Chimney crown repair in Oak Park, IL
The crown is the slab that caps the brick around the flue. When it cracks, every rain soaks into the stack below. We seal it, resurface it or rebuild it so it sheds water again.
- Cracks sealed
- Crowns resurfaced
- Crowns rebuilt
The part of the chimney that sheds the rain
A crown should be sloped so water runs off it, and it should overhang the brick slightly so that the water drips clear of the sides. A slab that is flat, cracked, or flush with the brick holds water against the stack instead.
Because it faces the sky, the crown takes every winter at full strength. Here is what we look for on the roof.
- Hairline cracks, or cracks that run across the whole slab
- Chipped or crumbling edges
- A crown that is flat or slopes toward the flue
- Gaps between the crown and the flue tile
- Dark stains or moss on the top of the chimney
- Water marks on the brick just under the crown
What you get with Chimney crown repair
Rain runs off
A crown with the right slope and a clean drip edge sends water away from the brick instead of letting it soak in.
Protects the whole stack
Keeping water out of the top of the chimney slows the freeze and thaw damage that spreads down the brick and mortar.
The right repair for the damage
A coating for fine cracks, a rebuild for a slab that has failed: we match the work to what we find on the roof.
A small job, done early
A crown caught at the hairline stage is a short job. Left for years, it often turns into brick repair as well.
Three ways to repair a crown
Which one applies depends on how far the damage has gone.
- Sealing: a waterproof crown coating over fine cracks
- Resurfacing: a new layer over a worn but sound slab
- Rebuilding: the old crown is broken out and a new one formed with the right slope and overhang
Timing and weather
Concrete and mortar need to cure above freezing, so crown work is best planned from spring to fall. If you notice a crack in winter, call anyway: we can look, tell you what it needs and what can be done for the time being.
Chimney crown repair questions
How do I know the crown is cracked?
Often only from the roof. From the ground you may see water stains on the brick near the top, white mineral streaks or bits of crumbling material around the flue. We check the crown up close on every repair or inspection visit.
Can a cracked crown be fixed, or must it be replaced?
Fine cracks can be sealed with a crown coating. If the crown has broken through, is crumbling, or lies too flat to drain, it should come off and a new one be formed over the existing brick.
Does a crown repair stop a leak in my ceiling?
It can, when the water was entering at the top. We also check the cap and the flashing, because a leak at the roof line has more than one possible source.
Is a crown the same as a cap?
No. The crown is the slab of concrete or mortar on top of the brick. The cap is the metal cover that sits on the flue. A chimney needs both, and we repair either one.
Other services we provide
Chimney cap services
Caps and lids fitted, replaced or repaired to keep rain, leaves and animals out of the flue.
Chimney flashing repair
Flashing at the roof line replaced or resealed, to stop leaks where the chimney meets the roof.
Masonry restoration
Open joints repointed, broken bricks replaced and loose courses rebuilt on older brick chimneys.
Ready to have your chimney crown looked at?
Fireplace, stove or insert? Tell us which, leave your number, and we call to book a visit.