Need Chimney Crown Repair or Rebuild Services Near Grand Junction? Stove Depot Can Help

What Are the Qualities of a Well-Built Chimney Crown?

Like with any home structure, the chimney crown needs to be built right in order to work effectively – it’s not a piece you can just slap on top of the flue and hope for the best. Think about it…if you had gutters installed, but they didn’t slope, would they even be effective? Or if your roof wasn’t made with the right materials, wouldn’t rain still come in?

The same is true for the chimney crown. If it doesn’t meet certain requirements, you’re bound to face issues later on, and your home will be vulnerable to water damage down the line. What qualities should a chimney crown possess?

• Sloped design for drainage.A sloped or slightly domed surface is needed to direct rainwater and melting snow away from the flue and edges of the chimney. This also prevents water from pooling, which can lead to cracking and erosion over time.
• Overhanging drip edge. You’ll want a drip edge that extends at least 1 – 2 inches beyond the chimney’s sides to help channel water away from the brick or masonry below.
• Concrete material base.A durable chimney crown should be made from a weather-resistant concrete material – notmortar materials, as many crowns in the past were.
• Adequate thickness. To withstand the elements and resist cracking, a crown should be at least 2 – 3 inches thick at its thinnest point.

In addition, your chimney crown should cover the entire top surface of the chimney, not just the area around the flue pipe. Trust us from start to finish for a job done right.

Can Chimney Crowns Be Made of Mortar?

It is not recommended that chimney crowns be made of mortar. Mortar alone is not very durable when exposed to weather elements – think rain, snow, freeze-thaw cycles, UV rays, etc. Because of this, mortar-only crowns tend to crack, deteriorate, and fail prematurely.

Here’s the bad news: Back in the day, this was common practice. As builders finished up a chimney’s construction, they would simply use the remaining leftover mortar to add a chimney crown. This means that, oftentimes, chimneys on older homes are not as durable as they could be and may be more prone to water damage.

The best materials for a chimney crown are concrete or some type of concrete-based mixture. Chimney crowns should also meet all necessary industry standards – like overhanging the chimney, being at least two inches thick, having a sloped design, and being properly waterproofed.

If an inspection revealed that your chimney crown was made from a mortar mix, the best step forward for system longevity and reduced risk of damage is to have the crown rebuilt with proper concrete materials.

What Are Signs My Chimney Crown Needs Repair?

Because your chimney crown is exposed to the elements constantly, it tends to be more prone to deterioration over time. Recognizing the signs that your chimney crown needs repair is essential to prevent water damage, structural problems, and costly chimney repairs down the road. 

Here are the common signs indicating your chimney crown needs some professional attention: 

• You notice cracking. Small hairline cracks are normal with age, but larger cracks or cracks that are spreading are a problem and can allow water to seep inside the chimney. If cracks are visible, especially wider than a pencil, it’s time for professional evaluation.
• The concrete/mortar is crumbling.If pieces of the crown surface start to chip, flake, or crumble away, this deterioration, called spalling, can expose the system’s inner materials to moisture. If chunks are missing or the surface looks rough and uneven, it’s a clear sign of damage.
• Water stains are appearing.Water leaking through a damaged crown can leave stains on the chimney masonry, as well as cause discoloration on the ceiling or walls of the home. Green mold or mildew growth near the chimney can also be a sign of water intrusion.
• There is water pooling on the chimney crown.A properly built crown should have a slope directing water away. If the crown is flat or concave, it might allow water to pool, which just accelerates damage.
• There’s rust stains on nearby components.Since the crown is meant to protect the parts around it, take note of any rust on metal flashing or chimney caps nearby. Rust stains may indicate water is coming in through the crown area.

Chimney Crown Repair Near Me: Why Swift Repairs Are Crucial

When a chimney crown becomes damaged, getting on top of repairs as soon as possible is a must. A cracked or deteriorating crown creates a domino effect, eventually allowing water to seep into other areas of the chimney system, as well as parts of the home…think mold growth, rotted woodwork, peeling wallpaper, ruined paint jobs, and more. Eventually, as water continues to weaken the bricks, mortar, and metal components, your chimney may start leaning, cracking, or even collapsing.

In addition to all of that, a compromised chimney crown can allow water to damage flue liners or other internal components, potentially causing smoke to leak into your home or increasing the risk of fire and carbon monoxide exposure.

In the end, addressing chimney crown issues early helps you avoid costly and potentially dangerous repairs down the road.

If you notice indications of crown damage, like visible cracks, flaking concrete, or any signs of water leaks inside your fireplace, it’s time to give us a call and book an inspection. Our experts can evaluate the condition of the crown and recommend your next best steps, whether that’s sealing small cracks or discussing a full rebuild. And if you need further services, like a chimney cap installation or masonry waterproofing, we can help with that too.

When it comes to your chimney, pay attention. The sooner you can act after spotting damage, the more likely you are to avoid expensive and disruptive repairs later on. Don’t let a failing chimney crown lead to bigger issues. Trust us to keep your chimney safer, drier, and structurally sound for the long haul.

Do Chimney Crowns & Chimney Chase Covers Do the Same Thing?

Yes, technically these are meant to serve the same purpose, just for different types of chimney structures. What’s the main difference between the two?

• Chimney crownsare solid concrete slabs that sit on top of masonry chimney structures.
• Chase covers are metal covers (usually made of stainless steel) that sit on top of prefabricated chimney chases.

That said, both serve the same purpose – to seal and protect the top of the chimney from water damage. They prevent water from entering the chimney opening, and they protect the sides of the chimney (whether it’s a masonry structure or a prefab chase) from further damage.

Invest in Quality Chimney Crown Repairs Near You

Protect your home from water damage and preserve the integrity of your chimney with professional chimney crown repairs in Grand Junction from Stove Depot. Our team is committed to delivering durable, lasting solutions that stand up to Colorado’s tough weather conditions.

Contact us today to schedule an inspection or repair. At Stove Depot, your chimney’s health and home’s safety are our top priorities.