Looking for Chimney Crown Repair Near Dallas? We’re Here To Help
You’re off to enjoy a beautiful day outdoors, but on your way out, you look up and notice that your chimney – particularly the top of it – isn’t looking so hot. Now, instead of feeling relaxed, you feel stressed as you type “chimney crown repair near me” into your phone and start browsing the results.
Well, if your online search led you here, then worry no more. All that’s left to do is give us a call, tell us the problem with your chimney crown, then shift the burden to our team. Ready to get started? Call or book online today.
What Is the Chimney Crown?
If you look at the top of a masonry chimney, you should see a concrete slab partially covering the space that would otherwise be an open hole. This concrete slab is designed to help close the chimney off and keep moisture from running down into it, as well as keep water from flowing down the sides of the masonry walls. Yet, as simple as it sounds, not all crowns are effective.
Many crowns are made of a simple mortar mix instead of a reinforced concrete mixture, which makes them more prone to cracks and deterioration. Additionally, many chimney crowns are made thin and don’t include a drip edge. The drip edge is the area that extends past the chimney’s sides to encourage water to run away from the masonry and off the roof, instead of simply running right down into the brick of your chimney.
A reliable chimney crown should have the following characteristics:
- made from concrete (not mortar)
- at least 2 inches thick at the thinnest part
- a drip edge to help push water away
- downward slopes from the middle to guide water off
Once the crown starts developing cracks and holes or wearing thin, moisture can make its way in through the crown, little by little. The longer this goes on, the larger those cracks and holes will get, and the more moisture damage you can expect to see inside of your chimney system.
If a fireplace inspection reveals that your chimney crown is to blame for your water problems, we can help. Our team of experienced and certified professionals can rebuild or repair your chimney crown, leaving you with a protected, moisture-free chimney.
Are There Metal Chimney Crowns?
Metal chimney crowns are what we refer to as chase covers. If your old crown isn’t doing the job, and you’re looking for an alternative to a full rebuild, a metal chimney crown replacement could be right for you! Most of the time, these are only installed on prefabricated chimneys, but some masonry ones have them installed, and they’ve done a great job adding that extra layer of protection homeowners are seeking.
Reach out now to discuss your options.
How Can I Tell if My Chimney Crown Needs Repair?
Inspecting your chimney crown regularly is essential for identifying potential issues early on. Here’s what we suggest when inspecting for damage:
- Check for Cracking: Keep an open eye for any visible cracks on the chimney crown, and remember that even small and seemingly insignificant cracks can allow water to penetrate.
- Look for Chips or Spalling: In addition to cracking, check for any chipped or spalled areas on the surface of the chimney crown.
- Take Note of Water Leaks: If you notice water entering your fireplace or damp spots on the ceiling or walls near the chimney, it may be a sign of a damaged chimney crown.
- Beware of Moss or Vegetation Growth: Vegetation growth on the chimney crown may suggest moisture retention.
- Look for Efflorescence: Efflorescence is a white, powdery substance that forms on the chimney surface when water has soaked into the brick – it’s not a good sign.
- Check for Missing or Damaged Mortar Joints: If the mortar joints connecting the chimney crown to the chimney structure are damaged, water can easily enter.
Can I Prevent Chimney Crown Damage?
Absolutely. Regular chimney inspections, especially after severe weather events, can help you identify these issues early and address them before they escalate. Also, be sure to invest in professional services at the first sign of trouble – the earlier you catch an issue, the quicker we can repair it before anything gets worse (and more expensive to address).
We, along with the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), recommend booking annual inspections. Get yours scheduled with us today!
Reach Out Now
We’re here for your chimney sweep and fireplace repairs services in Dallas and beyond. Our comprehensive list of services ensures you’re covered for it all!
Call us now or book online today. We’re here for you.
Let us repair your chase cover to take care of that leaky chimney problem. We’ll do the job right!