Why Your Chimney Crown Is Important

There are many components to your chimney. Every part has an important part to play. The chimney crown is one of those components that help to protect your home and chimney. 

So, what exactly is the chimney crown? A chimney crown is a cap that protects and shields the flue opening and masonry from weather. The cap is usually made of concrete, stone, or metal. It sits directly on top of the chimney, such as a “crown”. Its main job is to prevent water from entering the chimney, causing damage, and to keep debris and small animals from entering the chimney, thereby adding to the chimney’s lifespan.

When Should I Call a Professional?

• When water damage or a leaky chimney is noticeable, signs of water damage to the chimney crown include:
  • Cracked or deteriorated chimney crown. You may see cracks or crumbling of the crown. 
  • Water stains or discolored walls and ceilings near the chimney. 
  • You may smell musty or damp odors. 
  • A white, chalky residue, called efflorescence. This would be seen on the outside of the chimney. This is the residue that comes from water on bricks. 
  • Rust or corrosion is seen on metal components in the firebox.
  • Spalling. Bricks or mortar that are cracked, flaking, or chipped. This is caused by freeze-thaw cycles.

Are Chimney Crowns Important?

Water is quite detrimental. Once it gets into the chimney, it will absorb into the bricks and mortar, causing significant damage. A well-sealed crown will help to protect your chimney from water damage. However, a chimney without a crown allows water and debris to enter and cause damage. A chimney crown is your first defense against keeping water out. So, yes, a chimney crown is an important part of the makeup of your chimney.

Chimney Crown Lifespan and Maintenance

Over time, a chimney crown may need to be repaired. A well-constructed crown that has been properly maintained can last between 50 and 75 years. However, if the crown has been installed incorrectly or has had a lack of maintenance, its lifespan can be reduced. 

Yearly servicing of your chimney is important to extend the life of your chimney and crown. 

Felgemacher Fireplace has a team of experts who are ready to help with any repairs. If you are noticing issues with your chimney crown, contact us. We can help.

The Importance of Regular Chimney Cleaning

A clean chimney is a safe chimney, and we’ll keep yours as safe and efficient as it can be. Our owners are certified through the Chimney Safety Institute of America – a stringent industry certification held by only the best sweeps in the U.S. We remove flammable creosote from chimney flues, reducing the chance of a chimney fire. We also remove debris and obstructions that could hamper the drafting of smoke and carbon monoxide. 

We’ve been helping folks throughout the Buffalo, NY, and Rochester, NY areas get the most out of their fireplace inserts, stoves, and chimneys for more than 60 years. When specialized chimney service is required, count on us for the best in chimney sweep, chimney repair, chimney rebuilding, and chimney inspection.