A custom chimney pot by American Chimney Shroud

American Chimney Shroud

Custom Chimney Caps & Shrouds for Every Home  

By: Thomas Kearney, NFI Certified Master Hearth Professional

Last Updated: December 31, 2025


When it comes to chimney protection, performance, and style, few names carry the reputation and experience of American Chimney Shroud.  

With over 30 years of experience, American Chimney Shroud is one of the best designers and manufacturers of chimney caps, shrouds, pots, and chase covers in the U.S. 

Whether you’re a homeowner looking to enhance your home’s curb appeal or a contractor seeking quality products for a build, American Chimney Shroud stands out for craftsmanship, customization, and commitment to customer satisfaction.  

Explore an Extensive Catalog of Cap & Shroud Designs   

At its core, American Chimney Shroud specializes in chimney shrouds and caps — products that serve both functional and aesthetic purposes for your chimney system.  

Their catalog is extensive, offering over 70 unique shroud designs in 35 distinct finishes to match any home or commercial business. With so many options to choose from, homeowners and professionals can easily find a solution that fits their specific chimney type and architectural style.  

What are Chimney Shrouds?  

Chimney shrouds are decorative and protective enclosures that surround the top of a chimney.  

They’re designed to:  

  • Conceal unsightly metal terminations  
  • Enhance architectural style  
  • Provide added protection against weather and animal intrusion  

These shrouds come in dozens of styles, ranging from classic traditional designs to contemporary profiles designed to complement modern homes.  

What are Chimney Caps?  

While shrouds offer visual appeal, chimney caps are more focused on safety and performance.  

Caps sit directly over the flue openings and help:  

  • Keep rain and snow out of the chimney  
  • Prevent birds and other animals from entering  
  • Block debris that can interfere with proper draft or pose fire hazards  

Some chimney caps also include spark arrestors for added safety. 

wrench icon Pro Tip:

Custom caps are designed for traditional masonry wood burning fireplaces. Prefab metal units — especially Direct Vent gas fireplaces — can only use chimney caps that are approved by the manufacturer.

Choose from a Variety of High-Quality Outdoor Materials  

Both shrouds and caps are available in a variety of materials to match your roofline or home exterior perfectly.  

  • Stainless steel – long-lasting and great for corrosive environments 
  • Kynar-coated steel – pro-grade with long-term protection against rust, corrosion, and color fading 
  • Copper – premium material that weathers beautifully and develops a patina with age  
  • Aluminum — affordable, lightweight, and rust-resistant  
  • Galvanized steel – cost-effective and sturdy; best suited for dry or mild climates 
  • Powder-coated or painted steel — affordable and best for custom color schemes 

For a more in-depth look at each material, check out this guide.  

Completely Customize Your Cap & Shroud  

What truly sets American Chimney Shroud apart isn’t just the range of styles — it’s the degree of customization available.  

Unlike off-the-shelf chimney products, each shroud and cap is made to order, which ensures the fit, finish, and function are all tailored to your chimney.  

Custom Sizes & Mounting  

No matter your chimney system, American Chimney Shroud can help you:  

  • Determine exact dimensions so your shroud or cap fits perfectly  
  • Choose the perfect mounting style, including top mount or outside mount options  
  • Find the best skirt length for a unique chimney profile  

These options help eliminate gaps, reduce water intrusion risk, and ensure a secure installation.  

You can use our step-by-step guide to measure for a chimney cap.  

Optional Upgrades  

Beyond size and style, customization can extend to functional upgrades such as:  

  • Bird spikes to discourage birds from perching and nesting  
  • Mesh screening in galvanized, stainless steel, or copper to control sparks and pests 

These additions are especially valuable in regions where animals and embers are common concerns.  

Design Freedom  

Some homeowners want a shroud that makes a statement, while others want something subtle.  

American Chimney Shroud works collaboratively with customers — from homeowners to architects, builders, and beyond — helping them bring their aesthetic vision to life without sacrificing performance.  

Why Choose American Chimney Shroud?  

There are several compelling reasons homeowners and professionals trust this brand:  

Unmatched Craftsmanship  

With decades of experience and an accomplished team behind every product, American Chimney Shroud prides itself on quality workmanship.  

Each shroud and cap is built with precision and durability in mind, designed to stand up to the elements and maintain its beauty over time.  

Made in the USA  

All of American Chimney Shroud’s products are designed and manufactured in the United States.  

For many buyers, this is a guarantee of quality standards, responsiveness, and a higher level of customer service.  

Exceptional Value  

Because products are customized and built to order, customers avoid the fit-and-finish compromises common with off-the-shelf caps and shrouds.  

Plus, the company strives to maintain competitive pricing without sacrificing quality.  

Collaborative Support  

From design to installation, the American Chimney Shroud team works closely with customers and professionals alike.  

This collaboration helps ensure that the final product not only functions correctly but also complements the overall architectural vision of the home.  

FAQs

Both aren’t required, but having a cap and a shroud together is an ideal setup.  

A cap protects the chimney flue opening, while a decorative shroud creates a polished look and offers extra protection for the chimney chase and crown.  

Prices will vary depending on material, size, and customization.  

Stock options can be relatively inexpensive, while custom chimney shrouds and caps from specialty manufacturers will be pricier due to bespoke specs and finishes.  

You can request a quote from most suppliers and dealers, including American Chimney Shroud.

We recommend working with a professional — especially for shrouds, multi-flue systems, or custom pieces.  

A proper fit and secure fastening are essential. Plus, working on the roof can be very dangerous.  

Some of the most common indications of a damaged cap or shroud include:  

  • Rust, corrosion, or holes in the cap/shroud   
  • Water entering the firebox   
  • Visible water stains/masonry deterioration near chimney crown   
  • Smoke backing up into the room when using the fireplace    
  • Animals visible or heard in chimney, debris, or nest material at top   
  • Mesh clogged with creosote or soot making draft poor  

No — a chimney pot and a chimney cap are not the same thing, though they’re often confused because both sit at the top of a chimney. 

A chimney pot is a vertical extension that sits on the top of the chimney flue. It extends the height of the flue to improve draft and helps smoke exit higher above the roofline. Chimney pots also add a decorative touch. Unlike chimney caps, they do not block rain, animals, debris, or sparks.  

Many chimney pots still need a chimney cap installed on top of the pot for full protection. 

We're Here to Help

Do you have more questions about chimney components? Call our NFI certified experts today at 800.919.1904.

More Resources

Explore the key differences between chimney caps, shrouds, and pots.

Use this simple checklist to inspect your chimney.

Find out why it's important to work with an NFI certified expert.


Photo of Thomas Kearney Tom Kearney has been a Technical Sales Representative at Woodland Direct for over a decade, where he has honed his expertise in gas, wood, and pellet appliances as an NFI-Certified expert. Tom's dedication to customer satisfaction is exemplified by his work with high-profile clients, including assisting SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell in sourcing five stunning fireplaces for her Texas home. When he's not helping clients find their perfect fireplace, Tom enjoys hitting the golf course, skiing down snowy slopes, and exploring new trails on his bike. Call him or one of our experts in fire at 800.919.1904.