ArcaMax

An open or unprotected chimney on top of your roof is an invitation to birds, rodents and squirrels to go down your chimney and set up residence wherever they want. If you want to prevent an unwanted guest showing up in your fireplace, your best line of defense is a chimney cap. With its grated sides and a sturdy hood that fit snugly on top of the chimney, critters,rain and debris won’t be able to enter.

Installing a standard round or rectangular cap is relatively easy compared to climbing up a ladder to reach the chimney. There you can inspect the flue and measure its inside dimensions so you know what size cap to buy. The cap goes in place by inserting the flue tabs of the cap into the chimney and using a screwdriver to fasten screws around the outside of the chimney cap base to hold it in place.

You'll find chimney caps sold at home centers and lumber yards in a range of sizes from 9 inches square to 13 by 18 inches in black metal or stainless steel. You'll notice that the package lists a minimum and maximum opening size, so choose one whose range fits your chimney. The website www.WoodlandDirect.com has a link to “Ask an Expert!” for any questions you may have.

A handyman will charge $296, including labor and material, to inspect and install a chimney cap. If you're willing to do the high-wire work, you can buy a cap for $85 and install it yourself, pocketing a 71% saving. If you do the job, make sure to bring a measuring tape and a mobile phone to snap a pix before you venture up there.

Pro Cost: $296 — DIY Cost: $85 — Pro time: 1.1
DIY Time: 2.5 — DIY Savings: $211 — Percent Saved: 71%

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To find more DIY project costs and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com and m.diyornot.com on smartphones.

©2024 Gene and Katie Hamilton. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.