Repair or Replace a Damaged Chimney Crown?

In NewJersey while a fireplace is usually an impressive centerpiece in a home that rarely goes unnoticed, rooftop parts of the chimney may be long forgotten. In fact, it’s not unusual for homeowners to be unaware of or unsure about the functions of various rooftop components of a chimney. Three of those are a chimney crown, a chimney cap, and a chimney chase cover; and the following is a key to understanding the difference between them.

The chimney crown (also referred to as the chimney wash) is the top element of a masonry chimney. It covers and seals the top of the chimney from the flue liner to the chimney edge. The crown should provide a downward slope that will direct the water from the flue to the edge of the crown. The overhanging drip edge, by directing the run-off from the crown away from the chimney, helps prevent erosion of the brick and mortar in the chimney’s vertical surfaces.