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AAA CHIMNEY CORP dba 1 HOUR CHIMNEY | YOUR SAFETY IS OUR BUSINESS!
Licensed and Insured Local Chimney Company

Caps & Dampers in New Jersey

Chimney caps and dampers are small, often‑overlooked components that make a huge difference in fireplace safety, efficiency, and comfort.

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Based on ~500 reviews

Caps & Dampers

Caps & Dampers

A cap sits on top of the flue to block rain, animals, and sparks, while a damper seals the flue when the fireplace is not in use. Together they keep weather, drafts, and energy loss in check saving you money and preventing costly damage.

Stop rain, snow, and debris from entering the chimney

Keep birds, squirrels, and raccoons from nesting in the flue

Prevent downdrafts and smoky odors on windy days

Reduce heat loss by sealing the chimney when not in use

Act as spark arrestors to lower the risk of roof fires

Chimney Caps Explained

Chimney Caps Explained

A chimney cap is a metal cover (usually stainless steel, copper, or galvanized steel) that fits over the flue opening. Most caps include a wire‑mesh screen to block sparks and pests while allowing smoke to vent freely.

Single‑flue caps for individual masonry flues

Multi‑flue caps that protect several flues at once

Decorative copper caps for premium, rust‑proof appearance

Wind‑resistant designs that improve draft in exposed locations

Integrated mesh that doubles as a spark arrestor and animal guard

Photos that demonstrate some of the repairs we have completed.

Chimney Dampers Explained

The damper is the “door” inside the chimney that you open for a fire and close afterward. Older fireplaces have a throat damper just above the firebox; modern upgrades use a top‑sealing damper mounted at the chimney crown for a tighter seal.

Throat dampers—cast‑iron plates inside the smoke chamber

Top‑sealing dampers—gasketed lids operated by a stainless cable

Energy savings of 8–15 % by stopping conditioned air loss

Weather‑tight gaskets that double as a secondary cap

Quick‑pull handles for easy, airtight closure from the firebox

Caps vs Dampers – What’s the Difference?

Caps vs Dampers – What’s the Difference?

Although both devices sit in or on the chimney, they serve different roles and work best together. The cap protects from weather and wildlife; the damper seals airflow when the fireplace is idle.

Cap = exterior shield • Damper = interior door

Caps run year‑round; dampers open only during fires

Caps prevent sparks; dampers block conditioned‑air escape

Installing both maximizes safety and energy efficiency

Local codes often require a cap but recommend a damper upgrade

Maintenance Tips for Caps and Dampers

Maintenance Tips for Caps and Dampers

Routine checks keep these parts working reliably and extend their service life.

Inspect cap mesh each spring for creosote or nest debris

Oil top‑sealing damper hinges annually to prevent sticking

Replace gaskets if you feel drafts with the damper closed

Clean rust spots on galvanized caps and re‑coat with high‑temp paint

Schedule a professional sweep every burning season to spot hidden wear

Frequently Asked Questions about Caps & Dampers

Do I need both a chimney cap and a top‑sealing damper?

Yes—caps block weather and wildlife, while top‑sealing dampers provide an airtight seal for energy savings.

Will a chimney cap stop rain sounds in my fireplace?

A properly sized cap with a full‑coverage lid significantly reduces rain noise and splashing inside the flue.

How long do chimney caps last?

Stainless steel and copper caps can last 20–30 years or more; galvanized steel may need replacement in 5–10 years.

Can I install a damper myself?

Top‑sealing dampers require rooftop work and precise chimney crown drilling professional installation is strongly recommended.

Why does my damper handle feel hard to pull?

Creosote buildup, warped metal, or a worn cable can cause stiffness; a sweep can clean or replace the faulty parts.

