There are over 25,000 chimney fires per year in the US that are responsible for over 125 million dollars in property damage, this is according to the latest statistics available. The most sobering statistics relate to deaths and injuries that can result from chimney fires that spread into house fires. No one wants to ever experience a chimney fire, or worse yet a fire in the chimney that spreads to the home.
This is an important issue and there are things that you can do to protect yourself from the chances of a chimney fire ever affecting your home or your family. One simple way to help lower the risk of starting a fire is by placing a metal mesh screen over your chimney, which will help block any sparks that drift up the flue. Often referred to as chimney spark arrestors or chimney cap mesh, these screens provide a first line of defense against airborne embers. On a windy day, a spark can easily rise through your chimney and start a fire on your roof or float to nearby dry vegetation. This makes mesh installation especially important in areas prone to wildfires or with combustible roofing materials.
Wire Mesh is an excellent choice for fireplace screens. The most commonly used specification is our 8×8 Mesh .028″ Wire. This size of mesh provides the ideal combination of visibility, heat control, and spark protection. Its mesh opening is small enough to stop embers but large enough to allow smoke and gases to escape efficiently. To complete the fireplace screen, this mesh should be mounted in a frame. We offer this mesh in several different sizes and a variety of different alloys, including Plain Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Brass, and Copper. Each metal type offers distinct benefits: stainless steel provides corrosion resistance, while brass and copper offer a decorative finish for custom applications.
Some cities have a requirement for you to have a chimney cap mesh. Local building codes and fire safety regulations often specify minimum mesh sizes and approved materials to ensure compliance and effectiveness. You will need to look at your local laws to determine whether a chimney cap is required and/or what type of metal mesh is allowed for use on the top of your chimney.
At Lawrence Sintered Metals, you can find high-quality metal mesh for your next construction home development to add to the chimneys. Whether you’re a builder, contractor, or homeowner, our fire-rated mesh products are ideal for both residential and commercial chimney protection systems.