Chimney Top & Crown Repair in Killeen, Temple & Beyond: Trust Our Team
It may be a small piece of the chimney system, but a chimney’s top (or crown) plays a big role in safeguarding your home against the elements. Time, weather, and wildlife can work against these components, but good maintenance and repair can restore your crown to its distinguished performance at expertly ruling the lofty gateway to your chimney. In contrast, poor maintenance can leave your whole system vulnerable to disrepair and deterioration.
When it comes to chimney top and crown repair, entrusting the task to seasoned professionals helps ensure the longevity of your whole system. If you’re looking for chimney crown repair in Killeen, Temple, and the broader central Texas region, turn to our skilled technicians. We have extensive experience in diagnosing and resolving chimney issues – for home and businesses – and can keep your chimney top in tip-top shape!
We’re your hometown chimney partners – call, text, or book online now.
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What Is a Chimney Crown? Why Is It Important?
If chimney crowns were Avengers, they’d probably be Captain America or Doctor Strange. Why? Because of their iconic ability to shield others from harm. A chimney crown is the protective component that sits on top of your chimney – it’s one small piece that shields the entire structure from the elements.
Made from durable materials like concrete, the crown is a sloped slab that sits on top of your chimney and extends a little beyond the chimney’s edges. It directs rainwater away to keep it from seeping into the masonry below.
Is a little moisture really a big deal?
To a chimney system – yes! Water can cause substantial damage.
To understand why a secure, well-built chimney crown is so important, you simply have to imagine your chimney without it. Precipitation would sneak into the bricks and mortar unimpeded, causing them to weaken over time. This can lead to cracks, leaks, and eventually even structural damage if left unchecked. It can make your chimney host to mold or mildew growth and musty odors. And it can cause corrosion, rust, and malfunction in the metal components inside your chimney.
Fortunately, keeping your chimney crown functional isn’t difficult with a little technical help. Have your chimney top and crown inspected regularly, and repaired as needed. Our professional chimney technicians are well equipped to assess your chimney crown’s condition and help identify repair solutions if needed. A little attention can enhance your chimney crown’s longevity and keep that unsung hero shielding your home from the elements.
What Are the Qualities of a Reliable Chimney Crown?
You know that a chimney crown does important work. But what are the features of a good chimney crown? We’re seen a lot of chimney crowns, so we know a quality one when we see it. Here’s what we look for…
What’s it made of?
The material used for the chimney crown should be durable, strong, and weather-resistant. Common materials are concrete (often mixed with additives for durability) and, in the case of chase covers, metals such as galvanized steel or stainless steel.
Concrete crowns are excellent in their ability to withstand exposure to heat, wind, and rain while resisting cracking. Here’s the qualities they should have:
- Thickness and overhang. The chimney crown’s materials help resist the elements, but so does its thickness. At minimum, it should be two inches thick. It should also extend beyond the chimney walls for the same reason you want your umbrella to extend beyond you – to keep from getting wet! And this should be easy to remember: your chimney crown should be at least two inches thick and overhang by at least two inches to effectively shed water.
- Slope. Another functional design component is your slope. Bring that umbrella back to mind. Imagine if it had a place water could pool on top. Not ideal! Your chimney crown should slope away from openings on top to ensure that water drains away from the chimney rather than pooling on top (which would increase the risk of water penetration and damage).
- Sealing. Chimney crowns can be sealed with a waterproof coating or sealant to add an extra layer of protection against moisture.
- Quality installation. Finally, a chimney crown should be constructed well by installers who adhere to industry standards and best practices to ensure quality and functionality.
A well-constructed chimney crown will effectively protect the chimney structure, prolong its lifespan, and reduce the need for expensive repairs due to water-related damage. Once this important system is in place, it just needs to be routinely maintained for smooth sailing.
Trust our techs for repairs, installation, and more – call us, text us, or book online today.
What Are the Signs of a Damaged Chimney Crown?
Cracks or gaps on the surface of the crown are clear signs of damage. These often start small, but can widen over time. Another indicator is crumbling or weakened concrete or mortar. These issues can mean that something’s going wrong and allowing moisture to penetrate the chimney masonry.
Water leaks inside the home near the fireplace or chimney might point to the same issue – the chimney crown no longer effectively shielding the chimney system. And if there are leaks, water is also potentially causing damage to the chimney’s interior components.
If you see any of these signs, note that they are not normal. Crumbling mortar, cracks, leaks, or strange smells call for some professional attention.
Call or text to schedule an inspection, and we’ll help you with prompt repairs or replacement to prevent further deterioration – keeping your investment in your home protected.
Can I Repair a Chimney Crown Myself?
Repairing a chimney crown is not a beginner – or even intermediate – level task. It can be challenging and requires the right skills, tools, and experience. Add to that the importance of the chimney crown’s role in protecting your chimney from water damage, and you’ll start to realize the high cost an improper repair job can exact, including exacerbating issues and compromising the chimney crown’s effectiveness in ways that can cause serious damage.
Chimney crown repair begins with thoroughly assessing the extent and cause of the damage. And remember – issues with the chimney crown may not only lie on the surface, but can be significant and structural. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and a number of different methods and materials may need to be employed in the repair.
For safety and peace of mind, consulting with a certified chimney sweep about any chimney top concerns is strongly advised. Since a botched or inadequate repair can lead to water infiltration, accelerated deterioration, and potentially costly repairs down the road, industry expertise is invaluable.
In short – this is a case where attempting a DIY job is simply not worth the potential short-term cost savings. Instead, entrust our professionals to help get this important home system running optimally again, so you can enjoy it for years to come.
How Can I Prevent Chimney Crown Damage?
You don’t have to sit and worry that deterioration might happen! Instead, take some simple, proactive steps to help protect your chimney system.
Schedule regular inspections by a qualified chimney professional, and be sure to note any specific concerns you have when setting up the appointment. If you notice debris or vegetation on your chimney crown, clear it off, and while you do, note whether there’s any cracking – this would necessitate a call to your professional technician.
How can I boost the performance of my chimney crown?
Another thing to ask your technician about is waterproofing. This involved applying a sealant to the chimney crown to further fortify its ability to protect against precipitation.
Another way to enhance your chimney crown’s performance? Making sure you have a good quality chimney cap properly installed. This chimney-top component reduces the moisture-management workload of your chimney crown.
Finally, if you notice any signs of chimney crown damage, don’t delay in addressing them. Delaying repairs can lead to more extensive damage to your chimney system. Prompt action can save massive headaches in the future!
Book Your Next Chimney Crown Repair or Rebuild With Us
Want to keep the pinnacle of your chimney system at the top of its game? Enlist Ables Top Hat Services for your next chimney crown repair or rebuild. With industry certification, decades of expertise, and a strong moral and work ethic, we’ll make sure this critical chimney system component is properly in place to do its job reliably – protecting your chimney system, and in turn, your home.
Call, text, or reach out online now.
Need a new chimney cap? Our home chimney and fireplace repair experts are ready to do the job!