Chimney Crown Repair: What You Need To Know

Chimney crowns are, perhaps, the area of a chimney most susceptible to external damage. Chimney crowns are located at the top of the chimney. They sit on top of the brick structure, and they’re sometimes made from leftover mortar that was used to build the chimney in the first place. Because chimney crowns face high levels of exposure to winds, rain, sunlight, (etc.) they may deteriorate faster than other parts of a chimney. Here, we’ll explain everything you need about chimney crown repair–– from spotting damage to preventing issues from ever occurring in the first place:

Chimney Crown Damage

Chimney crowns are most often damaged over time by the elements. Indeed, many chimney crowns will begin to develop cracks as they age, and, if ignored long enough, they may begin to crumble bit by bit. It’s important for homeowners to inspect their chimney regularly. Spotting and treating chimney crown cracks early on can help homeowners save thousands of dollars on repairs.

Sealing Chimney Crowns

The most effective way to repair most chimney crowns is to seal the surface. If the structure isn’t completely compromised, it’s possible to apply a sealant to caulk cracks and prevent further degradation. In addition, some homeowners may elect to seal their chimney crowns as a short-term solution during the winter. This isn’t to be recommended, though.

Chimney Crown Repairs

Chimney crowns that are too damaged to fix with a quick sealing will require more extensive repairs or total replacement. Just how long a given chimney crown will last can be difficult to predict. For one, varying climates will affect brick-and-mortar structures differently. In general, though, the wetter the area, the worse brick structures fare. Second, the material used to create the chimney crown will also have an influence on its durability. Sometimes contractors will use cheap mortar to form a chimney crown in order to complete a project quickly. When this is the case, chimney crowns won’t last very long. Depending on the extent of the damage, a chimney crown repair or replacement could cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

Chimney Maintenance Best Practices

A busted chimney crown can cause a myriad of issues. Cracks or holes in the crown can allow moisture to enter the chimney interior, and thus, quicken the erosion of the structure. In addition, crumbling chimney crowns won’t allow for proper ventilation, and they may also fail to properly contain chimney fires. Because chimney crowns are required to ensure proper chimney safety, we recommend that all homeowners get their chimneys inspected at least once a year. This way, a professional will be able to detect any potential problems and deal with them before they get out of hand.

The Bottom Line

Contacting a professional to take a look at your chimney crown won’t just give you peace of mind –– it’s likely to save you a good amount of money too. At Brickworks, we specialize in all aspects of chimney repair and maintenance, and we’re happy to help you complete your next masonry project. Contact us here for more information or to schedule a chimney inspection today!