Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - Replacement Chase Cover for Wood Burning Fireplace

I need to have the chase cover replaced for a wood burning fireplace with a double wall flue. I would like to know what materials are acceptable. The present cover uses asphalt single. I don't have the original documents from the fireplace manufacturer (Superior which is now Lennox), it seems like they typically recommend .018 inch thick galvanized or stainless for the cover. Are they any other materials that are recommended such as a rubber membrane or asphalt single?

I've been watching this hoping someone would chime in with asphalt chases, but none so far. You are referring to a "chase", which is nothing more than a decorative covering for the chimney. I rebuild many during a year due to poor workmanship or materials failure. Could you possibly post a couple of pictures of your existing chase on a site such as photobucket.com and copy/paste the HTML code to your reply post? That way we can see what you have.

Sorry it took so long to reply. I was having problems loging in and staying logged in to the site. Below is link for a pic of the present chase cover. You can click for various larger sizes.

Your input would be much appreciated. The are a couple of problems with the current construction from what I see. The siding drip edge is upside down, the storm collar not caulked, and there is a large space between the flue and chase cover inside asphalt edge due to no flashing. It can't be seen in the pic, since it's under the storm collar.

I was thinking of a painted aluminum or stainless chase cover and want to avoid galvanized steel because of rust. Not all the types I see have a " cross break" for slope. Internet chase cover suppliers typically use stainless or copper in .026 thickness. Is there an alternative such as a properly flashed asphalt cover? Thoughts?

chase_top on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/13850164@N02/3612883676)

Definitely locate a local metal bender. They can make one quickly, usually the same day, with cross breaks and proper edge flip for rain drip built in. It can be the same size of the flue and will, with the drip on the flue, create a good rain proof situation. Yours is untenable at best, due to the flammable substance so close to the heat source. What part of the country are you located in?

I am making up the drawings now to get the quotes from the sheet metal shops. I am located in the Northeast.

Your drawings will give them an idea of what you want, but let them do the measurements. If you miscalculate by 1/8" it won't fit and you will have a worthless piece of stainless steel. Put the monkey on them. It is their job and they do it well.

Do you think I have to go with a fireplace company, chimney sweep or roofer for this or will the sheet metal shop use my measurements ?

The fireplace/chimneysweep/roofer will go to the metal bender for their parts, since no two fireplaces are identical. He can use your measurements, but a good one won't, since their reputation depends on the fit. Down the line if your measurements were off and the cap looks goofy, he will look goofy, so I'd let them take the final measurements.