The Hip & Ridge Cap
A hip and ridge chimney cap is built to follow the roofline — four sloped panels that rise to a central ridge, matching the geometry of a hipped or gabled chimney saddle. If your chimney has an angled roof rather than a flat crown, this is the cap that fits it correctly. I fabricate every H&R cap to your exact chimney dimensions and pitch from 18×18 up to 60×120, in my shop in Berlin, NJ.
Every panel is cut, bent, 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 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 →
Hip & Ridge Construction
The roof is built from four sloped panels that meet at a central ridge — two end panels and two side panels, all cut and bent to your chimney's pitch. Hip corners are handled with jack-cut panels rather than miter joints, which is the correct method for a weathertight fit. The 2.5" U-channel battens run along each hip and up the ridge, riveted at 30 points per cap. This batten detail is a visible construction feature — it's the line that runs diagonally up each corner and across the top — and it's what separates a fabricated hip and ridge cap from a cheap stamped cover.
For chimneys wider than 36" and longer than 72", I add center collar ties to prevent the fascia from spreading under load. End collar ties are standard on every cap.
Roof Pitch
Available in 4:12, 6:12, 8:12, 10:12, and 12:12 to match your existing roof or chimney saddle. The calculator above adjusts pricing automatically for pitch — steeper pitch means longer rafters and more material. If you're not sure of your pitch, measure the rise over a 12" horizontal run on the chimney's own roof.
Material Options
16oz Copper — warm penny tone new, weathering through rich browns and eventually to the classic verdigris seen on historic buildings. No paint, no coating, no maintenance. The patina that develops is protection — not deterioration. Riveted construction with copper rivets and solid brass mandrels.
Copper vs. aluminum chimney caps — which is right for your home? →
Kynar-Coated Aluminum — factory-applied PVDF coating, the same system used on commercial standing-seam roofing. Holds color without fading, chalking, or peeling for 25–50 years. Available in a wide range of architectural colors including black, charcoal, dark bronze, and more. Riveted with stainless steel color-match rivets.
304 Stainless Steel — 2B 304 24-gauge. Doesn't corrode, doesn't need coating, handles coastal salt air and harsh environments without issue. The performance choice when long-term durability matters more than aesthetics — 50–100+ year lifespan with zero maintenance.
Galvalume Plus — zinc-aluminum alloy coating over steel. Strong corrosion resistance at an accessible price point. Mill-finish appearance. Good for straightforward applications where color isn't the priority.
Specs
- Material: 16oz copper · Kynar aluminum (.032") · 304 stainless steel (24 gauge) · Galvalume Plus (24 gauge)
- Spark screen: expanded stainless steel mesh (copper/SS) · aluminum mesh (Kynar/Galvalume)
- Minimum size: 18" × 18"
- Maximum size: 60" × 120"
- Roof pitch: 4:12 · 6:12 · 8:12 · 10:12 · 12:12
- Mounting: Side-mount or top-mount flange
- Battens: 2.5" U-channel · 4 hip + 1 ridge · 30 rivets per cap
- Lead time: Approximately 3–4 weeks
- Ships: Nationwide via insured LTL freight in custom wood crate
Installation
Two mounting options. Side-mount wraps a vertical drip edge around the outside of the chimney crown — full crown coverage, tighter seal against wind-driven rain, more permanent attachment. Best for chimneys with clean square edges. Top-mount flange places a flat flange on top of the crown surface — better choice when the mason laid nice stone or slate you want visible, or when there's no vertical face to wrap.
Top mount vs. side mount — which one do you need? →
Not sure how to measure? Step-by-step chimney measuring guide with free PDF worksheet →
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 →
Shipping
Large caps ship via LTL freight in a custom-built, heat-treated wood crate, fully insured. I need your exact chimney dimensions, delivery address type (residential or commercial), and zip code before you order. Call or text (609) 352-9840 to get a freight quote before purchasing.
LTL freight means your order arrives on a full-size tractor-trailer with liftgate service — curbside delivery to the back of the truck. If your property can't accommodate a large truck or you need the crate moved beyond the curb, delivery add-ons and terminal pickup are available.
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 pitch 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