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Protect your chimney and home from water infiltration, debris, and animal intrusion with our expert chase cover installation and replacement services. Serving Yonkers, White Plains, New Rochelle, Yorktown, Mt. Sinai, and neighboring communities, our skilled technicians install durable, custom-fitted stainless steel and galvanized chase covers designed to withstand harsh weather conditions year round.
A chimney chase cover is a sloped metal panel that sits on top of a prefabricated fireplace chase - the wood-framed enclosure that surrounds a factory-built fireplace and its flue pipe. Unlike a traditional masonry chimney, a prefabricated chase doesn't have a concrete crown. The chase cover is one of the first lines of defense against the elements.
When a chase cover is in good condition, it should:
Most builder-grade chase covers are made from galvanized steel, which is inexpensive to install - but notoriously prone to rust. Within just a few years, these models begin to corrode, causing rust streaks to run down the side of your chimney chase and water damage to occur.
Why do we recommend stainless steel?
Superior Rust Resistance
Stainless steel won't corrode like galvanized covers, eliminating ugly rust streaks down your chimney
Long-Term Durability
Built to withstand harsh weather year after year without breaking down
Custom-Fitted Protection
Fabricated to fit your specific chase for a tight, watertight seal
Low Maintenance
Resists deterioration so you spend less on repairs and replacements over time
Protects Your Investment
Prevents water intrusion that leads to costly damage to the flue, damper, and framing
Lasting Curb Appeal
Keeps your chimney looking clean and professional for the long haul
There are several clear warning signs that your chase cover has reached the end of its useful life and needs to be replaced.
• Rust staining down the exterior of your chimney chase
• Dents, warping, or buckling
• Water leaking into the firebox
• Staining on the ceiling or walls near the chimney
• Persistent musty odor in the living area
If you can safely observe the top of your chimney, look for a cover that has lifted at the edges, lost its secure fit, or developed visible holes and rust-through spots. Even if damage isn't yet visible, chase covers made from galvanized steel typically have a lifespan of just 5 to 10 years, so age alone can be reason enough to consider a proactive replacement.
We strongly recommend leaving this job to a trained professional for several important reasons. First and foremost, working at rooftop height carries significant safety risks - navigating steep pitches or slippery surfaces without the proper equipment and training can lead to serious injury.
Beyond the physical danger, getting the installation right requires more precision than it might appear. Chase covers must be measured and fabricated to exact dimensions to ensure a proper fit. Even a small gap around the edges can allow rainwater, wind-driven debris, and small animals to find their way inside the chase. A professional will not only ensure the cover is correctly sized, but will also properly seal the edges using appropriate high-temperature caulk or flashing techniques to prevent any water infiltration.
Experts can also inspect the top of the chase for any pre-existing structural damage, rotting wood, or deteriorated mortar that should be addressed at the same time.
In very limited circumstances, minor cosmetic issues such as a small dent or a tiny patch of surface rust on an otherwise sound cover might be addressed as a temporary measure.
In the vast majority of cases, though, replacement is the more practical and cost-effective solution. Chase covers made from galvanized steel are particularly prone to rapid deterioration once the protective zinc coating is compromised. Once corrosion takes hold, it spreads quickly and cannot be reliably stopped with paint or sealant alone.
Additionally, the labor cost involved in accessing the rooftop for a repair is often comparable to what would be charged for a full replacement, meaning you're spending nearly as much for a temporary fix as you would for a permanent solution. When you factor in the potential cost of water damage to your chimney interior, surrounding framing, and finished walls and ceilings if the repair fails, investing in a high-quality replacement cover upfront is almost always the smarter financial decision.
Yes, absolutely - the chase cover protects the wood framing and interior of the chase from rain, snow, and debris, but it still has a hole or cutout through which the flue pipe protrudes. That opening remains completely exposed without a chimney cap that fits directly over the top of the flue pipe to block rain from falling straight down into the pipe. Without a chimney cap, even a brand-new chase cover offers incomplete protection.
For complete, comprehensive protection of your chimney system, both components are necessary and work in tandem - the chase cover guards the structure of the chase itself, while the chimney cap secures the critical opening at the top of the flue pipe.
We prioritize safety on every job, and we continuously invest in training and education to stay on top of industry standards.
We hold memberships and affiliations with the NCSG, NY State Chimney Sweep Guild, NFPA, and BBB.
Chimney sweeping, masonry repairs, gutter cleaning, dryer vent care - we handle it all so you don't have to coordinate multiple contractors.
Camera inspections are only offered when actually needed, and we'll never push services that you don't actually need.
We're not a franchise - just a local team that treats your home like their own and answers the phone 24/7.
It was pleasant working with Alpine Chimney. Joe and his team changed the chase cover of my fireplace chimney and replaced the chimney cap. Both look gorgeous, and his team was very communicative and helpful. I would recommend them.
Abu Naser Mizan
GoogleAlpine Chimney Sweeps came to clean my chimney. They noticed my chase cover was rusted and needed to be changed. They used high quality materials and were very professional. Will definitely use them for my yearly cleanings.
Luke Marji
GoogleExcellent service! Very fast response time, professional, courteous, very clean, and great pricing. Alpine Chimney Sweeps did a fantastic job. I highly recommend using them for your chimney needs.
Debbie Sutton
GoogleCalled for a chimney sweep and they came the next morning. Inspected and installed a new cap. Personable, professional and clean. Didn’t pressure me to do a bunch of extra work. I would definitely recommend.
Amy Smith Dundon
GoogleWe serve homeowners and businesses across Westchester, Putnam, and Suffolk Counties.
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A failed chase cover is one of the most common sources of chimney water damage - and the longer it goes unaddressed, the more expensive the repairs tend to be. Alpine Chimney Sweeps will give you an honest assessment, a fair price, and a custom stainless steel cover built to last. No pressure, no unnecessary upsells - just straightforward service from a family-owned company that's been doing things the right way for a long time.
A chase cover works alongside the chimney cap to prevent chimney leaks - we'll make sure your system is properly sealed.