Chimney cap fitting in Exeter
Professional chimney cap fitting services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£110-£160
Typical Duration
2-3 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Chimney cap fitted and secured properly. Keeps rain and birds out of your unused chimney while maintaining proper ventilation.
Rain Down Your Chimney? Not Anymore
Unused chimneys are basically open pipes into your house. Rain pours straight down, soaks the chimney breast, and you get damp patches on the bedroom wall. Birds nest in there, making a racket and dropping mess. A proper cap solves both problems.
💡 Pro tip: Even if you don't use your fire, the chimney still needs to breathe. A vented cap keeps weather out but prevents damp building up inside the flue.
Why Professional Fitting Matters
A cap that blows off in the first storm isn't much use.
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Secured in mortar, won't move | Balanced on top, blows off |
| Matched to chimney pot size | Wrong size, gaps around edges |
| Allows ventilation | Sealed tight, causes damp |
| Smart finish, barely noticeable | Looks bodged from the street |
What You Get
🔧 Complete Cap Installation
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Assess | Check chimney pot condition, measure for cap |
| Supply | Cap sourced to match your chimney style |
| Fit | Secured properly with mortar or mastic |
| Test | Check it's stable and properly vented |
📦 You're Left With
- Weather-proof chimney
- No more bird problems
- Proper ventilation maintained
- Professional finish
Pricing Guide
| Situation | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Standard chimney pot | 2 hrs | £110 |
| Higher roof or tricky access | 2.5 hrs | £135 |
| Multiple pots or custom cap | 3 hrs | £160 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Cap supplied (basic terracotta/cowl included).
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ Damp patches on chimney breast - rain's getting in
✅ Birds nesting - jackdaws love unused chimneys
✅ Blocked up fireplace - chimney still needs protecting
✅ Peace of mind - one less thing to worry about
Why Choose Us for Chimney cap fitting in Exeter?
Stops rain getting down the chimney
Keeps birds and jackdaws out
Still allows ventilation
Securely fitted, won't blow off
What to Expect
Step 1: Safe Access
I set up to get on the roof safely - proper ladder work or scaffold tower depending on your property height.
Step 2: Check & Measure
Quick look at the chimney pot condition and measure for the right cap size. If the pot's cracked, I'll let you know.
Step 3: Fit & Secure
Cap goes on, bedded in properly so it's not going anywhere. Job done, chimney protected.
🔧 DIY Tips
Working on roofs is dangerous - think carefully before doing this yourself:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- SAFE roof access (this is the critical bit)
- Measuring tape
- Correct size chimney cap
- Mortar or roofing mastic
- Trowel or caulking gun
- Someone watching from ground level
🪜 Safety absolutely first
- Never go on a roof alone - always have someone watching
- Proper ladder setup - tied off, 1:4 angle, extending well above roof
- Don't work in wet or windy conditions
- Use a roof ladder if the pitch is steep
- Wear soft-soled boots for grip
🧱 Fitting properly
- Measure the internal diameter of your chimney pot
- Buy the right size cap (too small falls in, too large won't fit)
- Clean the top of the pot thoroughly first
- Bed vented caps in mortar for a permanent fix
- Bird guard cowls can use mastic/sealant instead
- Check it's sitting level before mortar sets
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Going on the roof in dodgy weather
- Not being tied off on steep pitches
- Wrong size cap that doesn't fit properly
- Sealing chimney completely (causes damp inside)
- Forgetting to check if pot is cracked first
💡 Pro trick: If your chimney pot is old and fragile, consider fitting a stainless steel bird guard cowl instead of a heavy concrete cap. Less weight, easier to fit, does the same job.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🏠 Multiple chimney pots? I'll do them all while I'm already up there. Makes sense to sort the lot in one go - you won't save much doing them separately.
Chimney pot is cracked? Sometimes the pot needs replacing or removing before we can cap it properly. I'll let you know if that's the case and give you options.
Planning to use the fire again? Tell me before I fit the cap. There are different types - some for permanent closure, others that allow occasional use. Better to fit the right one from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a chimney cap if I don't use the fireplace?
Rain coming down the chimney can soak the chimney breast, cause damp patches inside, and ruin your decorating. Birds love nesting in unused chimneys too. A cap stops all that while still letting the chimney breathe.
What type of cap do you fit?
Usually a vented terracotta or concrete cap that matches your pot style, or a stainless steel bird guard cowl. Depends on whether you might use the fire again or if it's permanently closed. I'll advise what suits your situation.
Can you fit a cap on a chimney that's been partially taken down?
Yes - if the stack's been reduced to just above roof level, we can cap it with a flat capping stone or formed lead cover. Common on older Exeter properties where chimneys have been lowered.
How do you secure it so it doesn't blow off?
Proper bedding in mortar or mastic depending on the cap type. Wind can be fierce up on roofs in Devon - a cap that's just balanced on top won't last five minutes.
Will it stop the chimney working if I want to use the fire again?
Vented caps let you light fires occasionally - they're designed for it. If you want to use the fire regularly, you'd need a proper cowl instead. I'll fit whatever suits your plans.
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