Why is my chimney cap black?

Brown and black staining around the chimney cap or down the sides of the chimney structure is one of the most common kinds of chimney stains. While most homeowners assume this kind of discoloration is simply staining from soot, it is typically caused by excessive creosote buildup in the flue.Click to see full answer. Thereof, why is the top of my chimney black?Black stains on the outside of a chimney, especially near the top, are usually due to soot wash off. When it rains, the soot left on the chimney cap from evaporating gases washes off and down the exterior of the building. A chimney that is not burning properly could also cause soot to build up on the chimney cap.Furthermore, is a chimney cap necessary? I decided that while you may not need a chimney cap in place for functional purposes, a properly installed chimney cap is a good idea. A chimney cap can prevent animals from entering your home, keep the moisture out, and protect the roof from burning embers starting a house fire. Correspondingly, how do I know if my chimney is capped? To start your inspection, go to the outside of your home. If your chimney extends to the roof, make sure the chimney cap is securely attached to the top of the chimney. If you have a multi-story home or a steep roof, use a pair of binoculars to check the chimney cap from the ground.How do I remove my chimney cap?Pull straight up on the chimney cap to remove it. Remove a stuck chimney cap by placing the flat end of the pry bar between the chimney cap and chimney. Pry outward to bend the edge of the chimney cap out.