| Chimney Crowns |
Imagine how much water would come into your home during a rainstorm if you had a
hole in your roof twelve inches square. Chimney flues may be even larger than that, so
where does all of that water go? It runs down the chimney and seeps into the bricks and
mortar, settling behind the firebricks. There is little air circulation in the chimney (unless
you’re using it) and no sunlight, soothe inside of the chimney stays wet longer after the
rain stops. This moisture erodes the mortar joints and weakens the brick. Add to this a
freeze/thaw cycle during the cold months, and you have all the needed ingredients for a
deteriorating chimney.
TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT ~ Even though you can’t see the damage happening—
it’s there—slowly deteriorating your beautiful fireplace and chimney. This is a
particularly important consideration if you have a metal firebox incorporating a metal
damper and smoke shelf. All fireplace dampers made of metal are subject to this
deterioration as the water mixes with creosote and mid acids are formed. Even chimneys
serving wood stoves are in need of a cover.
Our caps are 100% stainless steel and carry a lifetime warranty against rust and
corrosion. Our technicians are trained in the proper installation of these caps and also the
inspection of the chimney to insure that no animals or debris is left in the chimney that
might cause a problem. Caps come in a variety of standard sizes, but in the chance that
your chimney requires a special size or if you require copper, powder coating, etc., we
offer custom caps as well. For more information on chimney caps, please visit: www.
chimneycaps.net or call our office for more information.
Please note: While our caps do have a lid that will serve to protect the area that they
cover, and we do also offer caps that will cover the entire top of the chimney, there are
times when a cap does not resolve the water entry problems. The water could be coming
in from other areas besides simply down the flue. We recommend a thorough cleaning
and proper inspection of the chimney as well.
hole in your roof twelve inches square. Chimney flues may be even larger than that, so
where does all of that water go? It runs down the chimney and seeps into the bricks and
mortar, settling behind the firebricks. There is little air circulation in the chimney (unless
you’re using it) and no sunlight, soothe inside of the chimney stays wet longer after the
rain stops. This moisture erodes the mortar joints and weakens the brick. Add to this a
freeze/thaw cycle during the cold months, and you have all the needed ingredients for a
deteriorating chimney.
TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT ~ Even though you can’t see the damage happening—
it’s there—slowly deteriorating your beautiful fireplace and chimney. This is a
particularly important consideration if you have a metal firebox incorporating a metal
damper and smoke shelf. All fireplace dampers made of metal are subject to this
deterioration as the water mixes with creosote and mid acids are formed. Even chimneys
serving wood stoves are in need of a cover.
Our caps are 100% stainless steel and carry a lifetime warranty against rust and
corrosion. Our technicians are trained in the proper installation of these caps and also the
inspection of the chimney to insure that no animals or debris is left in the chimney that
might cause a problem. Caps come in a variety of standard sizes, but in the chance that
your chimney requires a special size or if you require copper, powder coating, etc., we
offer custom caps as well. For more information on chimney caps, please visit: www.
chimneycaps.net or call our office for more information.
Please note: While our caps do have a lid that will serve to protect the area that they
cover, and we do also offer caps that will cover the entire top of the chimney, there are
times when a cap does not resolve the water entry problems. The water could be coming
in from other areas besides simply down the flue. We recommend a thorough cleaning
and proper inspection of the chimney as well.
| The following photos show a chimney where the flue tiles were recessed down the chimney, for this simple repair the flue tiles were raised to proper height and a new crown cast. |
The chimney crown is the top element of a masonry chimney and receives DIRECT
exposure to the elements. It covers and seals the top of the chimney from the flue liner to
the chimney edge. Most masonry chimneys are built with an inadequate crown constructed
from common mortar mix, the same mixture used to lay the bricks of the chimney. This
mortar is not designed for and will not withstand years of weather abuse without cracking,
chipping or deteriorating; situations that allow water to penetrate the chimney. In fact, most
sand and mortar crowns crack almost immediately after installation because of shrinkage.
A proper chimney crown should be constructed of a waterproof reinforced concrete material.
Additionally, we recommend a crown-mounted chimney cap to further protect the top of
your chimney.
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| Useful Links: Chimney Safety Institute of America National Chimney Sweep Guild Wood Heat Info 5-day Forecast for Concord , NC |
| Office: 704-782-7213 Fax: 704-782-7299 |
| The Chimney Doctor, Inc. |