Dangers of a Cracked Crown
The chimney crown on your chimney is a vital component, so much so that it has persisted since medieval Europe. It protects the top of your chimney, making damage below much less likely. But what happens if it develops a fissure due to impact or weathering? We will explain the dangers of a cracked crown and its impact on your home.
The Chimney Crown Explained
As mentioned, the chimney crown originated in Europe during the Dark Ages. The basic concept used then still applies today, albeit with modern materials. It is made from stone or concrete to create a slab that sits atop your chimney. The main purpose of a chimney crown is to shield the chimney’s peak from extreme weather, intense sunlight, or objects that could damage it, such as a heavy tree limb or golf ball-sized hail. It’s easy to see the chimney crown’s crucial role in safeguarding the entire chimney.
Indicators of a Cracked Chimney Crown
Easily Visible Damage
Much of the damage to your chimney’s crown may be undetectable by sight, meaning that if cracks are visible from the ground,
significant damage has already occurred. This requires professional chimney sweep services to inspect and repair.
Water Damage from a Cracked Chimney Crown
If water is collecting in your fireplace’s firebox or pooling at the chimney’s base, it’s likely because the chimney crown isn’t keeping water out. This requires immediate inspection by a qualified chimney sweep service.
Disintegrating or Weathered Mortar on Your Chimney’s Crown
If the mortar surrounding your chimney’s crown is crumbling or disintegrating, it’s likely due to water seeping through a fracture in the crown, causing accelerated deterioration from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Efflorescence Around Your Chimney Crown
A white, chalky substance known as efflorescence can build up on the outside of your chimney when it absorbs water. It resembles a salt deposit because that’s exactly what it is. Efflorescence appears when water seeps in and evaporates, leaving mineral deposits behind, signaling that the chimney crown isn’t protecting against moisture due to a fracture.
How Are Chimney Crowns Damaged?
Unfortunately, there’s no shortage of factors that can damage your chimney’s crown. Here are some common causes:
The Elements and Your Chimney Crown
Over time, repeated exposure to rain, snow, sunlight, and wind can weaken your chimney’s crown, compromising its structure and making it more likely to crack.
Incompetent Installation
If your chimney crown was installed by unqualified contractors, there’s a high chance it has or will soon develop a stress fracture. Unscrupulous contractors rushing to the next job may cut corners during installation, resulting in cracks or crumbling in the crown, bricks, or mortar within a few years.
Shrinking Concrete (Yes, Really)
Shrinking concrete is another issue tied to poor workmanship. If the concrete for your chimney’s crown wasn’t properly mixed by experienced professionals, cracks are likely to appear.
Water and a Cracked Chimney Crown
Water, the most destructive force against a chimney, will infiltrate if the crown is cracked. When bricks absorb enough water, they expand and contract as temperatures fluctuate, especially during freeze-thaw cycles. Over time, this can cause the bricks to crack or crumble. If a stress crack in your chimney crown is left unaddressed, it could lead to a dangerous and costly chimney collapse.
What Do You Do When Your Chimney Crown Needs Mending?
When your chimney crown is damaged, it must be repaired by certified and licensed chimney contractors. A chimney sweep trained by the National Fireplace Institute will assess the crack’s severity and thoroughly inspect the rest of your chimney, inside and out. If additional damage is found, they will address it. If the crown is the only issue, it will be the sole focus of repair.
Inspections After Repairs Are Completed
Once repairs are finished, a trained chimney sweep will perform a final inspection to ensure the repair’s reliability and confirm no further issues exist.
Crown Repairs Are Not for Amateurs
Even if you’re experienced with home repairs like patching drywall or coating your roof, chimney repairs require specialized expertise. Attempting to repair your chimney crown yourself is risky and likely to yield poor results.
Chimney Sweeps Incorporated Can Fix Your Damaged Chimney Crown
If you’ve noticed any of these telltale signs indicating your chimney needs repair, contact us immediately. We can fix your cracked chimney crown. Don’t wait until your chimney is in such poor condition that it requires replacement—get in touch today.
