Our Company Blog

The Importance of a Chimney Crown

Your masonry chimney needs to have several important components in place to function properly. For example, the chimney crown keeps water out of your chimney. To do this job properly, it is crucial that the crown is in good condition. The crown is located at the top of the chimney. Therefore, it is difficult to properly check for damages such as cracks or chips. Fortunately, Atlas Chimney ensures your chimney crown effectively protects your home from water leak damage. For over 25 years, we have provided superior quality professional chimney services including crown repair and construction. We would like to tell you more about the importance of a chimney crown.

How often do I need to have a chimney crown inspection?

Industry experts recommend annual chimney crown inspections to ensure proper health and functionality. During our annual chimney inspections, we always take a look at the crown. We will spot any damage or poor construction that could lead to more problems with water leaks and animal invasions. If we do find any damage, we will provide you with photographs and a written estimate of the necessary repairs.

What does Atlas Chimney look for when inspecting a chimney crown?

Atlas Chimney deeply examines the chimney crown to ensure proper construction and catch damage unseen to the naked, untrained eye. One of the most common problems we have found over the years has to do with the mortar used to make the crown. Inferior mortar mixes can be the reason for chimney crown damage, but you can trust us to only use the best mortar mix, Portland cement, which is recommended by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) for its durability. We also look for other crown construction guidelines from the CSIA, such as the proper slope and overhang. Without the right slope angle, water from rain and melted ice and snow can pool on top of the crown. Your crown also needs the right amount of overhang to keep water from falling directly upon the chimney flashing and possibly leak into the flue. Before constructing your crown, our CSIA-certified professionals take precise measurements of your chimney to ensure it will prevent leaks.

Because of the spalling damage that often occurs during the winter, Atlas Chimney recommends having your chimney crown inspected in the spring. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your annual professional chimney sweeping and inspection services from our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps.

Reasons For A Leaky Chimney

One of the most common chimney problems are water leaks. Consequently, they also can cause quite a bit of damage. Having your leaky chimney repaired as quickly as possible is important. In doing this, it prevents extensive and expensive deterioration. However, pinpointing the reason for the chimney leak can be challenging and frustrating. Fortunately, Atlas Chimney has the expertise and experience to find the source of the leak! We can repair your leaky chimney, as well as protect it from future leaks. Atlas Chimney recommends having us do the hard work of diagnosing and repairing chimney leaks. Having said that, you can help us save time by finding the general location of the leak. We would like to share with you some of the places where leaks commonly occur.

CHIMNEY CROWN

If you see standing water in your firebox, a damaged chimney crown is most likely the source of your water leak. Although, ImproveNet warns that impediments can cause water from rain and melted snow and ice to change direction. This causes water to show up in other parts of your home. Your chimney crown is made from mortar, which over time can deteriorate from exposure to the elements. Atlas Chimney specializes in chimney crown repair and construction. So, you can trust us to fix your damaged crown to keep water out of your chimney.

SPALLED BRICKS AND MORTAR JOINTS

Have you noticed cracked or missing bricks and mortar joints on the exterior of your chimney? If so, you probably have water leaks in the damaged areas. This type of damage is called spalling, and it occurs during the winter from freeze/thaw cycles. Our certified chimney masonry technicians can replace damaged and missing bricks and mortar joints. In addition, we can also apply a waterproofing formula to your entire chimney that will protect it from future water penetration damage.

FLASHING

A leaky chimney can lead to several serious issues which can cause your chimney to be unsafe to use. Make sure your chimney is in good shape! Contact us at Atlas Chimney and schedule an appointment for a water leak chimney inspection.