Yes, especially in Johnston’s climate. Rhode Island’s wet winters and coastal moisture create perfect conditions for chimney damage. Without a cap, water enters your flue and gradually destroys the brick and mortar from the inside out. You’ll also get animals – squirrels, birds, and raccoons all see uncapped chimneys as perfect nesting spots. Once they’re in, removal becomes expensive and messy. A cap prevents all of this for a fraction of what repairs would cost. Johnston’s building patterns mean most homes have mature trees nearby, so debris is another constant threat. A cap eliminates these problems before they start.