Chimney crown repair in Lake Forest, IL
The crown is the slab on top of your chimney. When it cracks, water gets in where you cannot see it.
The crown, sometimes called the chimney wash, is the sloped layer of mortar or concrete across the top of the chimney, around the flue. Its only job is to shed water away from the brick. It takes a beating: sun, rain, ice and wind, all day, all year.
Crowns are often built thin, and they crack. Once they do, rainwater runs into the chimney walls and, over time, into the house. A cracked crown is one of the more common reasons we find water damage on chimneys, and it is also one of the more fixable ones when it is caught early.
What the repair can look like
- Sealing hairline cracks with a product made for crowns, when the crown is otherwise solid
- Patching chipped or missing sections
- Rebuilding the crown completely when it is too far gone to repair
- Making sure the new crown overhangs the brick so water drips clear of the walls
- Checking the flue tile, cap and flashing at the same time
How to tell the crown needs help
- Visible cracks across the top of the chimney, even thin ones
- Chunks of concrete or mortar missing
- Dark stains or moss on the upper part of the chimney
- Water stains on the interior wall around the chimney
- Flaking brick near the top
A good crown repair is quick and far cheaper than rebuilding the chimney. If you have noticed anything on the list above, we are happy to look. Related: chimney cap installation.
Questions we hear
What is the difference between a crown and a cap?
The crown is the masonry slab around the flue. The cap is the metal cover that sits on top of the flue. They work together, but they are different parts.
Can I just paint over the cracks?
Ordinary paint is not meant for this. Crowns need a product designed to flex and shed water. We can recommend the right one.
How long does a crown repair last?
It depends on the condition of the crown and the repair used. We will explain the likely outcome before you decide.
Does a bad crown affect the inside of the house?
It can. Water can travel down the chimney and show up as stains on walls or ceilings near the fireplace.
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Leave your name, number and a few words about the chimney or fireplace. We read every request and call you back. If it is urgent, call us instead: (224) 271-0137.