What to Do About a Cracked Chimney Crown
Chimney crowns are concrete coverings at the top of masonry chimneys designed to protect the chimney structure. When a crown becomes cracked, you need to address the issue sooner rather than later.
The Chimney Guys of Pataskala, OH, would like to tell you a little about chimney crown damage and what should be done about it. In the long run, a timely, correct response could save your chimney.
Chimney crowns 101
Well-made chimney crowns are built from a strong concrete mixture and laid by an experienced chimney or brick mason. They cover the entire top of the chimney outside the flue pipe(s) and should include an overhang, or “drip edge,” to make water spill away from the chimney masonry.
The purpose of the crown is two-fold:
- To protect the bricks and mortar beneath it from damaging rain and freeze-thaw cycles
- To keep moisture out of unseen interior spaces of the chimney
Problems caused by a cracked crown
A cracked chimney crown will continue to crack until rain and snow can move right through it.
A damaged crown can lead to:
- Chimney brick decay
- Crumbling mortar in the masonry
- A chimney that leans or falls apart
- Chimney liner deterioration
- Rotting of home materials near the chimney
- Strong odors moving into the home
- Mold that can spread to other places
Fortunately, it rarely comes to all this if a cracked chimney crown is addressed as soon as early signs of the problems are noticed.
What can damage a chimney crown?
Concrete is strong, but it’s not eternal. A variety of things can cause damage to a concrete crown. Eight of the most common include:
- Lightning strikes
- Pounding hail
- Fallen tree branches
- Earthquakes
- Expanded freezing water in cracks
- Poor-quality concrete
- Bad workmanship in building the crown
- Old age
Repairing a cracked or damaged chimney crown
If you’ve spotted any kind of damage in your chimney crown, the first step is to schedule a chimney inspection by a reputable chimney service company. What you see with your eyes may only be part of the problem.
An inspection will determine not just the exact condition of the crown, but it will also check to see if the crown damage has led to problems in other areas of the chimney or the home.
Minor cracking can often be patched. But if the problem is being caused by a cheap concrete material, more cracks may show up soon.
Extensive cracks – especially if you can see down through them – signal the need to have the old crown removed and a new one built.
Patching and rebuilding should only be done by chimney or construction specialists who understand the dynamics involved in working with chimney crowns.
Protecting the crown
A poorly built crown or one built with cheap material will be problematic its whole life. But if your crown is a good one, there are two ways you can help to protect it and increase its lifespan:
- Have your chimney company apply a strong waterproof coating
- Install a full-width chimney cap that provides a solid cover over the entire crown
Call your Ohio chimney experts for problems with your chimney crown.
The Chimney Guys repairs and rebuilds chimney crowns throughout Pataskala, OH, and surrounding communities. We also offer a full line of other chimney repair and cleaning services. Reach a chimney expert by phone or use our contact form to get in touch.
