CHIMNEY CROWN REPAIR
A chimney crown is masonry material that covers the top of the chimney from the brick edge to the flue opening in the chimney. It is sloped away from the flue towards the edge of the chimney so that when rain or snow lands on top of the chimney it will slide off. If your chimney crown is cracked, damaged, or improperly shaped it can allow water into the chimney structure causing deterioration of the chimney or leaks in the home. We recommend having the chimney crown checked during your annual chimney inspection to ensure it is in tip top shape.
A chimney crown is masonry material that covers the top of the chimney from the brick edge to the flue opening in the chimney. It is sloped away from the flue towards the edge of the chimney so that when rain or snow lands on top of the chimney it will slide off. If your chimney crown is cracked, damaged, or improperly shaped it can allow water into the chimney structure causing deterioration of the chimney or leaks in the home. We recommend having the chimney crown checked during your annual chimney inspection to ensure it is in tip top shape.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between a crown and a wash?
These two terms are often used interchangeably but they mean different things. A wash is a thin layer of concrete material, usually less than 4” thick, that forms a slope from the flue opening to the edge of the bricks. In contrast, a typical crown is over 4” thick and extends out past the edge of the brick. A crown is formed and poured on top of the chimney, and usually has a drip edge built in to its underside to prevent any water from ever entering the masonry below it.
Which is better, a crown or a wash?
A concrete crown is far superior to a wash. A concrete crown will overhang the chimney and, with a proper drip edge, will allow water to wash off the sides of the chimney and not run down the face of the brick. Much like the eaves on your house, a properly built crown will extend the life of the masonry on your chimney.
What is an expansion joint?
An expansion joint is a flexible joint between the flue tiles that extends through the top of the chimney and the crown or wash. As flue tiles heat up and cool down they expand and contract. The expansion joint allows the tile to do just that, without cracking the crown. Without an expansion joint the crown of your chimney will eventually crack and fail.
Are there any alternatives to a new crown?
Crown Coat is a premixed, brushable, flexible waterproofing seal that is used to repair damaged chimney crowns by stopping water penetration through the crown. Just as with Flash Seal, we prefer to completely replace crowns if they are found to be damaged. In cases where there is severe damage, Crown Coat cannot be used because there is nothing for the coat to stick to. In less severe cases, however, Crown Coat can be a cost-effective solution.
