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At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

 

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR CHIMNEY CROWN

What Is A Chimney Crown?

A chimney crown is a vital component of a chimney system that sits on top of the masonry chimney structure. It is a horizontal slab that acts as a protective barrier, covering the entire top surface of the chimney. The primary purpose of a chimney crown is to prevent water, debris, and animals from entering the chimney while also providing structural support.

Chimney crowns are typically made of durable materials such as concrete, metal, or stone.  They are custom-built to fit the specific dimensions and shape of each chimney.  The crown is positioned higher than the chimney brickwork to create a gradual slope that allows water to drain away from the chimney instead of pooling on top.

One important aspect of the chimney crown is the overhang or drip edge.  This edge extends beyond the outer walls of the chimney, allowing rainwater to fall away from the chimney structure.  The crown also includes a central opening, known as the flue hole, which sits directly above the flue liner to ensure proper venting of the fireplace or heating appliance smoke.

Chimney crowns are different from chimney caps or spark arrestors.  While both serve to protect the chimney, a chimney cap is attached to the flue pipe and covers the opening, preventing sparks, animals, and debris from entering the flue.  On the other hand, a chimney crown sits on top of the chimney brickwork, covering the entire chimney structure.

In summary, a chimney crown is a horizontal slab fitted on top of a chimney structure, serving as a protective barrier against water, debris, and animals.  Its design and construction are crucial in ensuring proper drainage and maintaining the overall integrity of the chimney system.

Importance Of A Chimney Crown

A masonry chimney is made up of brick, mortar, and stone.  When a masonry chimney is exposed to water, the moisture seeps inside the mortar, causing it to deteriorate.  Thus, the mortar and bricks crack, putting the structural integrity of your chimney at stake.  Since moisture deteriorates mortar, the chimney bricks loosen and eventually cause the chimney to crumble.

To address this issue, applying waterproofing treatments to the chimney can significantly reduce water absorption and protect the structure from the damaging effects of moisture.  Waterproofing provides a protective barrier that repels water while allowing the masonry materials to breathe, preventing trapped moisture.  Furthermore, when water leaks into the chimney, other parts of the chimney get exposed, which can rust, corrode, and ultimately malfunction, affecting the efficient working of the chimney.

When the water reaches the firebox, it makes it harder to start a fire and leads to condensation, further exposing the brick-and-mortar structure to moisture.  Thus, to protect your masonry chimney against water damage, a chimney crown (made from concrete) is constructed over the last bricklayer on top of your chimney.  Since it protects the brick and mortar of your chimney against water damage, it can be credited for increasing the overall lifespan of your chimney.

Difference Between Chimney Crown And Chimney Cap

People often confuse the chimney crown and chimney cap.   It makes sense that you might confuse them, as they have somewhat similar roles and are both located at the top of the chimney.  The difference, however, is that while a crown is constructed atop the last layer of chimney bricks, the chimney cap sits on top of the chimney.

A chimney cap essentially covers the chimney flue and keeps water, dust, debris, small animals, and birds from entering the chimney.  Together, the chimney cap and crown protect the flue and the chimney from outside harm.

Purpose and Importance of a Chimney Crown

The purpose and importance of a chimney crown cannot be overstated when it comes to the functionality and longevity of your chimney.  First and foremost, the primary purpose of a chimney crown is to provide protection against water intrusion.  Water is one of the biggest enemies of chimneys, as it can cause significant damage to the masonry and internal components.  A properly constructed and well-maintained chimney crown acts as a waterproof barrier, preventing water from seeping into the chimney structure.  It ensures that rain, snow, and other forms of moisture are directed away from the chimney and safely drained off the top.

In addition to water protection, a chimney crown also serves as a defense against debris and pests.  It helps to keep leaves, branches, and other debris from entering the chimney system and potentially causing blockages or obstructions.  Furthermore, a properly designed chimney crown with an overhang helps to deter pesky animals, such as birds or squirrels, from nesting inside the chimney.

Is your chimney crown in need of repair?

Chimneys, like other masonry structures such as brick walls and stone steps, are susceptible to damage from environmental factors. The most common types of chimney crown damage include:

Erosion caused by water flowing across the top or down the side of a chimney.  This can cause bricks to become loose and fall off, creating holes in your roof that allow for leaks and additional weathering problems inside your home’s attic space. Frost Damage – over time frost will push against the mortar joints on both sides of a chimney causing them to crack outwards which allows cold air into your home resulting in higher energy bills due to inefficiently using fuel during winter months.  Additionally, you may experience cold spots throughout your home due to the cold air seeping through your chimney.  Salt Damage – salt is harmful for any masonry surface, but it can be especially detrimental when attacking a material like mortar which has an extremely porous structure allowing the salts to easily penetrate deep into its body and cause rapid deterioration of both color and texture.