Repairing a Cracked or Damaged Chimney Crown

The chimney crown is the concrete layer that covers the top of your chimney minus the flue opening. The primary purpose of the crown is to prevent water from getting down into the open areas of the chimney system. A cracked or damaged chimney crown requires attention sooner rather than later. Here’s why. National Chimney Cleaners of Fairfield County, CT, and Morris County, NJ, perform a lot of chimney crown repair, rebuilding and waterproofing. We’re here to help you avoid the expense and hassle that results from neglecting damage to a chimney crown.

Chimney Inspection Chester, NJWater leaking through the chimney crown

When a chimney crown is damaged, water will find its way into your chimney system. When that happens, you may experience:

  • Deterioration of the interior (and eventually, the exterior) chimney masonry
  • Rusting of the fireplace damper and firebox
  • Rotting in home building materials near the chimney
  • Mold growth inside the chimney

The problem with chimney crowns is that they sit at the top of the chimney completely out of sight. Often, the first clue homeowners have to a cracked or damaged crown is water in the firebox, damp areas on the ceiling and walls or musty odors coming from the firebox.

What can damage a chimney crown?

When properly built, a chimney crown will hold up and perform well for many years. Older crowns are susceptible to decay, cracking and crumbling. Other common causes of crown damage include:

  • Lightning strikes
  • Severe earthquakes
  • Violent hail storms
  • Chimney fires
  • Freeze/thaw cycles

Resolving issues with chimney crowns

One of the best things you can do for your chimney crown – and the entire chimney system – is to schedule annual inspections by a licensed inspector. Experienced chimney technicians can safely access the roof and closely examine the crown for early signs of wear and decay.

When an inspection turns up damage, broken areas can be patched to restore strength and keep water from causing further damage. If the crown is significantly decayed, a new crown can be built. Most chimney inspectors offer complete chimney crown repair and rebuilding services.  Your inspector will also look for signs of collateral damage caused by leaks through the crown. He or she will inspect the chimney masonry, the flue liner, the fireplace damper, the firebox and other areas of your chimney/fireplace system. After all issues are resolved, a smart move is to have your crown professionally sealed to keep water out of any cracks that may appear over time. Most chimney technicians can do this work.

Chimney Crown Repair Greenwich,CTHiring the right chimney company

It’s important that you hire the right company when seeking help with chimney crown damage, chimney cleaning, chimney masonry repair, chimney liner repair and other services.

When you talk to a company representative, ask for references and follow up on them. Check for online reviews. Find out how long the company has been in business and what types of projects they have experience with.

Also, confirm that they’re fully insured and licensed to do business in your area. Finally, make sure that the
representative explains what he or she will do for your chimney in language that you understand.


Get on the road to a safe and efficient chimney

National Chimney Cleaners offers complete chimney crown repair and all other chimney and fireplace services you need to keep your chimney safe and strong all year long.

If you live in Fairfield County, CT, or Morris County, NJ, speak with a chimney expert today at 800-631-6177 or reach out with our handy contact form.

 

Use an Experienced, Established Chimney Sweep Company!

Don’t take chances with uninsured, novice, roofers, unregistered business, no workman’s comp.
Our pros have to know what they’re doing when they put their heads up a chimney and to do that, chimney sweeps obtain specialized training and have years of experience in the field.