Dangers of a Cracked Crown
One of the chimney parts most likely to deteriorate is the concrete chimney crown at the top. When you know the dangers of a cracked crown, you gain knowledge that can cut the cost of chimney maintenance. It’s important to rely on CSIA-certified chimney technicians for chimney services like repairing or rebuilding a cracked crown. The chimney sweeps at Chimney Saver Solutions are experts Richmond VA homeowner’s trust. Below, find the information you need to know about chimney crowns.
What is a Chimney Crown? 
The chimney crown’s job is to help prevent moisture from infiltrating the chimney system, like virtually every other chimney component. Because chimney masonry is highly porous and sponge-like, keeping water out is an ongoing battle. In particular, the chimney crown keeps water from flowing into the flue liner and between the chimney flue and the chimney exterior. When chimney leaks occur, a cracked crown is often the root cause of the problem.
Why a Chimney Crown is Prone to Deterioration
Several issues contribute to the fact that chimney crowns are especially susceptible to damage. First, the concrete material the crown is constructed with is often below standard. For instance, leftover mortar may be used in lieu of a sturdier concrete mix. Chimney crowns are exposed to harsh weather that causes a destructive wearing away of their surfaces. Cracks and gaps develop over time.
Poor craftsmanship often contributes to the structural weaknesses in the chimney crown. When properly constructed, the crown will include an overhang and drip edge in its construction. Oftentimes, crown rebuilding is necessary to ensure a chimney’s structural integrity.
The fact that the chimney crown can only be inspected for damage with a rooftop view means that gaps can go undetected. Inspection of the chimney crown is one of many reasons why chimney safety experts recommend an annual inspection for every chimney, even those not in use during winter.
What are the Dangers of a Cracked Crown?
The most significant of the dangers of a cracked crown is that moisture flows into the chimney structure. This is the beginning of the destruction of the bricks. During freezing and thawing cycles in winter, the water inside masonry expands and contracts. The bricks are unable to withstand the internal movement this causes.
A cracked crown also puts the chimney flue at risk for deterioration due to moisture mixing with the toxic properties of combustion byproducts. When a flue has even the tiniest crack, it is dangerous to continue using the fireplace. The potential hazards that result from a damaged flue liner include an out-of-control chimney fire and exposure to deadly carbon monoxide.
Contact the Chimney Experts for Chimney Crown Services
Our certified technicians at Chimney Saver Solutions are the ones to call for any type of chimney repair. The dangers of a cracked crown are among the many reasons to avoid calling on unqualified individuals, which is a genuine risk in our unregulated industry. Besides chimney crown rebuilds and repair, we offer masonry repair, chimney cap installation, new fireplace installation, full and partial masonry rebuilds, flashing repair, and more.
Contact us today because a neglected chimney puts your home maintenance schedule at risk for major disruption. To get started, call us or fill out our online form.
