Although most chimney caps have ¾ inch openings in their mesh, California and a few localities in
other Western states require the mesh to be small enough so that a ½ inch sphere will just barely pass through. Square mesh can be no
larger than ½ inch on each side of each opening. With a diamond shaped mesh, each side of each opening can be no longer than 5/8 of an inch. All of our California chimney caps meet the standard
required by California Code. Chimney caps that meet California Code are often called spark arrestors. If live in an arid part of the US
, you might want to check with your local building inspector to see if California mesh is required by local code.
Which Metal Is Best for California Style Small Mesh Spark Arrestor Chimney Caps?
Spark Arrestor chimney caps are manufactured from stainless steel or galvanized steel. Spark Arrestor Chimney Caps can be special ordered in copper
. Stainless steel is the best value for the dollar. Copper is the most elegant, especially for historic or upscale homes.
Stainless steel and copper chimney caps come with a lifetime warranty. We can arrange to have
some stainless steel spark arrestor chimney caps powder coated for you with a black or colored
heat resistant finishes. Galvanized steel is the least expensive and the least durable. Galvanized steel chimney caps are painted black.
Copper is not recommended for light colored chimneys. Stainless steel is the preferred metal for salt water climates.
Use the chart below to select the appropriate style of California Small Mesh Spark Arrestor Chimney Cap for your chimney:
If you have a round Solid Pack flue, a rigid relining pipe, or a HomeSaver Pro Flex relining flue...
Select
What to Measure Measure the inside diameter of your flue
If you have a round clay (masonry) flue...
Select
What to Measure Measure the outside diameter of your flue
If you have a single rectangular or single square flue and want a spark arrestor chimney cap thatattaches to the flue...
Select
What to Measure Measure the outside length and width of your flue
If you have a single rectangular or single square flue and want a spark arrestor chimney cap thatattaches to the chimney's top crown...
Select
What to Measure Measure the length, width and height of your flue and the length and width of the top of your chimney.
If you have a single square or rectangular flue with rounded corners...
Select
What to Measure Measure the outside length and width of your flue
You need to take three measurements in order to choose the correct top mount chimney cap.
First, measure the length and width of your entire chimney, as shown by the red dotted line in the diagram to the right.
Next, measure the length and width of a rectangle just big enough to include all the flues on your chimney, as shown by
the black dotted line. This is the minimum screen size.
Last, measure the height of the tallest flue above the top of the chimney, as shown by the blue dotted line
Your chimney cap can be any screen size between the dotted red rectangle and the dotted black
rectangle. These spark arrestor chimney caps have mounting flanges that add 1 1/2 inches to each side of the screen. So, for example, a top mounting chimney cap with a screen size of 17 by 19 inches will cover 20 by 22 inches of the top of your chimney.
If your goal is to protect the top of your chimney from deterioration
caused by weather and acid rain, choose the largest screen size that will fit within the red dotted line.
If your goal is to be as economical as possible, select a chimney cap the size of the black dotted line.
IMPORTANT:
For proper draft, there needs to be at least 5 inches of space between the top of your tallest flue and the lid of your chimney cap. If your tallest flue is taller than 3 inches
or if you need a spark arrestor chimney cap in a different size, consider the Protector Chimney Caps with Small Mesh.
Still have questions about just what type of flue you have or which chimney cap you should select? Just call our
friendly Chimney Cap Experts at 888-834-7375 or e-mail us your question or concerns.
California and a few localities in
other Western states require the mesh to be small enough so that a ½ inch sphere will just barely pass through. Square mesh can be no
larger than ½ inch on each side of each opening. With a diamond shaped mesh, each side of each opening can be no longer than 5/8 of an inch. All of our California chimney caps meet the standard
required by California Code. Chimney caps that meet California Code are often called spark arrestors. If live in an arid part of the US
, you might want to check with your local building inspector to see if California mesh is required by local code.
