Is Your Chimney Crown Cracked Or Damaged?
The chimney crown is a vital part of the chimney’s water-repelling capabilities. Chimney crowns are concrete slabs that are designed to direct water off the chimney top and away from the masonry. The crown helps to protect the chimney from water damage. If your crown is improperly constructed, damaged, or cracked it can allow water to seep through the masonry causing serious damage.
Signs of a Cracked Chimney Crack
When your chimney crown becomes damaged or cracked there will likely be signs in other components of your chimney. Although from ground level you can not see the cracks, there are other things to look out for. Signs of a chimney leak or damage to other components of your chimney could be an indicator that your crown has been compromised.
If you notice any signs of a damaged chimney crown, the best course of action is to call a professional chimney technician to inspect your chimney for signs of damage whether it be the crown or something else. Allowing chimney damage to escalate will only further the risk of your chimney needing expensive repairs down the line.
Rusted Parts
Rusting in your firebox, damper, and other metal chimney components are a likely indicator that your chimney is leaking, which could be caused by a damaged or cracked chimney crown.
Masonry Damage
When chimney leaks are not resolved soon enough it can lead to serious masonry damage such as spalling brick and deteriorating mortar joints. If this damage is not dealt with it can escalate over time leading to the need for extensive repairs and even a partial or total chimney rebuild as the structure weakens.
Water Damage
As chimney leaks continue to escalate they will leak into your walls and roofing materials. Chimney leaks not only cause trouble for your chimney, but can greatly affect your home as well.
Fixing a Damaged Chimney Crown
If you have discovered that your chimney Crown is cracked or damaged it is time to call a professional. Certified and experienced chimney technicians will be able to locate the damage and properly repair it in order to return your chimney to a safer and more efficient state as well as help prevent further damage in the future. Type of repair required will depend on the damage that is present. Sometimes smaller cracks can be repaired with a waterproof sealant, whereas larger, more extensive cracks will often need to be rebuilt.
A cracked chimney crown that is left unresolved will lead to more deterioration throughout the chimney structure and more complicated and expensive repairs down the line. Don’t hesitate to call in a professional if you see signs of trouble. Annual inspections by a professional are recommended to avoid issues such as this and catch damage before it becomes serious.
Call The Chimney Guys Today!
Where there is a chimney, there’s a chimney guy. Let us be YOUR chimney guys! From damaged crowns to regular maintenance, we’re here to help with it all. Give us a call today or contact us online to schedule your service with The Chimney Guys.
