Chimney Chase Raccoons

When you hear or read the word chimney what do you visualize?

The picture that pops up in many of our brains is a brick structure standing tall above the roof line.

That image is justified because brick chimneys certainly are the norm with our mixed age housing stock here in the Akron, Canton, Kent area. But, that is changing.

In much new construction, wood framed chimney chases seem to be taking over as the standard.

We suspect the wood framed chimney is utilized often because of lower construction costs and changes in fireplace/heating technology.

Today’s post looks at a couple of chimney chases that have been invaded by raccoons with the hows and whys of this common occurrence explained.

What is a Chimney Chase?

chimney example This picture to the right has NO CHIMNEY SURROUND. As you see, it is simply a pipe projecting from the roof.

Do you like this look?

If you don’t like this aesthetic you would be in the camp of designers and homeowners who change this look by covering it up. It is done by building a structure around the pipe to cover it up.

This can be done by framing around the pipe and then finishing it’s look with siding or simulated brick. In other cases, pre-manufactured boxes are added.

No matter what its look, a chimney surround is simply a decorative covering which is affixed to the side or roof of a home in order to hide a chimney pipe.

Here are some examples of non-masonry chimneys.

As the last picture of the deconstructed chimney shows, framed chimneys are just boxes round a pipe.

And you know who loves these dark, protective boxes if they can get in?

That’s right, nuisance animals of all kind including raccoons.

Raccoons in Chimney Surrounds

In the videos below, we share two recent examples of raccoons in chimney surrounds.

In both cases the raccoons were atrracted to them because of easy entry as a result of water damage.

The recurring theme on our website of wildlife taking advantage of issues with our homes’ construction is on full display here.

Wood framed chimneys, if able to be accessed, provide great den-like areas that raccoons really love.

Take a look:

Here’s another:

If there are no penetrations into the actul house, the raccoons are usually not able to get into the attic or walls. But, sometimes there are openings that exist because they were covered and protected from the weather.