Is it Time to Have Your Chimney Crown Repaired or Rebuilt?
Chimney crowns are concrete slabs that cover everything at the top of a masonry chimney except for the flue opening. Because of their location, crowns are rarely seen by homeowners, which means they can be damaged without anyone knowing about it.
The Chimney Guys of Pataskala, OH, would like to share some information on how chimney crowns become damaged and when it’s time to have yours repaired or rebuilt.
The Purpose of a Chimney Crown
Chimney crowns protect the masonry below them and interior areas of the chimney from water damage. When built correctly with top-grade concrete, crowns feature a sloped design and an overhang that allows rain and melting snow to drain away from the vulnerable masonry.
Additionally, chimney crowns keep both water and debris from getting into the interior spaces of the chimney. Intruding water can damage the chimney liner, bricks and mortar, fireplace damper, firebox and other parts of the chimney and fireplace system. It can also lead to an outbreak of mold.
How Chimney Crowns Become Damaged
Even the best-built and sturdiest crowns eventually become damaged. Here are some common causes of crown damage:
- Old age
- Season after season of freezing temperatures
- Lightning strikes
- Pounding hail
- Earthquakes and severe house-settling
- Poor-quality materials used to build the crown
If you feel comfortable climbing a ladder or walking around on the roof, you can take a look at your chimney crown periodically. You’re checking for small and large cracks or areas where some of the crown is completely missing.
Don’t think that small cracks are nothing to worry about. Water can seep into these tiny spaces and then freeze and expand, breaking the concrete and making the spaces larger. It doesn’t take many freeze-thaw cycles to cause major deterioration in a chimney crown.
If you don’t like the idea of climbing a ladder or walking on the roof, have your crown inspected by a reputable chimney company in your area.
Repairing and Rebuilding Chimney Crowns
When a chimney crown is damaged, chimney professionals have three ways to address the issue.
1. Waterproofing
A coating of industry-grade waterproofing material will seal small cracks and keep water out of them. For minor crown damage, waterproofing is the first line of defense.
2. Crown repair
When cracking or decay is more extensive, skilled chimney masons can often patch the damaged areas and restore the crown’s strength.
3. Crown rebuilding
For significantly damaged crowns, complete rebuilding is usually the way to go.
The purpose of these three strategies is to extend the life of your chimney and make it operate smoother and more efficiently.
Chimney Inspections
During a routine inspection, a chimney inspector will look closely at your chimney crown and alert you to trouble. He or she will also check all other readily accessible areas of the chimney for signs of wear, damage and malfunction.
Chimney inspections should be scheduled once a year, whether or not damage is known or suspected.
Call The Chimney Guys
The expert chimney technicians at The Chimney Guys have been serving the greater Pataskala, Ohio, region since 2004. We can help you with chimney crown issues, all types of chimney repairs, chimney sweeping and licensed inspections. Speak with a chimney pro by phone, or reach out with our handy contact form.
