Cover the Flue/cap for Season?

[moondoggy]

So i keep thinking after I clean for the season, I should cap or cover with a bag, my chimney cap.
I am concerned with all the rain for the next few months if its not in use. i dont want water sitting in an elbow or something.... but then i also wonder about condensation when covered so i start thinking of like a Burlap bag/wrap.

any one else "summer-ize" the flue?
feelings?

 

[jbrown56]

Doggy, Leave it uncovered, it'll breath better.

 

[lvfd50]

I have a regular cap on mine that I leave all year. This prevents water from entering and lets it breathe. As far as sealing it up I'm not sure, but I would want a cap over mine even when I'm burning.

 

[Mike Wilson]

I cover mine with a piece of durock and a fireplace brick for the off season months. The chimney has a 6' by 3' slate on top of it, however wind driven rain will still get under it, and down into the stove. I put the durock and the brick on top of the 6" flue, and leave some breathing room on one of the edges of the cover, just so moisture doesn't build up in the flue... but overall, I'd say 90% of it is covered.

-- Mike

 

[moondoggy]

I have a regular cap on mine that I leave all year. This prevents water from entering and lets it breathe. As far as sealing it up I'm not sure, but I would want a cap over mine even when I'm burning.

well yea...no kidding.... and too keep those critters from moving in.
I was talking about waterproofing for the off season, rain doesnt fall straight down. .. and since it not in use i dont want standing water.. or now that i think about it bee's?? anyone get bee hive in a flue liner before?

thanks guys for the info. i want it to breath but i also would like to minimalize the rain intake...

 

[Carl]

Before I removed our old block chimneys I used to lay a board over them and a heavy brick on top
of that for the time not used. This kept the critters out mainly. Just don't forget to remove the cover
for the first fire. If you do it will let you know quickly.