What is California-Sized 5/8″ Small Mesh for Chimney Caps?
M any localities–primarily California, but also in some other areas around the country, especially in Oregon, Arizona, and Nevada –have codes calling for 1/2″ spark arrestor chimney caps. Some localities call for such spark arrestor chimney caps in “wooded areas” or “within 200 feet of wooded areas.” According to the National Fire Protection Association, chimney caps with 5/8″ mesh will not allow a 1/2″ sphere through them, and thus are considered the industry standard for California-sized chimney caps. The chimney caps above all have this specially sized mesh to conform to these spark arrestor codes. Homeowners with cedar shingles on their roof, home, or nearby buildings should certainly consider chimney caps with small, 5/8 inch mesh. In addition, round, oval, and large rectangular flue tiles sizes are often found in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Oregon. Many chimney caps above have a special base that fits either the square and round flue tiles or the rectangular and oval flue
