Chimney Crown Damage: Seal or Repair?
There are so many important components of a chimney, that it can be overwhelming to realize your chimney isn’t working as it should. Where do you even begin to tackle the issue? Luckily, your chimney crown is at the very top of your chimney so you may be able to pinpoint if it’s missing or damaged. There are two approaches to remedying this issue — let’s take a look if sealing or repairing is more appropriate for your chimney.
What is a Chimney Crown?
The chimney crown is the last line of defense from the outside world and your house via your chimney. As you can imagine, it plays an important role. Its purpose is to allow smoke to get out and prevent moisture from getting in. It’s made up of cement and wire mesh, so it is quite structurally sound.
While concrete is quite strong and durable, it is not indestructible. Your chimney, and the chimney crown specifically, is exposed to the elements 24/7, 365 days a year. Because of this, your annual chimney sweep and inspection are two very important services to get ahead of and catch any damage early. A simple crack from a bad storm can quickly expose the interior of the chimney to the outside elements. Any path for water is a huge concern due to water damage and the potential for your structure to break down.
Chimney Crown Sealing
If you’re experiencing a few small cracks and/or minor damage that isn’t structural, you can probably opt for the easier fix which is sealing the cement. If they’re small enough cracks, this waterproof sealant can be applied to prevent moisture from getting inside and leading to more damage.
Chimney Crown Repair
When there are more significant cracks or extreme damage to the walls between the flue, a simple sealant may not cut it. In this approach, a mason will fill in the cracks with cement, then once it dries, the waterproof sealant can be applied on top.
How to Protect Your Chimney Crown
One simple addition that can assist in protecting not only your chimney but also your chimney crown is installing a chimney cap. A chimney cap is like an umbrella over the structure, further protecting it from the elements, debris, and water. Additionally, keeping up with your annual chimney inspections and sweeps can allow you to catch issues early and keep your chimney in the best shape possible.
In Need of Chimney Crown Attention?
Fire N’ Stone has been the go-to chimney and fireplace contractor in the central New Hampshire area since 1999. Our experienced team offers a full range of services, including inspections, maintenance and chimney sweeping, repairs, and more. We are always more than happy to assist you with any questions pertaining to your chimney.
Our technicians are fully licensed, insured, and certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. We are a family-owned and locally operated company, so you can expect 5-star customer service on every call.