Understanding the Chimney Crown: Protection from the Elements

The chimney crown, often referred to as the “chimney wash” or “splay,” is situated at the pinnacle of a masonry chimney. Its role is crucial—it covers and seals the uppermost part of the chimney, extending from the flue tile (as illustrated below) to the chimney’s outer edge. The primary purpose of the crown is to safeguard the chimney chase from rainwater infiltration.

As this upper section of the chimney is constantly exposed to the elements, it frequently becomes the first point of deterioration. The crown is particularly vulnerable to moss growth, which can crack and disrupt it as its roots take hold and grow, as evident in the images below.

Explore our chimney moss removal solutions on our dedicated Chimney Moss Removal Page for effective restoration.

The Ripple Effect of Crown Deterioration

When the chimney crown deteriorates, it sets off a chain reaction that can lead to faster degradation of the softer mortar joints within the chimney. (Click on the image below for reference.)

At Metro Chimney, we address this issue by implementing poured and tooled sloped crowns. These crowns are strategically designed to facilitate efficient water runoff from the top of the chimney. We achieve this with a blend of sand mix, known for its superior durability compared to traditional mortar, combined with a bonding agent. The result is a robust, long-lasting chimney crown that effectively protects your chimney from water damage.

IMPORTANT

I e-mail bids only to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision for the work. If you contact me for a bid, please give me a correct e-mail address. Also, I may need to contact you via phone prior to e-mailing you the bid if there is work that needs to be done in addition to what you originally called for due to structural, code, or safety reasons, or if I need any further information not provided during your first call to schedule me to come out to do the bid.