What’s The Purpose of a Chimney Crown?

Have you ever looked at the top of your chimney and wondered what the concrete sheet is called and what is for? Maybe it has a chimney cap; maybe it doesn’t. That area at the apex of your chimney is known as a chimney crown. What’s the purpose of a chimney crown? Read on to find out.

Chimney Crowns Explained

The chimney crown is an integral part of your chimney’s construction. Keeping water from invading your chimney is its primary function. Your chimney’s crown is a heavy layer of concrete at its peak surrounding your chimney’s opening; it guards the bricks, or stones and mortar in your chimney against water. In most cases, a chimney crown will be made from concrete, but alternatives such as metal or stone exist. The chimney crown is just above the last layer of bricks or stone in your chimney. If installed correctly, your chimney’s crown should be about three or four inches thick and slanted at the edges to allow rain or hail to run off.

Is it a Major Problem When a Chimney Crown is Damaged?

Unfortunately, if your chimney crown cracks, it will cause a host of issues. Sometimes, cracks are simply from age; in other cases, something like a large tree limb falling on it can create a crack. If any cracks are ignored over time, the cracks will expand and allow water to get inside your chimney. Once your brick-and-mortar has taken on water, it won’t be long before you have visible damage like spalling, a condition where bricks crack or fall out. Although it is difficult to see crown damage from the ground, there are telltale signs of your chimney’s crown being damaged, such as water stains on your ceiling around the chimney or water in your firebox. When water damages your chimney and house, it can become expensive to repair, so it is in your best interest to have your chimney’s crown inspected by a qualified and reputable chimney sweep service.

We Can Inspect and Fix Your Concrete Chimney

Our chimney sweeps not only boast of being among the most experienced in Southern California but are also certified by the National Fireplace Institute (NFI) and fully licensed. Our chimney sweeps have the training and experience to quickly recognize a chimney crown that requires repair. We will inspect your home’s chimney from top to bottom, especially its concrete crown, for any signs of damage. If we find a small number of hairline cracks in your chimney crown, we will repair and seal it to prevent moisture from getting into your chimney’s crown. If we find more extensive damage to your chimney’s crown, we will rebuild it using concrete. When we finish the rebuild, we will coat the refurbished chimney crown with a water-resistant coating.

Chimney Sweeps Incorporated is the SoCal Chimney Crown Expert

If you are in the San Diego area and suspect your chimney’s crown is damaged, contact us right away. We can quickly and safely repair your chimney’s crown and clean up when we are finished. Don’t delay water damage from a cracked crown, which could collapse your chimney and injure you or a family member. Reach out to us today. One of our chimney experts will gladly discuss sending our chimney sweeps to inspect your chimney’s crown. Once we have concluded our inspection, we will give you a written estimate before moving forward with any required repairs.