Things You'll Need
Ladder
Utility knife
Hammer
Drill with screwdriver bit or screwdriver
Pry bar
A chimney cap may need to be removed for replacement or to help a fallen animal escape from the chimney. The method of removing a chimney cap depends on the type of chimney cap used for the specific type of chimney. Choose the method that works for the type of chimney cap being removed.
Inside Mount for Round Chimney
Step 1
Cut the caulk with a utility knife around the seam where the chimney cap is inserted into the chimney flue.
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Step 2
Peel of as much caulk as possible to prevent pieces of caulk from falling down into the chimney after removing the chimney cap.
Step 3
Pry the chimney cap out of the flue by pulling up on the chimney cap. Use a hammer to tap up on the chimney cap equally all the way around the chimney if the cap does not pull out easily.
Single Flue Chimney Cap
Step 1
Use a screwdriver or drill with a screwdriver bit to unscrew the screws that are located at intervals around the chimney cap.
Step 2
Cut caulk with a utility knife if any caulk was used around the seam where the chimney cap is located on the flue. Remove as much as possible to prevent pieces of caulk from falling into the chimney.
Step 3
Pry the chimney cap off the flue by pulling up on the chimney cap. Use a hammer to tap up on the chimney cap equally all the way around the chimney if the cap does not come off easily.
Crown Mount Chimney Cap
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Step 1
Use a drill with a screwdriver bit to remove masonry screws, if there are any present, from the flanges around the base of the chimney cap.
Step 2
Position a flat pry bar between the flange at the base of the chimney cap and the chimney.
Step 3
Strike the end of the pry bar with a hammer. Lift up on the pry bar to pull the chimney cap off the chimney.
Step 4
Continue prying the flange from the chimney cap from the chimney all the way around the chimney cap to remove the chimney cap.
Step 5
Use a utility knife to scrape remaining glue off the chimney before installing a new chimney cap.
Tip
Signs of corrosion in the chimney flue, such as rust or flaking, indicate the need for inspection of the chimney by a professional chimney sweep.
Warning
Be careful when removing the chimney cap from the chimney. The cap may break free unexpectedly; be prepared so you do not lose your balance.