- PENSACOLA SHOWROOM: 7555 Highway 98 West, Suite A, Pensacola, FL 32506
- DESTIN SHOWROOM: 36054 Emerald Coast Pkwy #100, Destin, FL 32541
Chimney crowns perform a critical job for your chimney by preventing water from moving into your chimney structure. Cracks in the crown, however small they may be, are the first signs of danger.
Doodlebuggers Fireplace, Grill & Outdoor Store of Pensacola, FL, and Destin, FL, would like to share some important information about chimney crowns, chimney crown damage and how to resolve problems with your crown.
A chimney crown is the concrete slab that covers the top of the chimney around the flue opening. When built correctly, the crown’s surface will angle downward to allow water from rain and melting snow to run off.
As noted, chimney crowns protect the inside of your chimney by keeping water out of it. Water is the #1 enemy of chimney structures. If allowed to run into the chimney, water can start a cycle of decay, resulting in:
Many things can shorten the lifespan of a chimney crown. Here are some of the more common causes of crown damage.
While these and other events won’t always completely destroy the crown, they can easily cause cracks. Even small “spider cracks” can gradually grow to the point that the crown is falling apart and letting large amounts of water into the system.
It is recommended that you have your chimney inspected once a year in order to spot early indications of damage to the structure or any of its components. You don’t normally see your chimney crown, since it’s up at the very top of your chimney. A qualified inspector will detect even minute signs of compromise in your crown.
Depending on how much crown damage exists, there are several strategies for resolving the problem.
Crown sealing: If cracking is minor, further damage can often be stopped by having a chimney technician apply a crown-sealing compound. This will keep water from getting into the cracks and making them worse over time.
Crown patching: For larger cracks and areas of decay, the best strategy is to have your chimney technician patch up the damaged sections of the crown. Adding a fresh concrete compound will give your crown many more years of reliable service.
Crown rebuilding: In extreme cases, a chimney crown may have to be completely removed and rebuilt from scratch. Only an experienced chimney mason should perform this work.
Along with crown repair, your technician will be able to tell you if collateral damage has occurred to any part of your chimney system. This damage should be repaired sooner rather than later.
Doodlebuggers is always available to help with chimney crown issues and all other chimney and fireplace problems you may be experiencing. Reach a chimney expert today at 850-477-1151 in Pensacola, FL, or at 850-243-0154 in the Destin, FL, area.
