The Ultimate Shield: Chimney Crown Repair & Installation
The chimney crown is the large concrete or mortar slab that covers the top of your masonry chimney, surrounding the flue. Unlike the metal chimney cap, the crown is an architectural part of the structure itself. Its primary job is to shed water away from the bricks and mortar below. Because it is exposed to the harshest elements—sun, rain, snow, and ice—it is often the first part of the chimney to deteriorate. At Triple A Chimney, we specialize in identifying crown damage early and providing long-lasting solutions, from flexible sealants to complete concrete rebuilds.
Understanding the Danger
Why Crown Damage Occurs
In Connecticut, the “freeze-thaw” cycle is the biggest enemy of chimney crowns. When small cracks form in the concrete, water settles inside. When temperatures drop, that water freezes and expands, widening the crack. Over time, this causes the crown to crumble or break apart entirely. A damaged crown allows water to seep directly into the chimney’s interior walls, causing:
Spalling bricks (flaking faces)
Rusted dampers and fireboxes
Rotting roof rafters and adjacent woodwork
Mold growth inside the home
Repair vs. Replacement
Choosing the Right Solution
Not every damaged crown needs to be demolished. We assess the severity of the damage to determine the most cost-effective solution.
Crown Sealing (CrownCoat): For crowns with minor hairline cracks, we apply a specialized, flexible waterproof membrane. This material expands and contracts with the weather, creating a watertight barrier that prevents further deterioration.
Crown Rebuilding: If pieces of the crown are missing or structural integrity is compromised, we remove the old mortar and pour a new, reinforced concrete crown.
The Importance of a Drip Edge
Proper Construction Matters
A properly constructed chimney crown must have an overhang (drip edge) that extends beyond the brickwork by at least two inches. This ensures that rainwater drips off the edge onto the roof rather than running down the face of the bricks. Many older crowns were built flush with the brick, leading to accelerated masonry erosion. When we rebuild a crown, we always include a proper drip edge to maximize the lifespan of your chimney.
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