available
- Snow load rated for Sierra weather
- Multi-flue and single-flue designs
- Hip-style, flat-top, and custom profiles
- Wind-resistant mounting systems
How We Build It
Chimney cap projects start with your chimney dimensions - we need the outside dimensions of the chimney crown, flue sizes and locations, and any specific design preferences. If you're not sure about measurements, a photo from ground level showing the chimney from two angles usually gives us enough to start. We draft a cap design showing the profile, material, screen mesh type, and mounting method. Fabrication includes cutting, forming, welding, and finishing. Copper caps are left to patina naturally or can be sealed to slow the patina process. We provide mounting hardware and installation instructions, or coordinate directly with your roofer or chimney technician.
Material Options & Selection
Copper is the premium choice for chimney caps - it's naturally corrosion-resistant, develops a beautiful green patina over years, and adds significant curb appeal. Stainless steel provides excellent durability and weather resistance with a clean, modern appearance. Galvanized steel is the most economical option and performs well in moderate climates, though it may require replacement sooner in high-moisture mountain environments. For spark arrestor screens, we use stainless steel mesh that meets fire code requirements while maintaining proper airflow for your flue.
What to Send for a Chimney Cap Quote
1. Crown & Flue Dimensions
Send the outside dimensions of the chimney crown plus the size, height, and location of each flue.
2. Clear Photos
Include photos from at least two angles so we can see the crown, flues, roof pitch, and surrounding conditions.
3. Material & Profile
Tell us whether you prefer copper, stainless, galvanized, or painted steel and share any profile reference you like.
4. Mounting Details
Note the crown material and whether your roofer or chimney professional will handle installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a chimney cap?
A chimney cap prevents rain, snow, leaves, and animals from entering your flue. It also contains sparks from wood-burning fireplaces and reduces downdrafts caused by wind. Without a cap, moisture enters the flue and accelerates deterioration of the liner and masonry.
What material is best for a chimney cap in the Sierra?
Copper and stainless steel perform best in Sierra Nevada weather. Heavy snow loads, freeze-thaw cycles, and moisture exposure make galvanized steel less durable at elevation. Copper and stainless both offer 30+ year lifespans with minimal maintenance.
Can you build a cap for multiple flues?
Yes. Multi-flue caps are one of our most common requests. We build single-structure caps that cover multiple flues while maintaining proper ventilation spacing and individual spark arrestor screens for each flue.
How is a custom cap mounted?
Mounting method depends on your chimney crown material and condition. Common methods include concrete screw anchors, adhesive-set bolts, and friction-fit compression bands. We specify the mounting system based on your chimney's construction.
Do I need a spark arrestor screen?
Many jurisdictions in Northern Nevada and California require spark arrestor screens on wood-burning chimneys. Even if not required, they're recommended to prevent ember escape. We use stainless mesh that meets code requirements. More Services
How much does a custom chimney cap cost?
Most custom single-flue caps in galvanized or painted steel run a few hundred dollars, with stainless and multi-flue caps costing more. Price depends on size, metal, and screen details - send us your flue dimensions and we will quote it for you.
Why is my chimney cap rusting, and what metal won't rust?
Most rusting caps are thin galvanized steel that lost its coating after years of Sierra freeze-thaw. Stainless steel will not rust, and heavier-gauge painted steel lasts far longer than the thin caps sold at big box stores. We fabricate both in our Reno shop.
Project Stories
Project Story: A Batch of Custom Chimney Caps for a Truckee Builder
A Truckee builder needed matching chimney caps across a multi-home project. See how the batch was fabricated in stainless and painted steel with code-compliant spark arrestors.
- Built to individual chase measurements
- Stainless and powder-coated steel
- Labeled by lot for delivery