Chimney Crown Repair: For Beautiful, Long-Lasting Results Near Kansas City, Call Sleep Easy
One of the most common culprits behind chimney leaks is a damaged or crumbling chimney crown – the concrete seal at the top of the chimney stack. If your chimney crown is cracked or not properly sealed, be sure to reach out to us for chimney crown repair or rebuild services near you. We’d be happy to take a look and get your chimney back in tip-top shape.
Why & How Does a Chimney Crown Break Down?
Positioned at the top of your chimney, the chimney crown acts as an important barrier against water intrusion, directing rain, sleet, snow, and ice away from the chimney structure and flashing. But like many parts of your home, it’s not immune to wear and tear. So what causes these durable chimney crowns to break down?
- Poor initial construction. Some crowns were improperly built from the start. Common construction flaws include lack of a drip edge, flat or improperly sloped surfaces, or not adequate thickness. In addition, many chimney crowns of the past were made from a mortar mix, when a cement-based mixture should be used.
- Weather extremes and storm damage. Even well-built and well-maintained crowns can suffer over time due to repeated exposure to bad weather. This might include freeze-thaw cycles, which cause expansion and contraction, as well as blizzards, hail, high winds, heavy rainfall, and more.
- Natural wear and aging. Even the most durable materials can erode with age. When you consider all the things these areas are exposed to – bad weather, UV rays, winds, etc. – it only makes sense that time will eventually take its toll.
- Neglect and lack of maintenance. When crowns are not regularly inspected and maintained, small cracks or defects can grow into major issues that put your home at risk. Common neglect-related problems include lack of waterproofing, put-off repairs, and not addressing signs of water infiltration early
- Settling or structural shifts. Changes in the structure of the home or chimney, including settling or shifting foundations, can put stress on the crown and lead to cracking or separation.
No matter what has caused your chimney crown to crack, deteriorate, or fail, the good news is that Sleep Easy is here to help. We specialize in chimney crown repair and rebuilding, whether that means sealing small hairline cracks to prevent future water damage or replacing a severely damaged crown with one built to last.
Don’t let crown damage lead to costly chimney leaks – call today and get the protection you deserve.
How Can We Repair Your Chimney Crown?
A professional chimney inspection is the best way to determine the condition of your chimney crown and the repairs it might need. A certified chimney technician can assess the extent of the damage and help determine the best course of action.
If your chimney crown only requires minor repairs, like patching cracks or waterproofing, we will likely recommend one of the following top-of-the-line products:
- CrownSaver, a cement-based, long-term repair product that provides 10 years of protection against water damage and leaks.
- CrownCoat, a sealant that can be used to seal cracks and prevent the growth of cracks, while also keeping water out of the crown in the future. How far into the future? 15 years.
- CrownSeal, a permanently flexible crown repair product that provides a natural mortar/concrete appearance and protects against water intrusion.
However, for more extensive damage that requires a complete crown rebuild, our experienced team ensures your new crown meets industry standards for optimal performance.
What Are the Qualities of Proper Chimney Crown?
What qualities should your crown have to ensure it stands the test of time?
- Made of Concrete: They used to use the mortar mix from the chimney to slap a crown on top of the structure, but now we know that isn’t ideal for longevity. Rather, every chimney should have a concrete crown.
- Minimum 3-Inch Thickness: A well-constructed chimney crown should be at least 3 inches thick at its thinnest point to provide long-term durability and resistance to cracking.
- Drip Edge Protection: A properly formed drip edge directs rain and snow runoff away from the chimney structure, helping to prevent water damage to the masonry and flashing below.
- Proper Slope: A crown should be built with an adequate slope to channel water off the surface and prevent pooling, which can lead to leaks and deterioration.
When constructing a new crown, we can also apply a professional-grade crown waterproofing sealant for added protection and longevity – just ask!
For Crown Repairs & Rebuilds, Call Sleep Easy – Kansas City’s Trusted Chimney Company
Is it time to show your chimney crown a little love? Signs like cracks, spalling, or uneven surfaces can indicate it’s time for a checkup. Don’t let a neglected chimney crown cause headaches down the road. Call Sleep Easy today or reach out to us online. We’ll give your crown the love and attention it needs to keep water out for good!
Our chimney leak repair services also include chimney flashing repairs. We’re here to help!