Quick AnswerA spark arrestor is a mesh screen built into or added onto your chimney cap that stops embers from escaping the flue and landing on your roof, gutters, or nearby dry leaves. It's a smart addition if you burn wood regularly, live on a wooded lot, or have neighbors close enough that ember drift is a real concern.
What’s Included
Most standard chimney caps already include some mesh, but a dedicated spark arrestor uses tighter, more durable screening specifically rated to contain embers rather than just keep out debris. We install or upgrade spark arrestor screens sized to your flue, matched to how often and how hot you burn.
- Mesh is sized per code guidance to balance ember containment with adequate draft, since screening that's too fine can clog with creosote and restrict airflow.
- Stainless steel mesh is used rather than lower-grade metals, since spark arrestors take direct heat exposure and need to resist warping or burning through.
- We check the fit against your existing cap or install a combined cap-and-arrestor unit if your current cap doesn't have adequate ember protection.
- Screen spacing accounts for your primary fuel - wood-burning fireplaces and wood stoves throw more embers than gas appliances and need appropriately rated mesh.
- We inspect for creosote buildup on the flue while we're up there, since a spark arrestor needs regular cleaning to keep working and isn't a substitute for chimney sweeping.
- A written, flat-fee estimate is provided before installation, with the price covering the arrestor and labor with no add-ons.
Signs You Need This
- You live on a wooded lot or in an area with dry brush nearby
- Neighbors' homes or structures are close enough that ember drift is a concern
- You burn wood frequently and want an added layer of fire safety
- Your current cap has damaged, missing, or overly coarse mesh
- Local insurance or fire code guidance recommends ember protection for your property
Our Process
Flue and Cap Assessment
We check your existing cap and mesh, if any, and evaluate whether your fuel type and burning habits call for dedicated spark arrestor screening.
Written Estimate
You get a flat-fee, written quote for the arrestor and installation before we schedule the work.
Installation
We install stainless steel mesh sized for your flue, either integrated into a new cap or added to your existing one, and secure it against wind and heat.
Draft Check
We confirm the mesh doesn't restrict draft and walk you through the maintenance schedule needed to keep it clear of creosote buildup.
How Much Does It Cost?
Spark arrestor cost depends mostly on whether it's added to an existing cap or installed as part of a new combined cap-and-arrestor unit, plus the number of flues involved. Stainless steel mesh costs more than lower grades but holds up far better against direct heat and repeated exposure. You'll get a written, flat-fee estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises once the job is scheduled.
FAQs
Standard cap mesh keeps out debris and animals but isn't always rated or sized specifically for ember containment. If you burn wood often or live near dry brush, a dedicated spark arrestor mesh gives more reliable protection.
Properly sized mesh shouldn't cause a noticeable draft problem. We size the screening to your flue and fuel type specifically to avoid restricting airflow while still containing embers.
Yes - mesh can clog with creosote and soot over time, which is why it needs to be checked during your regular chimney sweeping rather than treated as install-and-forget.