The Straight Panel Cap
Where the curved panel cap has a convex flare, the straight panel reads architectural and restrained — flat standing seam panels rising to a clean hip roof. Clean lines, precise geometry, no ornament. It works on traditional homes, transitional designs, and anywhere the roofline calls for structure without decoration. If the curved panel is classic, the straight panel is precise.
Every cap is hand-fabricated to your exact chimney dimensions in my shop in Berlin, NJ. The panels, 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 →
Cross-Brake Removable Lid
Every cap includes a cross-brake structural lid standard — a single-piece lid with a built-in cross-brace for rigidity. Locks down in place when installed and removes without tools for chimney sweeping or flue access. Standard on all materials and all sizes.
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.
How long do copper chimney caps last? → | How copper ages — a 16-year look at a dome I fabricated →
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.
Copper vs. aluminum chimney caps — which is right for your home? →
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. Riveted with stainless steel rivets.
Galvalume vs. aluminum vs. stainless steel — how they compare →
Galvalume — 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 (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 (crown-sit)
- 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 skirt 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 (crown-sit) places the cap flat on the crown surface — lower profile, better choice when the mason laid nice stone or slate you want visible. Both methods fasten to the chimney, not the flue tile.
Top mount vs. side mount — which one do you need? → | Chimney cap installation tips →
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. This way it arrives the way it left my shop — in perfect condition.
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