Chase Covers & Top Pan Installation

A chimney system is only as strong as its weakest point—and for many prefabricated fireplaces, that weak point is the chase cover, also known as a top pan.

A chase cover is the metal pan that sits on top of the chimney chase and seals the opening where the flue exits. When properly fabricated and installed, it serves as the first line of defense against water intrusion, corrosion, and long-term structural damage.

At Black Goose Chimney, we specialize in replacing failing or poorly designed chase covers with custom-fabricated, heavy-gauge stainless steel top pans built specifically for your chimney. Serving homeowners throughout Newport News, Hampton, Yorktown, Poquoson, Williamsburg, and the surrounding Virginia Peninsula, our team provides precision workmanship designed to protect your fireplace system for years to come.

What Is a Chase Cover (Top Pan)?

A chase cover—often referred to as a top pan—is a metal cover installed over the top of a chimney chase.

Chimney chases are most commonly found on prefabricated fireplaces, where the chimney structure is framed with wood and covered with siding rather than masonry.

The chase cover sits horizontally across the top of this structure and has openings cut for the chimney flue or flues. Its primary purpose is to prevent water, debris, animals, and moisture from entering the chase and damaging the components below.

Without a properly designed chase cover, rainwater can easily seep into the chase, leading to rusted fireboxes, deteriorating framing, damaged insulation, mold growth, and premature fireplace failure.

Why the Quality of Your Chase Cover Matters

Not all chase covers are created equal. Many builders install thin, factory-supplied galvanized metal covers that are not designed for long-term exposure to the elements.

Over time, these covers often rust, warp, or separate at the seams—allowing water to enter the chimney system.

In the humid, coastal climate of the Virginia Peninsula, these issues are especially common. Salt, air, moisture, and temperature changes accelerate corrosion, making poorly fabricated chase covers a frequent source of leaks.

A failing chase cover can lead to:

Water damage inside the chimney chase
Rusting of the prefabricated fireplace box
Interior leaks and ceiling stains
Wood rot within the chase framing
Mold growth
Costly fireplace or chimney replacement

Replacing a deteriorating top pan early can prevent extensive damage and significantly extend the life of your fireplace system.

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Custom Stainless-Steel Chase Covers from Black Goose Chimney

At Black Goose Chimney, we do not use off-the-shelf or one-size-fits-all chase covers. Every chase cover we install is custom fabricated to fit your chimney exactly.

Our process begins with a detailed on-site measurement. One of our trained technicians will visit your home and carefully measure the dimensions of your existing chase cover and chimney opening. These precise measurements are then taken to our professional sheet metal fabricator.

Each chase cover is shop-formed from heavy-gauge stainless steel and fabricated specifically for your chimney. All seams are welded—not riveted or folded—creating a durable, watertight seal designed to withstand years of exposure to the elements.

This level of craftsmanship ensures:

A precise fit
Superior water resistance
Long-term durability
Clean, professional appearance
Reliable protection for your fireplace system

Why Stainless Steel Is the Best Choice

Stainless steel is widely recognized as the best material for chimney chase covers. Unlike galvanized steel or aluminum, stainless steel resists rust and corrosion even in high-moisture environments.

Benefits of stainless-steel chase covers include:

Exceptional resistance to rust and corrosion
Strength and rigidity that prevents warping
Long lifespan compared to factory-installed covers
Low maintenance requirements
Clean, polished appearance

By investing in a stainless-steel chase cover, homeowners reduce the likelihood of leaks and avoid repeated repairs caused by inferior materials.

Protecting Your Prefabricated Fireplace

Prefabricated fireplaces rely on multiple metal components working together safely and efficiently. When water enters the chimney chase, it often attacks the most vulnerable parts first—especially the metal firebox and chimney sections.

Water intrusion can cause:

Rusted firebox panels
Compromised structural integrity
Reduced efficiency and draft issues
Safety concerns due to weakened components

A properly installed chase cover helps protect these critical parts by directing water away from the chimney opening and preventing moisture from settling inside the chase.

By replacing an aging or damaged top pan, Black Goose Chimney helps homeowners protect their fireplace investment and avoid premature system failure.

Common Signs Your Chase Cover Needs Replacement

Many homeowners are unaware their chase cover is failing until visible damage appears inside the home. Some of the most common signs include:

Rust streaks on the chase cover
Visible holes or pitting in the metal
Water stains on ceilings or walls near the fireplace
Damp or musty odors coming from the fireplace
Rust flakes inside the firebox
Siding or trim deterioration near the chimney

If your chase cover shows any of these signs, it’s important to schedule an inspection as soon as possible. Early replacement can prevent more extensive—and expensive—repairs.

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Why Homeowners Trust Black Goose Chimney

For more than two decades, Black Goose Chimney has been a trusted name in chimney and fireplace services across the Virginia Peninsula. Our reputation is built on craftsmanship, safety, and honest recommendations.

Homeowners choose us because we offer:

Custom-fabricated solutions, not generic parts
Heavy-gauge stainless steel materials
Skilled, experienced technicians
Precision installation
Long-term protection for prefabricated fireplaces
Local expertise and dependable service

When it comes to protecting your chimney system, details matter—and we take every detail seriously.

Schedule Your Chase Cover Replacement Today

If your prefabricated fireplace has an aging, rusted, or leaking chase cover, now is the time to act. A custom stainless steel top pan from Black Goose Chimney can prevent water damage, protect your fireplace, and extend the life of your chimney system.

Call (757) 596-2298 or contact us today to schedule an inspection and learn more about our custom chase cover installation services. We proudly serve Newport News, Hampton, Yorktown, Williamsburg, and surrounding areas throughout the Virginia Peninsula.