Chimney Cap & Fireplace Spark Arrester Screen in 304 Stainless Steel (AISI 304 (1.4301)) is used for stopping burning embers from leaving the chimney and keeping birds and animals out, while letting flue gas draw freely. The alloy gives good general corrosion resistance in atmosphere and fresh water and is essentially non-magnetic (annealed), with a practical service limit of approx. +450 °C continuous.
Alloy Properties
| Grade designation | AISI 304 (1.4301) |
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| Magnetic response | Essentially non-magnetic (annealed) |
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| Service temperature | approx. +450 °C continuous |
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| Corrosion characteristic | Good general corrosion resistance in atmosphere and fresh water |
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Specifications of Chimney Cap & Fireplace Spark Arrester Screen Available in 304 Stainless Steel
| Mesh count | Wire diameter (mm) | Aperture (mm) | Micron rating (u00b5m) | Open area (%) | Material |
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| 2-Mesh | 1.200 | 11.500 | 11500 | 82.4 | SS304 |
| 3-Mesh | 1.000 | 7.470 | 7470 | 77.8 | SS304 |
| 4-Mesh | 0.800 | 5.550 | 5550 | 76.4 | SS304 / galvanized |
Where 304 Stainless Steel Chimney Cap & Fireplace Spark Arrester Screen Is Used
- Chimney sweeps & installers: spark screens fitted to new and existing chimney caps.
- Wildfire-prone regions: mandatory spark arresters on wood-burning chimneys.
- Stove & fireplace makers: screens supplied with cap kits.
- Outdoor fire pits & pizza ovens: spark screens on flues and lids.
Ordering Chimney Cap & Fireplace Spark Arrester Screen in 304 Stainless Steel
- Opening size: Many codes require openings no larger than 1/2 in (12.7 mm) and no smaller than 3/8 in so the screen does not clog with soot.
- Wire & alloy: SS304 or SS316 heavy wire survives flue heat and creosote; galvanized corrodes quickly.
- Screen area: Free area of the screen should be at least four times the flue area so draft is not restricted.
Mistakes to Avoid with Chimney Cap & Fireplace Spark Arrester Screen
- Choosing insect-fine mesh, which blocks with soot and causes smoke spillage indoors.
- Using galvanized screen on a wood stove, which scales and fails within a few seasons.
