Still, unless you want headaches down the road (and maybe animals running through your home), a properly installed chimney cap or cowl is definitely something to look at. A cap can prevent animals from entering your home, keep the moisture out, and can also protect a roof from burning embers starting a fire.

Do chimneys need to be capped?

You see chimney caps are very necessary. They have two principal functions: First they keep “outside things” out and “inside things” in and they act as “the guard of the gate”, if you will. Protecting your chimney from water, snow, animals and other entry which could do you and your chimney harm!

Why do some chimneys not have a cap?

Chimneys are complex structures and are always exposed to the weather. They aren't designed to go without chimney caps, but not everyone knows this. Because chimneys are always exposed, rain water, leaves, feathers, and all sorts of things can fall into them and build up or cause damage.