Chimney Crown Repair
Chimney Repair / Rebuilding Experts
Cracks in a cement chimney crown can lead to serious water infiltration and structural decay. Felgemacher Masonry & Chimney provides expert chimney crown repair and rebuilding for our customers in Buffalo NY, Rochester NY, Pittsford NY, Cheektowaga NY, Irondequoit NY, Henrietta NY, Gates NY, Chili NY, and other Western New York communities.
What Is a Chimney Crown?
Chimney crowns are made of cement and are built at the top of the chimney, covering everything up there except the flue pipe openings. When properly designed, crowns have a perimeter drip edge to keep rain from running down along the masonry. Chimney crowns also should have a beveled design so water can’t collect and sit on them.
Damage Prevention
By covering the top of the chimney, crowns keep water from seeping into the porous top-most bricks of the chimney and causing decay. Crowns also block water from spilling down into the flue, where it will begin to erode the clay tiles of the chimney liner and eventually cause interior masonry damage. Water that moves all the way through the flue will rust and corrode the damper just above the firebox.
Cracked Chimney Crowns
While the chimney crown serves to prevent various types of damage within the chimney system, the crown itself is susceptible to its own damage. The most common problem we find with chimney crowns is cracking.
Cracks in the chimney crown can be caused by structural shifting, house-settling, lightning strikes, pounding hail, simple old age and more. If initial cracks are ignored, the problem will only get worse as water continues to infiltrate. When temperatures drop below freezing, the water freezes and expands, causing more destruction.
Chimney Crown Repair & Rebuilding
Solving issues with chimney crowns begins with a professional chimney inspection. The technicians at Felgemacher Masonry & Chimney know how to assess the condition of chimney crowns and make the right recommendations to solve the problem.
A product called ChimneySaver made by CrownCoat is a brushable sealant for minor cracks in the chimney crown and does an excellent job in keeping out water and preventing the cracks from enlarging.
Severely damaged crowns usually need to be rebuilt. Chimney crown rebuilding involves completely removing the old cement and carefully constructing a new, secure cover. We regularly rebuild chimney crowns in communities from Buffalo NY to Rochester NY.
Hire the Experts for All Chimney Repair Projects
Felgemacher has served Western New York homeowners since 1953 and brings the hands-on training and expertise necessary to get your chimney fixed quickly, safely and correctly.
Our owners carry certifications from the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).
Our company holds professional memberships with:
- National Fireplace Institute
- National Chimney Sweep Guild
- New York State Chimney Sweep Guild
- Hearth, Patio, and BBQ Association
If your chimney crown is in need of repair, call (716) 907-4914 in the Buffalo NY area or (585) 308-4914 in and around Rochester NY. We serve all regional neighborhoods including the North Buffalo neighborhood and the Central Park neighborhood.
