Need Chimney Crown Repairs? Mason’s Chimney Service Is Here for You
The outside of your chimney was built with many parts designed to keep water out. Flashing protects against water where your chimney meets the roofline. A chimney cap, installed at the top of your flue, blocks water and snow from dumping directly into it. And your chimney crown, generally made of mortar or concrete, sits atop the chimney masonry, helping to divert precipitation away from the flue. Since all of those parts are taking a constant beating from the elements, it’s not uncommon to see a need for repair at some point.
The chimney crown plays an important role in protecting your chimney against water damage – particularly given where it’s situated – so crown damage is a serious problem that should be addressed quickly. Cracked crowns can lead to extensive water damage in the chimney and your home’s interior. Whether your issues are minor or major, Mason’s Chimney Service can restore your crown to a nearly new condition.
When you’re in need of crown and chimney repairs, trust the team at Mason’s Chimney Service. Call us to schedule an appointment at 800-559-6276 or reach out to us online today!
How Do I Know if My Chimney Crown Is Damaged?
A Mason’s Chimney Service professional can inspect your chimney and tell you for sure if there is damage to the crown. If you’re scheduling your annual maintenance, our technicians will find any issues while they’re still in the beginning stages. However, there are a few indicators that you might notice on your own in the meantime:
- You have a chimney leak. Your chimney’s barriers against water are commonly the places where leaks start. If your chimney has a leak, a Mason’s Chimney Service technician can take a look at your crown and see if it may be the culprit or a contributor to your problem.
- There is evidence of water damage. When water gets into your chimney system, it can damage the components in different ways. Metal elements like the damper may erode and rust, while other parts like brick will chip and crack.
- There are visible signs of damage. Do you see a crack in the crown? Is there crumbling mortar visible? If you see something amiss, you’ll want to have a professional take a look as soon as possible.
- Vegetation is growing near the crown. Vegetation on your chimney crown is a warning sign. It could mean that moisture is trapped due to damage, so get the crown inspected.
- There is discoloration on the chimney. Notice a white, chalky coating on your chimney? That’s efflorescence and it’s caused by water carrying salts to the surface and evaporating.
How Often Should I Have My Chimney Crown Inspected?
Unless you have experience as a professional chimney sweep, you may not see the signs of chimney crown damage. But there’s no need to despair, Mason’s Chimney Service is here to find what you may have missed. To stay on top of issues and get ahead of wear and tear, we recommend scheduling a chimney inspection at least once a year. That gives us the best opportunity to monitor your chimney’s performance and observe gradual changes in the system as time goes on.
How Does Mason’s Chimney Service Repair Crowns?
Every chimney is different, every crown is different, and every repair is different. We’ll thoroughly inspect your chimney crown’s condition and recommend the right repairs for your situation. We pride ourselves on a firm belief that technicians should never try to sell you unnecessary services. If we find that a minimal repair can get your crown back to its proper function, that’s what we’ll suggest.
What we do for minimal damage and hairline cracks
If your chimney crown is still structurally strong but has a few hairline cracks, we may recommend a crown coat repair. We’ll use a flexible tripolymer, elastic sealant that can be applied over the entire crown to leave a durable waterproof barrier. Mason’s Chimney Service uses CrownGuard, a great product that permanently bonds to and protects crowns and carries a limited lifetime guarantee.
What we do for major cracks and spalling
If we find that your crown has sustained major cracks or that flaking and chipping (spalling) are present, the best course of action may be to construct a new crown. Mason’s Chimney Service’s experienced chimney technicians can safely remove your damaged crown and construct one that will look great and protect your chimney.
Is a Crown Replacement Better Than a Repair?
There is a lot to consider when you’re weighing the pros and cons of a repair versus a replacement. A crown repair might not last as long as a full crown replacement, especially for more extensive damage.
A proper chimney crown is made from concrete that is poured into a mold and allowed to harden. Once removed, the resulting concrete layer is several inches thick and will be wider than the chimney itself. This wider section helps prevent water from running down the sides of the chimney. An added bonus? Concrete’s durability makes these crowns a lower maintenance, longer-lasting solution compared to mortar washes.
Keep Your Chimney in Good Condition – Call Us for Crown Repairs
Water may seem harmless, but it can leave your chimney system in really rough shape. If you’re experiencing a leak or think you might have a damaged chimney crown, take action and call Mason’s Chimney Service today. We’ll provide an honest assessment of your chimney’s current state and go over all of your options with you. You can get in touch with us online and give us a call at 800-559-6276. We can’t wait to work with you!
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