Many homes have a factory-built (prefabricated) chimney enclosed in a framed 'chase,' topped with a metal chase cover rather than a masonry crown. Builders often used thin galvanized steel that rusts within years, streaking the siding below and letting water into the chase. A proper replacement is fabricated to fit your chase, made from a corrosion-resistant material, and formed with a slight pitch and a collar so water sheds off instead of pooling around the flue.
What homeowners notice
- Rust streaks running down the chimney chase or siding
- Standing water or a sagging, dished cover on top
- Water entering the chase or firebox during rain
- A thin, rusted-through original builder's cover
How we diagnose it
- We measure the chase precisely so the new cover fits and overhangs correctly
- We check the pitch — a flat cover ponds water; a pitched one sheds it
- We look at the flue collar and seal where the pipe passes through
- We assess any water damage already done to the chase framing
Your options — and their limits
Stainless replacement
A corrosion-resistant cover fabricated to fit — the durable choice, especially near the coast.
Custom-fabricated fit
Built to your chase dimensions with proper overhang, pitch and collar.
Cover plus cap
Pairing a new chase cover with the correct flue cap for complete top protection.
What affects the price
We don't post flat prices, because an honest number depends on what we actually find. These are the factors that move it:
- Chase dimensions and material choice
- Corrosion-resistant vs. basic galvanized (we favor the former in Florida)
- Access and roof type
- Any chase or framing repair needed underneath
When to stop using the system and get it evaluated
- Water is actively entering the chase — ongoing intrusion damages the framing and firebox
- The cover has rusted through or collapsed
How to prepare for the visit
- Photograph rust streaks and any pooling on top
- Note whether the chimney is a framed chase (sided) rather than solid masonry
Applies to
Questions homeowners ask
Is a chase cover the same as a crown?
No. A crown is masonry on a brick chimney. A chase cover is the metal top on a framed, factory-built chimney. They solve the same problem — shedding water — on different chimney types.
Why did the original one rust so fast?
Builders frequently used thin galvanized steel. In humid, salty South Florida air it corrodes quickly. A stainless replacement avoids repeating the problem.
Related services
Chimney Cap Installation · Chimney Leak Repair · Prefabricated Fireplace Repair · Chimney Waterproofing
Serving South Florida
We provide chimney chase cover replacement across Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade. A few of the areas we serve:
Talk to a South Florida chimney technician
Not sure whether it's a cleaning, a repair, or something to look at before your next fire? Tell us what you're noticing and we'll help you figure out the right next step.