What the crown does
The crown covers the top of the chimney and sheds water away from the brick and flue. Over time it can crack from freezing and thawing.
Signs of trouble
- Cracks or gaps in the crown
- Crumbling mortar or flaking brick near the top
- Water stains on walls or ceilings near the chimney
- Loose bricks at the top of the chimney
When a repair is enough
If the brick below is sound, the crown can be repaired or replaced and the joints repointed. This is the smaller job.
When to rebuild
If the bricks are loose or have deteriorated deeply, a repair won’t hold and the chimney should be rebuilt above the roofline. A rebuild also deals with the area where the chimney meets the roof.
Don’t wait
Water damage gets worse every winter. A small repair done early is usually easier than a rebuild later.
