Moisture can have a devastating effect on your chimney and home. When moisture is allowed inside your chimney, there are a number of issues that could arise. The problems could include cracking and crumbling masonry, staining on your walls and masonry, bad odors, and even deterioration of your home’s wooden framework. Your chimney is designed to withstand whatever mother nature tries to throw at it. However, after years of exposure to rain, ice, hail, and wind, even the toughest chimney will start to show signs of weakening.
With all these possible issues, it would be nice to be able to protect your chimney and home from moisture? Fortunately, when your chimney was constructed, a chimney crown was also installed to protect your home from moisture. Your chimney crown is the first line of defense against the weather. At Northeastern Masonry and Chimney, we want you to know why your chimney crown is so important and whether your chimney crown needs repairs.
What is a chimney crown?
Your chimney crown is located at the top-most section of your chimney and surrounds your chimney’s opening to the outside. When your chimney was constructed, your chimney crown was created out of cement by a mason. It was designed in a way that the crown forms a gentle slope away from your chimney’s opening, directing water away from your chimney. The crown also protects the top layer of your chimney brickwork. It should be noted that your chimney crown can’t stop precipitation from falling directly into your chimney. It works in conjunction with a chimney cap to give your chimney opening 100 percent protection from water intrusion.
Why does my crown leak?
Due to its exposed location on top of your chimney, your chimney crown is constantly being bombarded by mother nature. Constant exposure to water, wind, and heat causes your chimney crown to deteriorate rapidly. You can tell if your chimney crown is damaged if you notice cracking, chipping, or crumbling on your crown. Inspecting your chimney crown can be difficult and often requires a trip up to your roof. This is why crown inspections are best left to a chimney professional during an annual chimney inspection.
Chimney crown repairs
At Northeastern Masonry and Chimney, we offer chimney crown repair services. Oftentimes, if your chimney crown only has minor cracking or leaking, we use a product called CrownSeal to repair your chimney crown. CrownSeal creates a protective coat over it, protecting it from the elements.
If you think you may have a leaky crown, the longer you wait to repair it, the more likely water will enter and get into your home. If you think that your chimney crown needs repair, don’t hesitate and call us today at 518-767-9315 or visit us online and to schedule an inspection today.