Chimney crowns are key features of well-built chimneys. They protect both the bricks and the interior spaces of a chimney from water damage and other potentially serious problems.

Anderson’s Chimney Sweeps & Masonry Services of New Cumberland, PA, would like to share some helpful information about chimney crowns and point out when yours should be looked at by a professional.

Chimney Crown Structure

A chimney crown should be made of high-grade concrete, not standard chimney mortar. It should cover the entire top of a chimney, minus the flue opening, and should be angled to allow water to run off it and away from the masonry below. There should be an overhang on all the crown edges to facilitate this.

What Can Go Wrong With A Chimney Crown?

Over time, even the best-built chimney crowns can begin to crack. When this happens, water from rain and melting snow can move in and then freeze and expand, creating more damage.

Eventually, spaces will open to allow water to penetrate the bricks beneath the crown and run into areas within the chimney structure. The result is often widespread masonry decay, damage to adjacent parts of the home, and mold growth.

Additionally, an open chimney top will provide an entry for tree debris and small animals.

Inspecting Your Crown

You can perform periodic visual inspections of your chimney crown. You’re looking for cracks and open spaces. Remember, cracks get worse, not better, so if you see any, take action right away.

You should schedule an annual basic chimney inspection, during which your crown will be checked out. Your inspector will be able to determine if damage exists in areas that you can’t easily see.

If a neglected crown has led to damage throughout the chimney system, the problems should be repaired as soon as possible – and definitely before you use your fireplace again.

Signs Of Chimney Crown Damage

Even without climbing up on the roof and seeing evidence of a damaged crown, you may notice signs of water intrusion, including:

• A damp, musty odor coming from the fireplace
• White staining on the masonry – means water is leaching salts from the bricks
• Water in the firebox
• Damp patches on the walls or celling near the fireplace or chimney

These signs could point to a problem with the chimney crown or other parts of the chimney or roof.

Fixing Problems With A Chimney Crown

Your chimney technician has several ways to address problems with a chimney crown.

• If there are only minor cracks and no collateral damage, the crown can be sealed to keep water from getting into it.
• Larger cracks or gaps in the crown can sometimes be patched to prevent further issues.
• If the crown is seriously deteriorated, it should be rebuilt with high-grade concrete by an experienced chimney mason.
• Resultant damage to other areas within the chimney system can be appropriately repaired and restored.
• Safeguard your chimney crown

Since 1990, Anderson’s has been helping our customers keep their chimneys in excellent shape. This includes routine and emergency chimney crown service.

If your crown needs repair or rebuilding, trust the experts at Anderson’s Chimney Sweeps & Masonry Services to do the job right the first time. Give us a call today to learn more, or reach out with our simple contact form.