When a chimney crown is cracked, water can leak down through the openings and cause damage to the chimney. If the crown on your chimney has cracks, contact chimney crown replacement contractors in Stevensville MD to fix these issues before the chimney sustains more damage. Find out more information about chimney cracks by reading the frequently asked questions and the answers below.
Q.) What is the main purpose of a chimney crown?
A.) A chimney crown is a concrete cap that rests on the very top of a brick chimney. The cap covers the top of the chimney and it prevents water from getting down into the chimney. Water inside of the chimney can cause damage to the chimney walls and mold may begin to grow. A cap also prevents birds and tiny animals from wandering down into the chimney.
Q.) What causes the crown to crack on a chimney?
A.) A chimney that’s several years old will eventually begin to deteriorate due to age and wear. If the chimney wasn’t constructed properly and the crown weakens, it will fracture and split. The mortar often becomes loose and falls out of the crown, which also leads to leaks.
Q.) Can a chimney crack be repaired instead of having the entire crown replaced?
A.) If your chimney has only a small crack and there’s no sign of deterioration, most likely the crack can be fixed without replacing the entire crown. A homeowner can fix a simple crack by cleaning off the debris and applying caulk to the length of the crack. If the crack is too large to fill with caulk, concrete patching compound can be used to fill in the gap. After filling in the crack, use a paint brush to apply liquid seal coating to the crown. Chimney Crown Replacement Contractors in Stevensville MD can inspect your chimney to determine if it needs to be repaired or replaced.
Complete Chimneys is an insured and bonded company that offers chimney, masonry and duct cleaning services. This experienced business also sells, installs and repairs gas fireplaces and wood stoves. Browse our website to find out about our services and to contact us for an appointment.