Chimney chase cover replacement and collar repair in Tampa Palms

Choosing galvanized or stainless steel

On galvanized steel, a zinc coating is what holds rust off. The American Galvanizers Association explains that humidity, rainfall and salt in the air all affect how quickly that zinc is used up. Stainless steel does not rely on a coating in the same way, and homeowners often ask about it as an upgrade.

Either metal can make a sound cover when the slope, collar and drip edge are right, and neither makes up for a poor shape. We price both options for your chase, explain how each will look from the street and let you choose. The difference is written on the estimate so the decision stays yours.

When a chase cover can be repaired instead

Not every leaking chase cover needs replacing. A cover in sound metal with one open seam, a loose fastener or a storm collar that has slipped can often be repaired, and the estimate shows that smaller repair when it fits.

Replacement makes sense when the metal is rusted through in several places, when the cover holds water across its surface or when it was never shaped to drain. Patching those covers tends to buy a short time before the next leak.

• Repair: one failed seam, loose fasteners or a slipped storm collar on sound metal
• Replace: rust holes, a dished surface or an opening with no raised collar
• Look further: soft framing, wet insulation or stains well below the top

Wide chases on a sloped roof

Water running down a roof collects against the upslope side of anything wide that stands in its path. To turn that water aside, Florida's residential code requires a cricket, also called a saddle, on the uphill side of a chimney or penetration wider than 30 inches, measured across the slope.

When a wide chase on a roof leaks near its base, the cover may not be the only concern. We check whether a cricket is present where one is needed and explain any roofing work separately from the chase cover itself.

What to have ready for the chase inspection

A few details make the free inspection more useful. If you have the fireplace manual or know its make and model, keep it handy. Note where and when you have seen water or stains, and whether the chase cover has been patched or replaced before.

Let us know about pets, gates and where a ladder can be set safely. None of this is required, since we can identify the system on site, but it helps the visit move quickly.