How to Repair A Chimney Crown
Out of sight, out of mind, the old saying goes and rings true when it comes to your chimney’s crown. A crucial part of your chimney’s construction, a cracked crown can wreak havoc on your chimney. Water will infiltrate your chimney and slowly destroy it from the top down. Now, you may be wondering how to repair a chimney crown. The answer is to hire a professional and qualified chimney sweep service to inspect your crown and assess how much damage is done. Once they have the scope of the damage to your chimney’s crown, they will put it in writing, along with an estimate for repair costs. You may still be wondering- how does a chimney crown get repaired? Don’t worry; we have the answer for you below.
What is a Chimney Crown?
The crown on the top of your masonry chimney is a slab that is made from either stone, concrete, or metal. Its purpose is to protect the top of your chimney from harsh weather, unrelenting sunlight, or any objects that might fall on it, such as a tree limb or hail. Without a crown, the lifespan of your chimney would be much shorter.
Preparation and Chimney Crown Repair
Inspecting a Chimney Crown
Before any repair begins, a chimney expert will inspect the entire chimney to assess the extent of the damage, which will indicate what kind of repair is required.
Preparation For Repairing the Chimney Crown
The area surrounding the chimney crown will be cleaned and prepped. It might involve removing any loose or broken bricks or mortar from the crown itself.
Types of Chimney Crown Damage
Minor Cracks
If the damage is limited to small cracks, the chimney professional might use a specialized sealant or mortar to fill these cracks.
Major Damage
For more significant damage or if the crown is deteriorating, the chimney professional might need to rebuild the crown entirely. This action involves removing the existing crown and constructing a new one.
What Happens if Your Chimney Crown Needs to Be Rebuilt?
Forming
The chimney sweeps will set up a wooden form that matches the size and shape of the desired crown; and serve as a mold for the new crown.
Mixing
A mix of masonry cement and water will be prepared.
Pouring
The wet cement mix will be poured into the form, ensuring it’s distributed evenly.
Finishing
The surface will be smoothed using masonry tools to ensure water adequately runs off and doesn’t pool on the crown.
Curing
Once the new crown is in place, it will need time to cure. How long it takes to cure can vary, but a few days are usually required for the material to solidify and set.
Sealing
A waterproof sealant will be applied once repairs are made, or the new crown is set and cured. The sealant will help guard the crown from water infiltration and further damage.
Post Repair Inspection
After the repairs to the chimney crown are complete, a chimney sweep will carry out a final inspection to ensure the integrity of the repair and that there are no additional areas of concern.
To Sum Up
Remember, while some homeowners might be tempted to tackle chimney crown repairs as a DIY project, that is a very bad idea. Hiring a qualified chimney sweep service ensures the job is done correctly and safety measures are in place.
Because of the importance of your chimney crown in preventing water damage, professional repairs can be a good investment in the long-term health of your chimney and home.
Hudson Valley Chimney Can Repair or Replace Your Chimney Crown
Not sure if your chimney crown is in good shape? If you live in our service areas, call us today at 845-471-1071 or fill out our simple contact form; one of our trained and knowledgeable chimney specialists will happily discuss Inspecting and repairing your chimney crown. Our certified chimney sweeps can come to your home and inspect your chimney’s crown for any damage. Don’t wait until your chimney has widespread structural damage; get in touch today.
