The chimney crown is the concrete slab on top of the chimney that sheds water away from the brick. Small cracks can be sealed with a flexible crown sealant; a crown that is crumbling, too thin or badly built should be rebuilt with an overhang and drip edge.
Signs you need crown repair
- Visible cracks across the top of the chimney
- Pieces of concrete on the roof or in the fireplace
- Water in the firebox after rain
- Damaged brick just below the top of the chimney
- A flat crown with no slope or overhang
Our process
- Assess. We check whether the crown can be sealed or needs to be rebuilt.
- Seal or rebuild. Hairline cracks get a flexible, waterproof crown coating. Crumbling crowns are removed and re-poured with proper slope and overhang.
- Check the cap and flashing. We make sure the rest of the top of the chimney is watertight too.
Crown sealing vs. crown replacement
A crown with hairline cracks but a solid structure can usually be cleaned and coated with an elastomeric crown sealant, which bridges cracks and flexes with temperature changes. A crown that is crumbling, very thin or built from regular mortar instead of concrete should be replaced. A properly built crown slopes away from the flue, overhangs the brick and has a drip edge so water falls clear of the chimney.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a chimney crown and a chimney cap?
The crown is the concrete slab that covers the top of the masonry. The cap is the metal cover with mesh that sits over the flue opening. You need both.
How long does a chimney crown last?
A well-built crown can last decades. Many crowns are built incorrectly with mortar, which cracks within a few years.
Crown Repair near you
Philadelphia, PA · Bucks County, PA · Montgomery County, PA · Delaware County, PA · Chester County, PA · Lehigh Valley, PA · Cherry Hill, NJ · Burlington County, NJ · Gloucester County, NJ · Trenton & Princeton, NJ · Edison & Middlesex County, NJ · Monmouth County, NJ · Toms River & Ocean County, NJ · Bergen County, NJ · Wilmington, DE · Newark & Middletown, DE · Dover, DE · Staten Island, NY · Nassau County, NY · Suffolk County, NY · Westchester County, NY · Fairfield County, CT · New Haven, CT · Hartford, CT