Customer Testimonials

I thank God that i found Tony, Besi and their team. These guys are amazing!! First of all they know everything about their job and explain you I'm every detail.On top of that, the price they quote is literally the best price you can get, as other companies are out to get you, Tony and Besi are out to help you! The price, the professionalism, the guarantee of the job, the ease of working with them.Punctuality, professionalism, and now I can say their friendship as well. There are no other words to describe how happy I am to have found them. Going forward, all our chimney questions and jobs will definitely go to them. Thanks, guys!
Gus Koutsouris
Homeowner
These guys are pros.The people in the office pick up the phone (unlike many other contractors) and are straightforward and friendly. The crew explained my options and were very clear about everything they were doing. The boss (over the phone) cleared up any issues I had and did everything to have me as a happy customer. The chimney cap looks perfect and the upgraded water heater and boiler lines look great.Great quotes, great price, great work, friendly people.I wonder if they do other work besides chimneys?
Ricardo Morales
Homeowner
My husband and I just purchased a home and were not aware of the severity of our chimney stack, and all the built up ash throughout the years.Tony and Besi at 1 Hour Chimney - AAA Chimney Corp were extremely attentive, professional and reasonably priced compared to other competitors.Thank you Tony and Besi for your work ethic and professionalism. And insuring my family is safe.Thank you Tony and Besi for your work ethic and professionalism. And insuring my family is safe.10/10 highly recommend we will certainly continue to use them for regular maintenance.
Vanessa Houston
Homeowner
I thank God that i found Tony, Besi and their team. These guys are amazing!! First of all they know everything about their job and explain you I'm every detail.On top of that, the price they quote is literally the best price you can get, as other companies are out to get you, Tony and Besi are out to help you! The price, the professionalism, the guarantee of the job, the ease of working with them.Punctuality, professionalism, and now I can say their friendship as well. There are no other words to describe how happy I am to have found them. Going forward, all our chimney questions and jobs will definitely go to them. Thanks, guys!
Sina Yenel
Homeowner
Absolutely amazing! Andri and Bali are very dedicated to their craft and it shows. The before and after photos speak volumes but the best part was I trusted them enough to be left alone in my home and they treated it like it was their own!Thank you 1 hr chimney you guys are amazing and well priced too!
Adam Nemeth
Homeowner
Fully informed by Juliette and kept apprised of quote, options and managed expectations. Olti called today saying they finished the job and found another cracked panel which they took care of. Very reliable and honest and I would reach out again
James Austin
Homeowner

How we work:

Step#1
Contact us
You're not sure if you need chimney services, or what to expect if you do. It's normal to have a lot of questions about chimney services- after all, it's not a service that most people need on a regular basis. That's why we offer free estimates and consultations so that you can get all your questions answered before moving forward with any work. We understand that your satisfaction is our number one priority, which is why we work hard to provide quality chimney services that meet your needs and expectations. We want to make the process as easy as possible for you, from start to finish!
Step#2
Proposal
You have a problem that needs to be fixed but you're not sure how or where to start. It can be tough to know where to start when it comes to fixing a problem, especially if you're not familiar with the topic. We're here to help. We'll do a full evaluation of what needs done and how it can be accomplished. We'll give you our proposal including plans, timelines for completion as well as the guarantee that if any issues arise during this process we have an answer or solution at hand!
Step#3
Construction
It's stressful to have people in and out of your house all the time. And it's even more stressful when you're not sure what they're doing or when they're going to be done.  It's hard enough keeping your sanity with construction going on day and night, but then to have to worry about the clean-up crew coming? Ugh. We take care of everything for you so that you can relax and enjoy your new space without any stress. You don't have to lift a finger except to tell us what you want. We'll work around your schedule, do all the dirty work, and leave your home just as clean (or cleaner) than when we found it.
About Us
Since 2003 AAA Chimney Corp has repaired and lined thousands of chimneys both residential and commercial. Some notable commercial jobs were: Relining of 8 buildings in West New York (WNY Housing Authority), 2 Schools in Union City, 2 Schools in Leonia, 5 Schools in Cherry Hill, 9 Buildings in Mahhattan, Metropolitan Opera House...