The Curved Panel Cap
Often referred to as a French Mansard curved design/cap, the curved panel is the most common architectural chimney cap profile I build — a gentle convex curve on each panel face, a hip roof on top, and a full-perimeter spark screen between them. It reads as classic without calling attention to itself. Works on brick, stone, stucco, and painted block chimneys alike. If you want a cap that looks like it was always supposed to be there, this is it.
Every cap is hand-fabricated to your exact chimney dimensions in my shop in Berlin, NJ. The panel curves, the hip roof pitch, the screen opening, and the base flange are all cut, formed, and assembled by hand — the same way it's been done in my shop since 1994.
What It Actually Does
A properly fitted cap does four things a hardware store cover doesn't: it protects the entire chimney crown (not just the flue tile opening), it blocks animal entry with a heavy stainless steel spark screen, it reduces wind-driven downdraft, and it contains embers from wood-burning fireplaces. The full-perimeter flange sits on the crown — crown repair runs $500–$3,000, and a cap that covers it correctly prevents all of it.
What is a chimney crown — and why yours may already be cracking →
Also called a chimney topper, chimney rain cap, chimney cover, chimney shroud, or chimney surround — whatever you call it, this one is built to last.
Cross-Brake Removable Lid
Every cap includes a cross-brake structural lid standard — secured with a ¼-20 stove bolt threading into a stainless steel rivnut insert. Brass bolt on copper caps, stainless steel on all other materials. Removes with a screwdriver for chimney sweeping or flue access. Standard on all materials and all sizes.
Specs
- Material: 16oz copper · Kynar aluminum (.032″) · 304 stainless steel (24 gauge) · Galvalume (24 gauge)
- Spark screen: 18-gauge expanded stainless steel mesh, all materials
- Lid: Cross-brake removable, all sizes
- Minimum size: 20″ × 20″
- Mounting: Side-mount or top-mount
- Lead time: Approximately 3–4 weeks
- Ships: Nationwide via LTL freight in custom wood crate
Have a Wood-Framed Chase?
If your chimney sits on a prefab wood-framed chase rather than masonry, you may need a chase cover in addition to this cap. The cap mounts on top of the chase cover — it doesn't have a flat bottom with pre-cut holes for your flue pipe(s). If there's currently no metal cover on your chase top, you need both.
Masonry chimney or wood-framed chase — how to tell the difference → | Browse custom chimney chase covers →
About Archaic Metal
I've been fabricating custom architectural sheet metal in South Jersey since 1994 — copper, Kynar aluminum, Galvalume, and stainless steel, all by hand. Every cap that leaves this shop I built myself. If you have questions about your chimney or which cap is right for it, message me or call. I personally review every order before fabrication starts — you won't be left guessing.
Phone: (609) 352-9840
Not sure what size or style you need?
Send me your measurements and I'll confirm everything before fabrication starts. No obligation.
Request a quote or call/text me directly: (609) 352-9840
What Customers Are Saying
"Fantastic fit and finish, excellent communication from start to finish. A trusted craftsman." — Charlie
"The chimney cap is absolutely gorgeous. The craftsmanship is incredible. I am beyond thrilled." — Carol
"Amazing quality. The custom chimney cap exceeded my expectations!!" — Johnny