Guide To Chimney Crown Repairs

Whether you’re a new fireplace owner or a seasoned enthusiast, caring for your chimney is essential to keeping your home safe and comfortable. In this guide, we’ll explore some tips for keeping your chimney crown in top shape so you can enjoy all the benefits of a well-maintained chimney. From repairing cracks to applying waterproof sealant, we’ve got it covered. So, let’s get started!

What is a Chimney Crown?

A chimney crown is a concrete slab at the top of a masonry chimney. It is sloped to shed rain and snow and has a drip edge to prevent water from running down the sides of the masonry.

Common Problems in Southern Middle Tennessee

For folks residing in the Tullahoma area, several common problems can damage a chimney crown:

• Weather: Over time, seasonal weather changes can take their toll on your chimney crown. Rain, snow, ice, and even a lightning strike can cause damage to the crown.
• Falling trees: Strong, gusty winds commonly blow through the valley and can cause trees to tip over and fall on the chimney, resulting in severe crown damage.
• House settling: While aging, your home may settle, resulting in cracks in the chimney crown’s surface.

Signs Your Crown Needs Repair

Be on the lookout for these signs that your chimney crown may need repair:

• Cracks
• Erosion
• Missing mortar
• Damaged or nonexistent chimney cap

Can I Repair the Chimney Crown Myself?

Whether or not you can repair the chimney crown yourself depends on the extent of the damage and your skill level. If the damage is minor, such as small spider cracks on the surface, you may be able to patch it yourself. Here’s how:

1. Clean the gap with a wire brush to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Apply mortar sealant to fill in the hole completely.
3. Smooth it out with a putty knife.
4. When the patching material dries (about 4 hours), brush on a water-based elastomeric coating specifically designed for the chimney crown. A-1 Chimney Specialist recommends ChimneySaver®.

However, it’s best to call a professional chimney sweep when more severe damage exists, such as erosion or missing mortar.

When to call a Chimney Sweep Professional

We strongly encourage homeowners always to call a chimney professional to inspect and repair any chimney component, including the crown. Our chimney sweeps have extensive training and experience to identify and repair chimney crowns safely and efficiently.

How to Prevent Chimney Crown Damage

There are a few things you can do to prevent chimney crown damage:

• Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually by a professional chimney sweep.
• Trim any tree branches that are overhanging your chimney.
• Install a rugged stainless-steel chimney cap to keep out rain, snow, and animals.
• Waterproof the masonry.

Professional Chimney Crown Repairs In Lynchburg, TN – Huntsville, AL

Your chimney crown plays a crucial role in the overall health of your chimney, and proper maintenance is essential for extending its lifespan. By having a yearly inspection and cleaning by a Certified Chimney Sweep®, you can prevent minor problems from turning into costly repairs. Call A-1 Chimney Specialist at 931-967-3595 (TN) or 256-285-4895 (AL) for expert chimney maintenance and repairs in the Tennessee Valley. You can also contact us online.