Prefabricated or factory-built fireplaces are common throughout Long Island, particularly in homes built from the 1980s onward in communities like Smithtown, Hauppauge, Commack, Dix Hills, Melville, Bay Shore, West Islip, Massapequa Park, Levittown, and throughout newer construction across Nassau and Suffolk County. Unlike masonry chimneys, these systems terminate in a wood-framed chase enclosure covered with siding or stucco, with a metal chase top sealing the opening.
The problem is the chase top. Factory-installed chase tops are almost universally made from galvanized steel, which is a reasonable material for many applications but fails quickly in Long Island's coastal climate. Galvanized steel typically begins to show rust within 5 years and may fail completely within 8–12 years. Once rust penetrates the metal, water pours into the chase enclosure with every rainstorm -and because the damage is hidden inside the chase walls, many homeowners don't discover it until significant water damage has already occurred to the firebox, the framing, and sometimes the interior walls.
Capstone Chimney & Masonry fabricates custom stainless steel and copper chase tops sized to the exact dimensions of your chase enclosure. We form a proper center pitch so water sheds off the cover rather than pooling. We hem the edges and install the cover with sealant and stainless steel fasteners. The result is a chase top that will not rust, will not fail, and will protect your fireplace investment for decades.
Stainless steel is our standard material for chase tops -specifically 304 alloy stainless, which provides excellent corrosion resistance even in coastal areas. For homeowners who want the premium option, we also fabricate copper chase tops that add visual distinction to the exterior of the home and are virtually maintenance-free.
We serve chase top replacement customers across all of Nassau County and Suffolk County. If your prefab fireplace has been leaking, if you've noticed rust stains inside the firebox, or if your galvanized chase top is approaching 10 years old, don't wait for interior water damage to force your hand. Contact Capstone Chimney & Masonry at (631) 449-3086 for a free estimate. Chase top replacements are typically completed in a single visit, and the investment is modest compared to the water damage repair it prevents.
Capstone also handles chimney sweeping, chimney repair, chimney rebuilding, liner installation, and custom chimney caps throughout Nassau County and Suffolk County. We are Long Island's full-service chimney company.