Freezing temperatures can be tough on masonry materials and create a lot of damage. During the winter, any moisture that is trapped within bricks and mortar can freeze and expand. When the temperature rises above freezing, this frozen water will thaw and cause the bricks and mortar to break apart and crumble. This phenomenon is known as spalling and can damage the bricks and mortar of your chimney, including your chimney crown. American Chimney & Masonry in Portland has much experience in both repairing and preventing spalling damage to your chimney, and we strongly recommend having these services done before winter begins to be best protected from further deterioration. We would like to tell you more about why you should remember to take care of your chimney crown.
What exactly is a chimney crown?
According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), a chimney crown is the top element of a masonry chimney that covers and seals the top of the chimney from the flue liner to the chimney edge. A properly installed chimney crown should have a downward slope to direct water away from the flue to the edge of the crown. Your chimney crown should be equipped with an overhanging drip edge that keeps the water off of the crown and out of the chimney to help prevent erosion of the masonry materials in the vertical surfaces of your chimney.
Why is a chimney crown necessary?
A masonry chimney needs to be covered by a chimney crown to prevent damage from water penetration. Water leaks can cause rusting of the components of your chimney, water stains on your ceilings and walls, spalling of the masonry materials, cracking of the chimney liner, collapsed chimney structure, and more extensive interior and exterior damage.
How can American Chimney & Masonry help me with chimney crown repair?
Our CSIA-certified chimney masons can repair cracked and damaged chimney crowns and make them as good as new. Unfortunately, many chimney crowns are inadequate because they were constructed from common mortar mix. If your chimney crown is beyond repairing, American Chimney & Masonry can build you a new crown from a Portland cement-based mixture that is designed for years of weather abuse without cracking, chipping, or deteriorating. Our masons will install your new crown so that it provides an overhang which projects beyond all sides of the chimney by a minimum of two inches. We will also be sure that the flue liner tile will project above the crown by a minimum of two inches.
Ensure that your chimney crown is ready for the cold temperatures of winter. Contact American Chimney & Masonry to talk to us about repairing or replacing your chimney crown.
Our Portland Service Area
Located right here in Portland, Oregon, our chimney sweep technicians provide the best in chimney cleaning, fireplace installation and dryer vent care in the Greater Portland-Metro area. From North Portland down to Tualatin and Oregon City in the south, from Pleasant Valley in the east to Beaverton and Sherwood in the west – when it comes to your chimney, fireplace and vents, we hope you’ll call American Chimney & Masonry!
Ready To Make An Appointment?
To schedule an appointment with one of our expert technicians, please call 503-644-0393 or fill out our online scheduling form. With over 19,000 satisfied customers since 1989, we are ready for more! We look forward to visiting with you soon about your fireplace and chimney sweep needs.
