We Repair Chimney Crowns And Washes!
Although they may be difficult to see from street level, your chimney crown and wash plays an important role in protecting your chimney as well as your home. When the chimney crown is damaged, water can easily and quickly damage the masonry of the chimney, the flue of the chimney, and even the walls and ceilings inside your home.
To prevent this kind of water damage, make sure your chimney crown and wash are in good condition by having them regularly inspected for signs of damage or deterioration.
What Is A Chimney Crown?
The chimney crown – which is also sometimes referred to as a chimney wash – seals and protects the top of the chimney surrounding the flue. Good chimney crowns are often solid slabs of concrete, sometimes with mesh or other types of reinforcement in the mix; masonry should not be used as a building material for chimney crowns, as it can easily absorb and be damaged by moisture
Good chimney crowns should have overhangs, also known as kerfs, of about two inches. These overhangs prevent water from coming into direct contact with the chimney structure, extending the life of the masonry of your chimney.
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Damaged chimney crown before repair.
Types Of Chimney Crown Or Wash Damage
Because chimney crowns are directly exposed to the elements, they often become damaged or deteriorate faster than the rest of the chimney. Likewise, a damaged chimney crown can often cause leaking and water entry in other parts of your home. Below are two of the most common ways that chimney crowns are damaged.
Improper Installation
If a roofer installed your chimney crown, it may not be correctly sized, correctly designed, or built with the right materials. Many homeowners are shocked to find that their chimney crowns are providing substandard protection due to being the wrong size or shape.
Cracking Or Spalling
Because the chimney crown is a somewhat flat horizontal surface, it is directly exposed to all sorts of weather, including sun, heat, hail, rain and snow. All this can cause even the most sturdy chimney crowns to crack, spall or crumble over time.
Chimney crown after repair.
Fix Your Leaky Chimney Crown Today!
If you have a mysterious chimney leak, it may be coming from your chimney crown. Contact the experts at Wells & Sons today to have your leaky chimney evaluated – a leaky chimney crown or wash may be to blame! We’re a local company serving Pottstown, Phoenixville, Norristown, Lansdale, Allentown, and the surrounding areas of Montgomery, Chester, Bucks, Berks, and Lehigh counties. You can also fill out an online appointment request form if you’d prefer – simply click here to get started!
Do you know if your chimney needs to be relined? Call 610-473-6000 for the experts at Wells & Sons for this or any other chimney and dryer vent service.