Noticing Cracks In Your Chimney Crown?

Owning a chimney can be a little tough. With it comes routine maintenance, but there also comes the worry about cracks in any part of the foundation. One of the most important parts of the chimney system is the crown. It is located at the top of the flue and sits on the highest point of the chimney. Crowns are designed to be strong enough to withstand harsh weather over long periods of time. However, like most structures, it can become damaged. There are numerous reasons why the crown can form cracks. For example, harsh weather such as snow, rain, and the hot sun can weaken the crown. Also, the crown can go through what is known as freeze-thaw stages.

Below are some indications of damages that appear on the chimney crown.

Indications of a Damaged Chimney Crown

1. Cracking: Visible cracks in the concrete forming the crown can be filled or sealed if they are still relatively small. Larger cracks might need more extensive repair.
2. Falling flue tiles: Notice small lumps of tiles gathering at the base of your fireplace? This is an indication that the pipe coating your stack is harmed. If this issue is not tended to it can possibly prompt a house fire.
3. Rust: Rust on the damper or in the firebox implies water is getting in there some way or another, potentially through a harmed smokestack crown. Rust must be completely cleaned, and the damage that caused it must be immediately fixed.
4. Moisture Damage: Wallpaper or walls within your home close to the fireplace are giving indications of dampness harm it could identify with water getting in through a defective crown.
5. Mortar joint harm: Water that gets into a smokestack can harm mortar joints and cause them to begin disintegrating. Keep an eye out for unordinary particles at the base of the stack or in the firebox

The faster issues are resolved, the less you’ll have to worry. The longer you wait to fix the issues, the more the repairs will cost. In the event that the crown is in extreme decay, it might be ideal to totally supplant and rebuild the crown. These and other problems can be prevented by scheduling an annual inspection and cleaning with a professional chimney sweep. Hire a reputable company for the job.

Mixing any old mortar and slapping it on top is going to leave you with additional issues in no time. Instead, you need a specially formulated mixture made of weather resistant materials to do the job. A cement chimney crown is likely your best option.