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Your Guide to Chimney Crowns

You probably don’t give too much thought to your chimney crown but you should. It plays a big role in protecting your chimney and the rest of your home. Made out of brick, stone or mortar, the crown is basically the top masonry structure of your chimney that sits above the flue.

Maybe you have a chimney crown that’s in need of repair. Or maybe you don’t have one at all. In either case, here’s your guide to everything you need to know about chimney crowns and why you need to keep them in good condition. If you have noticed any issues, don’t hesitate to reach out for chimney repair in Royal Oak MI to address the situation before it worsens.

Chimney Crowns and Their Function

As said above, the chimney crown is the top masonry structure of the chimney. Its job is to protect the top of your chimney against weathering and other damage by covering and sealing the chimney’s opening around the edges. The crown also diverts water away from the chimney to prevent leaks and deterioration.

A well-built and well-maintained chimney crown can last many years. However, over the years, it can become old, weathered, worn and deteriorated from the effects of ice, rain, snow, and wind. You will have to replace your chimney crown when that happens in order to maintain adequate protection of your home.

Benefits of Chimney Crowns

From preventing the escape of sparks to protecting your masonry from water damage, there are numerous benefits to having a chimney crown on your home. Chimney crowns:

  • Protect the masonry from weathering and moisture damage.
  • Prevent water from entering the chimney and causing damage to the masonry.
  • Prevent sparks from escaping your chimney and causing a fire.
  • Improve chimney efficiency by directing airflow up and inside the flue.
  • Increase the lifespan of your entire chimney system.

As you can see, there are many reasons why you need a properly-installed and well-maintained chimney crown on your home.

Signs That the Chimney Crown is Damaged

If you are unsure if your chimney crown is in good condition or not, there are some signs you can keep an eye out for. Water damage is the most common sign of damage. You may notice evidence of water infiltration in the form of staining or efflorescence (a white, chalky substance). This means the crown is damaged and needs repair.

Another common sign is spalling, which is when the masonry on the crown breaks down and flakes off. In this case, the crown will require repair or replacement.

It can be challenging for the average homeowner to know if a chimney crown is in need of repair. That’s why it’s best to have a chimney repair professional in Royal Oak come out to inspect it. They can determine its condition and recommend the best course of action.

Get a Free Quote on Chimney Crowns From It’s the Brick Guys

If you have noticed any of the above signs of failure, it’s important to get in touch with our Royal Oak chimney repair professionals sooner rather than later. Immediate attention will prevent further costly damage. To get started, contact us in one of our three convenient locations today for a free quote and consultation on chimney repair in Clinton Township and beyond.