Chimney crowns assessed and repaired in Harbor Beach

When the crown is only a leak suspect

A cracked crown is an easy suspect for any chimney leak. It is not always the culprit. Stains inside can also come from the cap, the flashing, the brick face or the roof nearby.

When the source is uncertain, we say so. We explain what the crown inspection confirmed and what it could not. If the job calls for it, we narrow down the entry point with a hose water test. That way the crown repair is chosen because the evidence supports it.

Ask which crown product is proposed and why

A crown estimate should say more than sealing. Ask which type of product is proposed, what it is meant to do and what surface it needs. A crown coating, a water repellent and a sealant each have a different job.

We name the product type on your estimate and explain why it suits your crown. If the recommendation is a new crown instead, we explain which conditions ruled out a coating. Clear answers let you compare our proposal with any other you receive, on the same terms.

Stone and metal tops on masonry chimneys

The residential code allows the top of a masonry chimney to be concrete, metal or stone. Concrete is the material people usually picture, but a stone slab or a metal top is sometimes used. Each needs slope, a drip edge and a sealed break at the flues.

If your chimney has a stone or metal top, we assess it against the same requirements. A stone slab may need its joints resealed or its bed repaired. A metal top may need fasteners or seams addressed. We explain what applies before any work is proposed.

Conditions that decide sealing or replacement

The choice between coating and a new crown comes down to a few conditions. We check each one on your chimney and explain what we found.

When all of these hold, a coating may be a sensible repair. When one or more fails, a coating would cover a problem it cannot solve, and we explain replacement instead.

• The concrete is firm and still attached to the brick
• The crown slopes away from every flue
• The edges keep real thickness and overhang the face
• The joint at each flue can be resealed