Depend On Our Chimney Experts for Your Crown Repairs & Rebuilds
There’s a lot of components at the top of your chimney, most of which contribute to keeping water out. Which can make it confusing for a homeowner who’s trying to understand how all the parts function and work together to keep the chimney protected…
There’s the chimney cap that keeps water from entering the flue from the top and the flashing which protects the area where the roof and chimney meet. And you’ve likely heard sweeps discuss chase covers, or chase tops, too – those offer protection for prefabricated systems. And finally, there’s the chimney crowns, which direct water away from the sides of the chimney.
What Should My Crown Look Like?
The crown sits at the very top of your chimney. It doesn’t cover the opening (that’s the chimney cap’s job), but it extends from the liner past the edge of the chimney to help keep water away from your porous masonry. Crowns should slant downward slightly, and they shouldn’t be experiencing any signs of discoloration or decay – this means repairs are in order.
What’s Wrong With My Crown?
There are a few reasons your crown could be facing damage. Regardless of the issue, your next step should be hiring an experienced team to get it rebuilt before you light any more fires.
- It’s not made of the right materials. One of the biggest reasons crowns fail is because appropriate materials weren’t used when they were originally constructed. Chimney crowns should be built with a durable Portland cement-based mixture, but many crowns of the past were built with less reliable mortar mixes. If this is the case for you, yours will likely break down prematurely.
- It isn’t waterproofed. If your crown isn’t waterproofed, it will be a lot more vulnerable to water damage and the freeze/thaw cycle. And the more it breaks down, the more the rest of your system will suffer, too.
- It wasn’t built right. There are certain dimensions crowns should meet in order to stand stronger for a long period of time. For instance, they should be at least 2 inches thick at the thinnest point, and they should overhang past the edge of the chimney a couple of inches, too. If these requirements aren’t meant, they won’t be able to do their job as effectively, and they’ll likely break down sooner than expected, too.
- Damage wasn’t promptly addressed. With any component of your chimney, the sooner any damages are addressed, the better off you’ll be. Once decay and deterioration begins, it will only worsen, meaning you could wind up with a big repair, rebuild, or restoration job if you put it off.
Concrete Crown and Flue Tiles Before
Concrete Crown and Flue Tiles After
Crown Rebuild Before
Crown Rebuild After
Complete Grindout and Retuckpoint Before
Complete Grindout and Retuckpoint After
Concrete Crown and Chimney Cap Before
Concrete Crown and Chimney Cap After
We Can Rebuild Your Crown Right
If neglected, cracks in your crown will only worsen, and it won’t be long until the rest of your system is affected, too. Your bricks and mortar will start to decay and crumble, metal components will rust, and your home’s interior will be prone to damage, too (think rotted woodwork, peeling wallpaper, and ceiling stains).
And no – crown repairs should never be a DIY job. Not only is this part of your roof a dangerous spot to hang out, but the use of improper techniques and materials will only cause more problems down the line. You’ll still end up with extensive damage, and you’ll waste your time, money, and resources while you’re at it.
Count on us to do it correctly from the beginning. Our Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified techs are experienced in crown repairs, and we have the tools and knowledge to offer the quality results you’re hoping for.
Reach Out to Our Team
Call us at 513-727-0994 or request an estimate online today.
Waterproofing is one of the best (and easiest) ways to minimize your risk of damaging chimney leaks, so ask us for more information today.