The chimney is more than a stack of bricks sticking out of your roof. It’s a carefully engineered system designed to vent smoke and gases from the fireplace or heating system. One of the most overlooked yet essential parts of that system is the chimney crown. The crown is a protective cap that shields the top of the chimney from the elements. When it’s damaged, the chimney becomes vulnerable to costly water damage and structural deterioration.
Motown Fire is your local expert in chimney crown repair. We proudly serve homeowners in Auburn Hills, MI, Troy, MI, Rochester Hills, MI, Ferndale, MI, Birmingham, MI, Royal Oak, MI, and the surrounding areas. We can help with chimney crown repairs and rebuilding.
What is a Chimney Crown?
As mentioned, a chimney crown is a slab of concrete, mortar, or stone that sits atop the chimney. It’s not the same as the chimney cap, which is a metal cover that keeps rain and animals out of the flue. The crown covers the entire top of the chimney’s structure, sloping away from the flue opening to direct rainwater away from the masonry below.
Think of the crown as the chimney’s roof. It helps prevent water from seeping into the bricks and mortar joints. A properly built crown should have an overhang and drip edge to ensure water is carried away from the sides of the chimney.
The Importance of a Chimney Crown
Water is one of the greatest threats to a chimney’s longevity. When moisture seeps in, it can cause bricks to crack, mortar to crumble, and metal components like the damper or firebox to rust. Over time, this water damage can weaken the chimney and lead to expensive repairs or even total reconstruction.
The crown is the chimney’s first line of defense. It blocks rain, snow, sleet, and ice from getting into vulnerable areas. Without a functioning crown, your chimney is exposed to Mother Nature’s Full force year-round.
How Your Metro Detroit Area Chimney Crown Gets Damaged
Unfortunately, chimney crowns are made from materials that degrade over time. Here are some common causes of damage.
Poor Construction
Some crowns are built with standard mortar instead of concrete or stone, making them more prone to cracking and erosion.
Freeze-Thaw Cycles
In colder climates, water can seep into small cracks in the crown. When it freezes, it expands, making the cracks worse over time.
Home Settling
Like any structure, the house settles over the years. This can cause fractures in the crown.
Weather Exposure
Constant exposure to the sun, rain, snow, and ice slowly wears down even the best-built crowns.
Lack of Maintenance
A small crack left untreated can quickly grow into a major problem. Regular chimney inspections are key to catching small issues early.
Motown Fire Chimney Crown Repair
Chimney crown repair isn’t a DIY job; it requires skilled professionals to ensure it’s done properly and for longevity. Here’s how we can fix your damaged chimney crown:
Inspection
We’ll first inspect the crown and assess the damage. This includes a visual inspection and may involve cameras or drones to get a more detailed look.
Cleaning the Surface
Before repairs begin, we’ll clean the surface of debris, dirt, and loose material.
Minor Crack Repair
If the crown has small cracks but is structurally sound, we may opt for a waterproof sealant or crack filler. These products are flexible and allow for expansion and contraction with temperature changes.
Re-Crowning
For more significant damage, we can remove the existing crown and pour a new one. This new crown is shaped with a slope to guide water away from the chimney for optimal protection.
Waterproofing
After repair or replacement, we recommend applying a waterproofing product to prevent future water intrusion.
Installing or Replacing the Cap
While not technically part of the crown, the cap is a crucial piece that protects the chimney from rain and critters from getting in. If it’s damaged, we can replace it for added protection.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late!
Motown Fire is your trusted partner for chimney crown repairs and reconstruction. Contact us today at 586-260-6121 and keep your chimney in good shape for better performance and longevity.
