Custom Chase Covers Built to Last
In-house fabrication. Premium materials. 37+ years of expertise.
What Is a Chimney Chase Cover?
A chase cover is a metal pan that sits on top of a prefabricated (factory-built) chimney chase. Think of it as the roof of your chimney. Its job is simple but critical: keep water out. Without a properly functioning chase cover, rain and moisture seep directly into the chimney chase, causing rust, structural deterioration, mold growth, and costly damage to your home's interior.
Most factory-built chimneys come with a chase cover made from cheap galvanized steel. While this works for a few years, galvanized steel is not built to last. Within 5 to 10 years, these factory covers begin to rust, warp, and crack. Once the seal breaks, water enters freely and the damage accelerates quickly. By the time most homeowners notice a problem, the chase cover has already been failing for years.
The warning signs are hard to miss once you know what to look for: rust-colored stains running down the sides of your chimney, water pooling inside the firebox after a rainstorm, musty smells near the fireplace, or visible sagging and deterioration on the top of the chimney chase. If you see any of these signs, your chase cover is likely due for replacement.
Signs You Need a New Chase Cover
Rust Stains on the Chimney Exterior
Rust-colored streaks running down the sides of your chimney are one of the earliest and most visible signs of a failing chase cover. The galvanized coating has broken down, and the exposed steel is corroding.
Water Inside the Fireplace or Firebox
If you find water pooling in your firebox after rain, your chase cover has likely cracked or warped enough to let moisture in. Left unchecked, this leads to interior damage, rusted components, and mold.
Visible Warping, Cracking, or Sagging
A chase cover that has warped or sagged creates low spots where water collects instead of draining. Cracks and separation at the edges allow water to bypass the cover entirely.
Musty Odors or Moisture in the Chimney Area
A damp, musty smell near your fireplace often means moisture has been entering the chimney chase for some time. This creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth inside the walls.
Don't wait for water damage — get an inspection today.
Chase Cover Materials
We custom-fabricate every chase cover in-house — these are not off-the-shelf parts. Each cover is measured and built specifically for your chimney. Here is how the materials compare:
| Material | Durability | Appearance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | Lifetime (with warranty) | Clean, modern finish | Most homeowners — best value |
| Copper | Lifetime+ | Premium patina over time | High-end homes, visible chimneys |
| Galvanized Steel | 5–15 years | Standard | Budget-conscious, temporary |
| Aluminum | 10–20 years | Lightweight | Specific applications |
Stainless Steel — The Best Value
Stainless steel is the material we recommend most often, and for good reason. It resists rust and corrosion indefinitely, maintains a clean appearance for decades, and offers the best long-term value of any chase cover material. When installed properly with correct overlap and drip edges, a stainless steel chase cover is the last one you will ever need.
Copper — The Premium Choice
Copper is the gold standard for homeowners who want the best of the best. A copper chase cover develops a natural patina over time that many homeowners find beautiful. It will never rust, never corrode, and will outlast the chimney itself. If your chimney is prominently visible from the street or the backyard, copper makes a statement.
Galvanized Steel — The Factory Default
Galvanized steel is what almost every factory-built chimney comes with. It is inexpensive to manufacture, which is why builders use it. However, the galvanized coating breaks down over time, exposing the bare steel to the elements. Within 5 to 15 years, most galvanized chase covers are rusted through. We offer galvanized replacements for homeowners on a tight budget, but we always recommend upgrading to stainless steel or copper for a permanent solution.
Aluminum — For Specific Needs
Aluminum is lightweight and corrosion-resistant, making it suitable for specific applications. It is less common than stainless steel but serves well in situations where weight is a concern or a particular application calls for it.
Our Chase Cover Process
Inspect
We assess your current chase cover and chimney condition, providing digital photos of our findings so you see exactly what we see. No guesswork, no pressure — just an honest evaluation.
Measure
Precise measurements ensure a perfect, watertight fit. Every chimney chase is different, and an exact fit is what separates a professional installation from a generic one that leaks within a year.
Fabricate
Your chase cover is custom-built in our shop using premium materials. We handle all fabrication in-house, so we control quality from start to finish. No middlemen, no generic parts.
Install
Professional installation with proper overlap, drip edges, and sealing. We ensure water flows away from the chimney chase — not into it. The result is a chase cover that protects your home for decades.
Inside Our Fabrication Shop
Every chase cover starts right here — in our own shop, built by hand with professional-grade equipment. No outsourcing, no generic parts.
Why Choose Full Service Chimney Sweep
37+ Years of Experience
We have been fabricating and installing chase covers since 1989. That is nearly four decades of solving chimney problems, refining our craft, and building a reputation that homeowners trust across Chattanooga and North Georgia.
Custom In-House Fabrication
We do not order generic, off-the-shelf parts. Every chase cover is custom-fabricated in our own shop to your chimney's exact dimensions. This means a perfect fit, proper drainage, and no compromises on quality.
Serving Tennessee and Georgia
Whether you are in Chattanooga, Hixson, or Soddy-Daisy on the Tennessee side, or Ringgold, Dalton, or Chickamauga in Georgia, we are your local chimney experts. We know the homes, the weather, and the challenges unique to this region.
BBB A+ Accredited Since 2003
We have maintained our A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau for over two decades. We also provide digital inspection reports with photos, so you see exactly what we see before any work begins. No surprises.
See Our Work
Real results from real jobs — here is what a professional chase cover replacement looks like.
Our Service Area
Full Service Chimney Sweep has been the trusted name in chase cover fabrication and installation across the greater Chattanooga area for over 37 years. We proudly serve Chattanooga, Signal Mountain, Lookout Mountain, Hixson, Soddy-Daisy, Harrison, Ooltewah, Ridgeside, and Hamilton County in Tennessee, as well as Lookout Mountain, Ringgold, Dalton, Lafayette, Chickamauga, Catoosa County, and Whitfield County in North Georgia. Whether your home is on the mountain or in the valley, we will come to you with the same expert craftsmanship and honest service that has defined our business since 1989.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a chase cover last?
It depends on the material. Galvanized steel chase covers typically last 5 to 15 years before rusting through. Stainless steel chase covers last a lifetime with proper installation. Copper chase covers last a lifetime and beyond, developing a beautiful patina over the years. We recommend stainless steel for the best balance of durability and value.
What material is best for a chase cover?
For most homeowners, stainless steel offers the best combination of durability, appearance, and value. Copper is the premium choice for high-end homes where aesthetics are a priority. We never recommend galvanized for long-term solutions — it is what most factory-built chimneys come with, and it is the reason most chase covers fail.
How much does a chase cover cost?
Every chase cover is custom-fabricated to your chimney's exact dimensions, so pricing varies based on size, material, and complexity. We provide inspections and quotes. Call (423) 892-2670 or book online for an estimate.
How do I know if my chase cover needs replacing?
Look for rust stains running down the chimney exterior, water inside the firebox after rain, musty odors or moisture near the fireplace, or visible warping and sagging of the current cover. We offer digital inspections with photos so you can see exactly what we see. Call us for an assessment.
Protect Your Home with a Custom Chase Cover
Pair your new chase cover with a custom chimney cap for complete top-to-bottom protection. Let our team build you a chase cover that lasts a lifetime.