Those in the trade should recommend stainless steel chimney caps to customers, as these have been recommended by an expert.
The Ask The Chimney Sweep blog stated that not all chimney caps are the same and people generally get what they pay for.
While there are discrepancies, stainless steel chimney caps are beneficial for two main reasons.
The first is that they do not rust over time and stand up well to deterioration.
Another reason is that the protective mesh which protects the flue cannot be chewed through by squirrels and other animals which would normally look to enter the chimney.
Tradesmen should also advise customers against installing a cap which has been painted black, as they will succumb to rust at some point.
Scott Lane, a residential property manager, said in an entry on Article Intelligence that chimney repairs are an important part of home maintenance and people should check the caps in case they are cracked.