Why Do I Need A Chimney Crown?
Your chimney has a number of important parts, but one of the most important is your chimney’s crown. You may be asking, why do I need a chimney crown? The answer is simple: if your chimney doesn’t have a crown, it will end up a wreck. Let’s find out why you need a chimney crown.
What is a Chimney Crown?
At the apex of your chimney is a region known as its crown. It is a concrete slab that slopes downward from the flue. Its purpose is to prevent precipitation, such as rain or snow, from entering your chimney. As the primary line of defense against moisture, it is crucial that your chimney’s crown stays in good shape. It protects its bricks below from absorbing rainwater or melting snow. Can you now see clearly its importance in guarding your chimney?
Types of Chimney Crowns
Here are some more common types of chimney crowns:
Cast-in-Place
One of the most common types of chimney crowns is the cast-in-place chimney crown. It is made of concrete and uses steel forms to construct the crown directly on top of the chimney.
Precast
Precast chimney crowns are perfect for chimneys that are 16 x 16 or smaller or are part of new construction. Precast can’t be used on larger chimneys because the weight of the crown involved makes it impractical.
Floating Crown
Floating crowns have overhangs that make them look like something that belongs on a chessboard and are more decorative while providing additional protection for the bricks below against water and snow. They also last longer than traditional chimney crowns, making the slightly higher cost worth it.
Signs a Chimney Crown May Need Repair
Maybe you have a chimney crown and are concerned it has been damaged. Here are a few of the more common signs that your chimney crown needs repair.
Pieces are Cracked or Missing
If your chimney has visible cracks or places where pieces are missing, they should be repaired by a qualified chimney sweep service. Water will infiltrate the structure of your chimney and bring about its demise if repairs are not carried out. Its condition will lead to the brick and mortar below degrading.
Mortar Being Worn Away
As we previously stated, once a chimney crown is damaged, it will allow water to seep into the brick and mortar. That means that during freeze-thaw cycles, the constant expansion and contraction of the mortar will cause it to disintegrate and fall out. If your chimney does not contain enough mortar to hold the bricks in place, the chimney may collapse.
Algae Growing on the Base of Your Chimney
Algae growing at the base of your chimney is a clear sign that water has made its way from the top of your chimney and migrated to its base. Why is that bad? It means your entire chimney is at risk of water damage. It is a sign that your chimney crown is damaged and shouldn’t be ignored.
What Can Be Done for a Damaged Chimney Crown?
The ideal way to deal with a damaged chimney crown is to keep it from happening in the first place. By having your chimney inspected on a regular basis by a professional chimney sweep service, you will save time and expensive repairs by stopping an issue with your chimney crown before it starts.
When your chimney crown has a crack or missing pieces, it needs to be repaired with new cement. The chimney sweeps will construct a wooden brace that is the size and shape of the original chimney crown and then lay cement on it. When the cement is confirmed to be level and smooth, it will take several days to cure. When the cement is set, it will be coated with a waterproof sealant to guard the crown from the weather. Repairing a chimney crown is not a do-it-yourself task; it takes training and experience to ensure it is done right.
Burlington Fireplace Can Install or Repair Your Chimney Crown
Contact us today if you want to have a chimney crown installed or your existing one repaired. One of our chimney experts will gladly discuss it with you. Don’t leave your chimney unprotected a moment longer; get in touch right away.