Your chimney crown is the very topmost part of your chimney. If you look at your chimney, you may see a metal topper; this is the chimney cap. But as for the actual structural part of your chimney, that is the chimney crown. Many times people get these things confused, and they do serve something of the same purpose. They keep things out of your chimney. Although a chimney cap is great protection against things getting into your chimney, not everyone has a chimney cap. A chimney crown is actually a part of your chimney.
How a Chimney Crown is Constructed
How a chimney crown is constructed is very important, and is often the area that causes most problems if improperly done. First of all, it is important that your chimney crown is made of the proper material. Too often, contractors take a shortcut and use regular mortar material, and with regular weathering, this will not hold up long term. Chimney crowns should be made of a Portland cement mix with mesh supports. Your chimney crown should be at least 2 inches thick at its thinnest parts in order to be sturdy enough to handle the high winds and storms that it is designed to withstand. Overhang is also necessary. In order to do the job of redirecting precipitation away from your chimney flue, you want an overhang of at least two and a half inches past the chimney. The slope of the crown is also essential. Too flat of a chimney crown will allow water to flow into your chimney. Instead, you’ll want enough slope so that precipitation runs down, off the extended edge, and past the flashing that is placed at the joint where the chimney meets the roof. This water will then go down the slope of the roof and off into your gutters rather than into your chimney, where it can cause a rusted damper assembly and other fireplace equipment, weakened ceiling and walls, and even structural damage to your chimney.
Fix it Up!
When Chim Cheroo Chimney Service is called in to inspect, clean, and repair your chimney, we’ll make sure to take special notice of your chimney crown. If cracks exist, it’s important to make repairs as soon as possible so that more precipitation isn’t allowed to sneak in. The longer this is allowed to happen, the more damage is taking place, which will mean bigger repair jobs in the future. We use CrownCoat, a product made by ChimneySaver, to seal your chimney crown and protect it from further cracks or breakage. Our expert technicians know how to apply this product properly, so that it is warrantied for 15 years.
If you think you have leaking problems tied to cracks in your chimney crown, Chim Cheroo Chimney Service is the place to call. We’ll have your crown sealed and leak-free before you know it!