# Chimney Caps vs Chase Covers vs Chimney Tops > Cap, chase cover, or decorative top — what’s the difference? Which covers a single flue, which covers the whole top. URL: https://westhartfordchimneyrepair.com/guide/chimney-caps-vs-chase-covers-vs-tops/ Last-Modified: 2026-07-01 comparison guide # Chimney Caps vs Chase Covers vs Chimney Tops Cap, chase cover, or decorative top — what’s the difference? Which covers a single flue, which covers the whole top. ![Comparison of a single-flue cap and a full chase cover on chimneys](/images/featured/comparison-of-single-flue-cap-versus-full-chase-co.webp) Three products cover chimney tops, and homeowners often confuse them when ordering our chimney caps and chase tops [/chimney-caps-chase-tops/ →](/chimney-caps-chase-tops/) service. Ordering the wrong one wastes money. Here’s a clear breakdown of what each does and when. ## Chimney Cap **What it is:** A small hood-shaped cover that fits over a single flue opening. Made of stainless steel, copper, or occasionally cast material. Mesh screening on the sides keeps out animals; the top deflects rain. (For the full rundown of what a cap protects against, see what a chimney cap does [/guide/what-does-a-chimney-cap-do/ →](/guide/what-does-a-chimney-cap-do/) .) **Fits on:** Individual flue openings on masonry chimneys. **Cost:** $250–$500 for stainless single-flue. **Best for:** Every masonry chimney with a flue opening. If your chimney has multiple flues, you need either a cap for each or a single multi-flue cap covering all of them. ## Multi-Flue Cap **What it is:** A larger cap that covers two or more flues on the same chimney with one unit. Common on chimneys with a fireplace flue plus a furnace flue. **Fits on:** Multi-flue masonry chimneys where all flues are close together. **Cost:** $500–$800 for standard stainless. **Best for:** Chimneys with 2–3 flues, when a single elegant cover is preferred over multiple small caps. ![Multi-flue chimney cap covering two separate flues](/images/misc/multi-flue-chimney-cap-covering-two-separate-flues.webp) ## Chase Cover **What it is:** A large flat or sloped sheet metal cover that seals the entire top of a framed (prefab) chimney chase. Chase covers have holes for the flues, plus separate caps for each flue that pokes through. **Fits on:** Framed prefab chimneys — usually seen on newer suburban homes where the “chimney” is actually a wood-framed chase around a factory-built fireplace. **Cost:** $600–$1,500+ for full replacement in stainless. **Best for:** Any framed chimney chase. Original chase covers are often galvanized steel that rusts through in 10–20 years and needs stainless replacement. ## Decorative Chimney Top **What it is:** A custom masonry or stone element at the top of a chimney. Made of bluestone, cast concrete, or matched brick. Serves both as weather protection and as decorative crown detail on historic and estate homes. **Fits on:** Historic Colonial, Federal, and Victorian chimneys where matching the era matters aesthetically. **Cost:** $1,500–$5,000+ depending on size, material, and detail work. **Best for:** Historic Wethersfield, Windsor, Farmington Valley, and West Hartford homes where a plain stainless cap would look wrong. Often includes hidden flue caps under decorative stonework. ![Decorative bluestone chimney top on a historic brick chimney](/images/misc/decorative-bluestone-chimney-top-installed-on-hist.webp) ## Quick Decision Guide - **Single-flue masonry chimney** → Single-flue cap - **Multi-flue masonry chimney** → Multi-flue cap (or one cap per flue) - **Framed prefab chimney chase** → Chase cover + flue caps - **Historic home where appearance matters** → Decorative chimney top with hidden flue caps ## Materials Ranked - **Copper** — 60+ years, patina, premium look - **316 stainless steel** — 20+ years, marine-grade, best mid-tier - **304 stainless steel** — 15–20 years, our standard - **Bluestone / cast concrete** — 40+ years for decorative applications - **Galvanized steel** — 10–20 years, corrodes at cut edges - **Aluminum** — not recommended for CT winters ## Book a Cap or Chase Cover Consultation Not sure what your chimney has or needs? Send us a couple photos or book a free virtual assessment. See our chimney caps and chase tops service [/chimney-caps-chase-tops/ →](/chimney-caps-chase-tops/) or contact us [/contact/ →](/contact/) . Related Service ## Chimney Caps & Chase Tops Chimney cap, chase cover, and custom top installation. Stainless steel, bluestone, and flue screening — keep out rain, animals, and downdrafts. Learn About Caps & Chase Tops [/chimney-caps-chase-tops/ →](/chimney-caps-chase-tops/) ## Common Questions ### What's the difference between a chimney cap and a chase cover? + A cap covers a single flue. A chase cover is a large sheet-metal cover that seals the entire top of a framed chimney chase (usually on prefab chimneys). ### Which do I need? + Masonry chimneys typically need caps for each flue. Framed chases need a chase cover plus caps for the flues that penetrate through it. ### What material is best? + Stainless steel resists rust and is our standard. Copper is premium (60+ year life). Bluestone and custom tops add durability and match historic homes. ## Related Guides ### What Does a Chimney Cap Do and Why You Need One definition [What Does a Chimney Cap Do and Why You Need One →](/guide/what-does-a-chimney-cap-do/) ## Ready to Take the Next Step? Book a sweep, schedule an inspection, or ask us a chimney question. We reply within one business day. Schedule Now [/contact/ →](/contact/) Call (860) 305-5234 [tel:+18603055234 →](tel:+18603055234)