What Is A Chimney Crown And Why Would It Need To Be Repaired?
The crown of the chimney is typically a cement layer that covers and protects the chimney from outside threats. These threats can include bird and animal visitors, rain, shrubbery or other debris, and strong winds. The crown is designed to encourage rainwater to leave the roof, instead of settling around the chimney masonry and flashing.
Common Problems With The Crown
- Sometimes, the crown is applied in too thin of a layer and quickly deteriorates, leaving the chimney unprotected.
- Sometimes, the crown is improperly sealed, leaving gaps and cracks for water to sneak in.
- The crown may have been made out of a brick and mortar mixture. A good, solid crown should be composed of a cement and mesh or fiber mixture and should be thick and level. This just helps reinforce the structure and keep it from deteriorating rapidly in severe weather.
- The crown may not have the proper overhang to encourage water to leave the roof.
Because chimney crowns play such a crucial role in the overall well-being of your chimney system, it is strongly recommended that you have your crown checked at least once a year for soundness and effectiveness. If you think about it, the crown of your chimney is exposed to the worst weather conditions and never has relief. It is the uppermost part of the chimney and does not get protection from wind, rain, heat, cold, or any other damaging weather conditions.
If your chimney crown is not up to par, it is worth the time and investment to have it professionally redone out of the proper materials and to the proper specs. Maintaining and repairing your chimney crown is significantly cheaper than making repairs to your entire chimney system that result from water and wind damage. Protect yourself from costly surprises down the line by having your crown inspected and repaired, if necessary.
If you’re worried about appearances and don’t like the image cement brings to mind, don’t worry. At Chief Chimney Services, Inc., we have a great appreciation for aesthetics and will make sure that you are pleased with the look of your chimney crown. We always produce clean, beautiful work that is pleasing to both your wallet and your eye.
Whatever your crown repair needs, you can trust Chief Chimney Services, Inc. to do high-quality work in a timely fashion. To schedule your crown inspection and repair today, call Chief Chimney Services, Inc. We guarantee you will be happy you did!
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Due to the high temperatures it endures, the firebox often needs some TLC and repairs. Let our trained and experienced chimney masons take care of this crucial work to be sure it gets done right.