Chimney Crown Repair & Inspection

Chimney crowns, also known as chimney washes, are the concrete or mortar slab that sits atop the chimney, sealing the flue from the exterior. Chimney crowns serve a crucial purpose in protecting your chimney from water damage, which can lead to mortar joint deterioration and structural damage.

A well-built chimney crown slopes away from the flue, directing water away from the chimney and preventing it from entering the flue or seeping into the mortar joints. Over time, exposure to harsh weather conditions can cause the chimney crown to crack or deteriorate. Regular chimney repair and maintenance can help you identify and address any issues with your chimney crown before they lead to more severe problems.

Chimney Caps: An Extra Layer of Protection

While chimney crowns play a significant role in protecting your chimney, a chimney cap adds an extra layer of defense against water damage, debris, and animal intrusion. Chimney caps are metal structures, typically made from stainless steel or copper, that cover the flue opening. They are designed to prevent rain, snow, and debris from entering the flue while still allowing smoke and combustion gases to exit.

In addition to protecting the flue from water damage, chimney caps also help prevent downdrafts, which can cause smoke to fill your home. Chimney caps are an essential component of a well-maintained chimney system and should be part of your regular chimney repair and maintenance routine.

Mortar Joints: The Key to Chimney Stability

Mortar joints are the spaces between the bricks or stones that make up your chimney. They are filled with mortar, a cement-like substance that holds the bricks together and provides structural stability. Over time, exposure to the elements can cause mortar joints to deteriorate, leading to water damage and potential structural damage.

Regular chimney repair and maintenance can help you identify deteriorating mortar joints before they become a more significant problem. Tuckpointing, a process that involves removing damaged mortar and replacing it with new mortar, is an effective way to repair damaged mortar joints and maintain the structural integrity of your chimney.

Water Damage: The Silent Chimney Destroyer

Water is one of the biggest threats to your chimney's structural integrity. When water seeps into your chimney, it can cause a myriad of problems, including mortar joint deterioration, rusting of metal components, and even damage to the interior of your home. Water damage can lead to costly repairs, such as crown replacement or even rebuilding the entire chimney.

To protect your chimney from water damage, ensure that your chimney crown and cap are in good condition and that your mortar joints are properly maintained. Regular chimney repair and maintenance can help you identify potential water damage issues before they become more significant problems.

Crown Replacement: A Crucial Step in Chimney Repair

If your chimney crown has suffered significant damage or deterioration, crown replacement may be necessary to protect your chimney from water damage and potential structural damage. Crown replacement involves removing the damaged chimney crown and installing a new one that is properly sloped and sealed.

Crown replacement should be performed by a professional chimney repair specialist to ensure that the new crown is correctly installed and will provide long-lasting protection for your chimney.