Chimney Crown Damage: Seal or Repair?

Before we can discuss the topic of sealing or repairing your chimney crown, we need to know what it is. A chimney crown sits at the top of your chimney. It can be flat or domed. A crown can be made of concrete, stone, or brick. Its main purpose is to protect the chimney from water damage and weathering.

Your chimney is susceptible to weather. That is a fact. With stormy weather just ahead, there are concerns for some homeowners. The choice to seal a crack in their chimney crown or repair it. This is an important decision that you will have to make. The damage from a crack can be extensive if you don’t tackle it right the first time.

Cracked Chimney Crown. What Should I Know?

If you get a small hairline crack in your chimney there can be considerable damage if not corrected. Once a crack starts, water can get into the crack. The effect of the freeze-thaw concept is very damaging to concrete. If left alone, over time the crack will grow and get bigger. As water freezes in the crack, it expands and creates a larger crack. If not addressed, this can cause damage to the entire chimney structure.

What is the Proper Way to Correct a Crack?

Professionals agree that chimney crown damage should be repaired rather than just sealed. Once a crack occurs there is a gap that debris, not only water, can get into and cause expansion of the crack.

How To Repair a Crack in the Chimney Crown?

Contact a professional chimney company like Ye Olde Brit for professional quality work. The crack is cleaned out. Next, the crack is filled with a patch of cement material. Once the cement material has dried, the entire chimney crown is sealed with a waterproof sealant. This will protect the crown from further damage.

Protect For The Future

Once the repairs are complete, a Chimney cap can be installed for extra protection. The cap is attached to the crown and works as an umbrella to keep the water and debris off and out of the crown.

There are many parts to a chimney. All are very important, and they all play a key role in the function and efficiency of your fireplace. From the chimney cap to the crown, from the flashing and the smoke chamber down to the firebox. All are important to protect the life of your chimney. To prolong and protect the beauty and functionality of your chimney and fireplace, it is important to schedule an inspection and have a chimney sweep annually.

Contact Ye Olde Brit If You Have Any Chimney Issues

We have a reputation that brings our customers back year after year. You can trust our name. Ye Olde Brit has been helping folks in the San Bernardino region with all their chimney repairs. We have been in business for more than 30 years.

We hold a Certified Chimney Professional designation and are members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild. Certified through the Golden State Chimney Sweep Guild (GSCSG). We are a company that puts the safety of your family first.