Here's the Rule: If You Can See Rust on the Side, It's Leaking
Most Jacksonville-area homes were built with galvanized metal chase pans and chimney caps. Galvanized metal in Florida's tropical climate — extreme humidity, heavy rain, intense heat and UV — rusts through over time. That's not a question of if, it's a question of when.
Rust staining on the sides of your chimney chase is the visible symptom. On top — where water actually sits — it's almost always worse. And leaks don't stay the same: each rain washes a little more metal away and opens a slightly larger path for water to follow into your walls.
"Water pouring into your walls causes rot and mold. When water drips onto your firebox, the box will eventually rust through. At that point the fireplace isn't safe to use — and you're looking at a $5,000–$8,000 replacement unit. A chase pan replacement costs a fraction of that."
Our Solution: Custom Aluminum + Stainless Steel
Ash Away replaces rusted chase pans with custom-fabricated aluminum, made by a local Jacksonville sheet metal shop to fit your specific chimney. Aluminum doesn't rust — ever. Paired with a stainless steel chimney cap, this is a permanent solution. You won't be dealing with this again.
- Chase pan measured and custom-fabricated to your chimney's exact dimensions
- Made locally by a Jacksonville sheet metal shop — not an off-the-shelf part
- Aluminum construction — never rusts in Florida's climate
- Stainless steel chimney cap with mesh animal guard
- Proper flashing and sealing at all joints
- Before-and-after visual inspection included
Before & After
What to Look For on Your Chimney
- Rust staining running down the sides of the chimney chase box
- Water stains or moisture on the inside walls near the fireplace
- Rust visible inside the firebox
- Musty smell near the fireplace area, especially after rain
- Visible rust or damage at the top of the chimney (if safely visible)
- Cap that looks old, discolored, or is missing entirely
If you see any of these signs, don't wait. The longer a chimney leak continues, the more damage accumulates — and the more expensive the eventual repair.
Before Hurricane Season
Hurricane-force winds can blow chimney caps off entirely, leaving the flue wide open to rain, debris, and animals. The smart move: have your cap inspected before storm season. If it's rusted or loose, replace it while there's no emergency and no wait. Post-storm, we're booked out for weeks.